Vigo County Historical Society

Women’s Department Club broadened women’s horizons

The Historical Museum’s current exhibit "Hoosier Homemakers," which continues through this month, focuses on the role of the woman and her pace as a homemaker in the past century.

Though she considered the home primary, the homemaker, many with household help, began to search for outlets to broaden her horizon. Thus, women’s clubs came into existence and began to function.

One such organization which had a prominent place in the Terre Haute community and still exists is the Woman’s Department Club.

The club is also unique in that it has ownership of a home as a central meeting place.

The Woman’s Department Club of Terre Haute was organized in June of 1920. Most instrumental in forming this organization was Mrs. U.O. Cox who, in 1910, brought together a group of local women representing various women’s clubs. These women formed the nucleus of the Department Club. There were 237 charter members, with Mrs. Edward J. Turner serving as president from 1920 to 1922.

By 1930, membership had grown to more than 1,000 with a waiting list. It was recommended that the club acquire a permanent home. After leasing the Charles Minshall home on Cherry Street for five years, the Paul N. Bogart resident at 507 S. Sixth Street was purchased for $25,000.

Gifts of furniture and artwork were presented for the clubhouse, many by members. Mrs. Elise Ashmead, daughter of Col. Robert Hudson who built the home, presented the club with the painting, "The Prodigal Son."

Mrs. Ed Fairbanks had the curtains cleaned and furnished her houseman for a week. Elegant dining room furniture with seating for 30 was donated by Mrs. Horace Tune.

The purpose of the Woman’s Department Club was to educate and enrich the lives of those women who belonged.

The emphasis was on appreciation of beauty and the fine arts. Interest groups were established, which continue to this day.

Philanthropy, especially toward mental health, and the Good Cheer Club has always been important.

In 1929, a Junior Organization was added. This is popular still for girls of high school age who look forward to its annual "Cotillion."

Today, approximately 300 women enjoy membership in the Woman’s Department Club. Programs and meetings are still held in the stately clubhouse. Interest groups of Art and Music, Literature and Drama, Garden and Nature Study, and Social Science make up the agenda. Monthly bulletins are still published.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Previous articles may be found on the society’s Web site at web.indstate.edu/community/vchs.