The Woman’s Club of Delray Beach was founded in 1902 by a group of 18 women originally known as known as “The Ladies Improvement Society,” whose mission was the improvement of the community.
In 1902 – they established the Pine Ridge Cemetery.
In 1904 – they funded the building of a new Town Hall, which was completed in 1906. A second floor was added two years later.
In 1911 – the Ladies Improvement Society held a meeting to discuss incorporating Delray into the Town of Delray.
In 1913 – they established the first library by donating books and establishing rules. Did you know that 75 percent of the public libraries in this country were started by women’s groups?
In 1914 – they deeded the Pine Ridge Cemetery to the Town of Delray and supported bringing electricity to town.
In 1915 – they fostered the leadership to widen Atlantic Avenue by 10 feet.
In 1916 – they joined the State Federation of Woman’s Clubs. The club was represented as a School Trustee, paid the salary of the school janitor, and enlisted the Board of Trade and the public to have a community Christmas tree. A committee was formed to keep Atlantic Avenue clean, beautify school grounds, and sponsor baby welfare examinations.
In 1919 – the Ladies Improvement Society petitioned to grant women the right to vote in local elections. They established a lunchroom in the school and were the first to serve hot lunches to the children.
In 1923 – the club published the school’s first yearbook.
In 1924 – the Ladies Improvement Society became federated and changed the name to “Woman’s Club of Delray Beach, Inc.” Cafeteria-style suppers were served to raise money every Thursday to fund various projects.
In 1925 – they backed the City Council to secure a City Manager. They built a new bridge over the Intracoastal, which extended Atlantic Avenue to the ocean. They endorsed the need for a hospital.
In 1928 – the clubhouse was damaged by a hurricane.
In 1929 – they established its first scholarship program by awarding a $25 scholarship for a deserving girl. The Woman’s Club of Delray Beach, Inc., joined the County Federation of Woman’s Clubs in this year.
In 1942 – the ladies served soldiers after Pearl Harbor to provide space for reading and writing.
In 1946 – they raised money for a room at Bethesda Hospital and built an addition on the east side of its clubhouse.
In 1949 – the club moved to its present location at 505 SE 5th Avenue, known as the “Teen Center” today.
In 1950 – the Woman’s Club was instrumental in building the Public Library on SW 4th Street. It furnished and maintained a manual arts room at the Delray Beach Grammar School.
In 1952 – they celebrated their GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY.
In 1954 – the club rented their facility as a way to continue to raise funds and were able to burn the mortgage, freeing the club of debt. The Woman’s Club of Delray Beach, Inc., petitioned the Superintendent of Schools to help Carver High School build a gymnasium, an auditorium, and a cafeteria.
In 1957 – they established a toy clinic.
In 1958 – the club received a citation from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and Sears, Roebuck & Co., for a safety program. They spearheaded a Delray Beach Community Welfare Clinic.
In 1960 – they honored 7 school principals who helped develop the City Of Delray Beach.
In 1966 – the club presented a check for a new university in Boca Raton now known as FAU (Florida Atlantic University). They supported a Community Crime Prevention Program.
In the 1970’s – they participated in the Delray Affair.
The Woman’s Club of Delray Beach, Inc., now 121 years old, is still carrying on the proud tradition of fundraising, providing volunteer services to the community and financial support to a number of local projects and nonprofit organizations.
Compiled by Mary Hochman and edited by Mal Bates, members of Woman’s Club of Delray Beach (2023)