The Holyoke Women’s Club was organized in June, 1923, and incorporated on Feb 21, 1924, with 60 original members.  The club’s origins were in the Women’s Civic League (established April 15, 1909), which later became the Women’s Municipal League.  The Holyoke Women’s Club charter describes its purpose as “forming a center for moral, intellectual, and social betterment of the citizens of Holyoke, Massachusetts and the vicinity.”

By the 1930s, membership had grown to 1000.  The club organized social events (garden parties, plays, dances, and concerts) and hosted noted speakers on subjects of local, national, and international importance. Topics included public health conditions, global issues, arts and travel, higher education for women, and practical concerns related to women’s contributions in the home.  The club also conducted fundraising (in part through bridge parties) aimed at improving civic life, offering support to the Red Cross, the YWCA, historic preservation projects, child nutrition programs, and local hospitals and clinics.

By the 1960s, membership had fallen to 468, but the club was still very active. In the mid-1970s, approximately 200 members remained.  Charitable club activities continued at least until 1993, when it was operating with 44 members.

The collection consists of 10 scrapbooks (1923-1992) containing news clippings, photographs, pamphlets, club yearbooks, and correspondence.  An additional scrapbook documents the club’s 1972 “Community Improvement Project.”