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Membership in the CWC brought a new sense of identity to Chautauqua women, but in the years just ahead it would prove to be increasingly important to them, both at Chautauqua and in their home communities.
Mrs. Miller's first topic in 1889 was "The Home." By August she spoke on "Women as Wage Earners," and urged upon fellow club members a sense of responsibility for the conditions of all women. The Club programs quickly broadened to include subjects that addressed more than better home and family procedures. A wide range of issues, touching upon the home, the church, education and personal improvement, social ethics,politics and philanthropy, became topics for daily discussion.
In 1896, Mrs. B.T. Vincent was appointed President, and under her twenty-one year leadership, the Club's ties with the General Federation of Women's Clubs, New York State Federation, and the Federation of Clubs of Western New York were strengthened. By 1906, program emphasis shifted toward the civic, political, educational, and social issues of the time. The Club's aim was to reach, through
individual women, a large number of communities throughout the country.
The widespread growth of CWC programming over more than a century is like the growth of an acorn into a mighty oak. Today's Club programs and activities are many and varied, offering something for all Chautauquans, while effecting dynamic support and furtherance of Chautauqua Institution's literary, educational, and religious
purposes.
THE FIRST CLUB HOUSE
1917 was an important year for the CWC, as Mrs. Percy V. Pennybacker of Austin, Texas, a past president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, began her 21 years as president. It was also the year the first Club House, the Schofield Home on the corner of Lake and Janes, was purchased and renovated for the Club's use. Although
formal meetings continued to be held in the Hall of Philosophy, the House provided facilities and conveniences for daily program, classes, discussion groups, and social events. But as the number of programs grew and membership increased, the House proved inadequate.
A new building had long been a desire and dream shared by both membership and Mrs. Pennybacker, and under her direction, funds were raised to make that dream come true.
Following the summer of 1928, the Buffalo firm of Kid & Kid directed the razing of the old house and completed the present building which opened its doors for a dedication reception on July 3, 1929. To this day, Board and committee meetings are held here, and members and
their guests are received at the many and varied social, educational and musical programs sponsored by the CWC.
The Club House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Property Endowment was established in 1969 to insure the proper care and maintenance of the Club House. Income from the endowment is used for capital improvements, beautification, and emergency repairs.
Monies are raised each year through Valentine gifts and donations received from the Cat's Meow miniatures and the annual CWC Antique Show.
The Program Endowment was set up in the 1980's to
support the CWC's Contemporary Issues Forum, a twice-weekly lecture series presented in the Hall of Philosophy. In addition to income from the endowment, club
membership donations and a percentage of club benefit receipts help support this program.
The Scholarship Endowment was established in 1998 to provide for the continuance of the CWC's extensive scholarship program.
Today, the Club sponsors over fifty student recitals during the nine-week summer season and grants scholarships to some thirty students in the Chautauqua Schools of Music, Dance, Art and
Theater.
The Chautauqua Women's Club has enjoyed a long and proud history as an integral part of the Chautauqua experience.
As we begin this new century, the CWC will strive to maintain its well-deserved reputation with its own thoughtful, innovative approaches, with dedicated volunteerism, and with personal enrichment through
fellowship.
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CWC Board