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A beautiful building with a historic past. |
Picture of the Woman's Club. Circa Unknown.
Our historic building is one of the crowning jewels in Muskegon's downtown district today. As one of the few remaining dedicated clubhouses in continuous use by a woman's club in our nation, it enhances the cultural history of our city and embraces its heritage. Our building is a landmark on a prestigious corner, predating its neighbors, the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Hackley Public Library.
In 1902, Mrs. Francis Smith donated both the land and the monies to erect the beautiful historic building that we enjoy today. Although many believe it was originally a house, it was actually built specifically to be the clubhouse for the Muskegon Woman's Club. It was dedicated on February 17, 1903. In Minnie Hubbard Smith's dedication speech she stated, "I do not want this (to be) an exclusive building. I hope it will be used every day in the year. ...I want this building open to the needs of every woman in Muskegon who cares to come here."
A legacy to the founders' descendants and to all Muskegon women, the Club is dedicated, as our historic marker reads, "to the intellectual improvement and development of women."
In 1902, Mrs. Francis Smith donated both the land and the monies to erect the beautiful historic building that we enjoy today. Although many believe it was originally a house, it was actually built specifically to be the clubhouse for the Muskegon Woman's Club. It was dedicated on February 17, 1903. In Minnie Hubbard Smith's dedication speech she stated, "I do not want this (to be) an exclusive building. I hope it will be used every day in the year. ...I want this building open to the needs of every woman in Muskegon who cares to come here."
A legacy to the founders' descendants and to all Muskegon women, the Club is dedicated, as our historic marker reads, "to the intellectual improvement and development of women."
How you can help.
Maintaining and preserving an historic building is never easy and always expensive. For the members of the Woman's Club preservation of our clubhouse is a deep responsibility and a labor of love. Since the membership of the Greater Muskegon Woman's Club is 100% volunteer, our resources to maintain it are limited. A portion of most of our events goes towards the maintenance and repair of the building.
Please consider giving a monetary donation for the preservation of this Muskegon landmark. Your contribution will help preserve Muskegon's history and keep this beautiful building available for generations to come.
Please consider giving a monetary donation for the preservation of this Muskegon landmark. Your contribution will help preserve Muskegon's history and keep this beautiful building available for generations to come.