About GFWC
GFWC Woman’s Club of Clearwater History
The Womans’ Club of Clearwater was founded and federated in 1914. Mrs. E.B. Powell was the first president. The aim of the club was to exhibit a general interest in the community, in activities in the sphere of woman’s work, and in charitable and educational life of Clearwater.
Meetings were held at many places. First was at the City Pavilion on the beach and then in homes, the Grey Moss Inn, and the men’s club room over Wells Drug Store. In 1923 the club prevailed upon the local school board to have art taught in the public schools.
In 1932, the Kiwanis donated a building located at the corner of Seminole and Osceola, to the Woman’s Club of Clearwater. (A rental of $1.00 per year was paid to the City of Clearwater for the land.) The agreement was to run 25 years with the option of ten additional years. In 1987 the Woman’s Club terminated their lease with the city moving their meetings to the City of Clearwater East Library Branch on Drew St. At the present time meetings are held at the Royal Palms of Lake Ave, in Largo.
The club has continued to work faithfully for the good of the community. Our many philanthropic endeavors are made possible by the women who work so hard to enrich the lives of others.
GFWC Structure
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs has over 60,000 members in all SO states and 14 countries. Clubs are the solid base on which our Federation stands tall. The 189 clubs and 14 districts that comprise GFWC Florida are an important part of our worldwide presence.
GFWC’s Southern Region is one of eight regions that comprise the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The Southern Region is comprised of clubs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,
South Carolina, Aruba and Belize, and include over 10,000 club women as members.
