The Dayton Woman’s Club, with motto “Community Betterment and Improved Sociability,” was organized on June 13, 1913. It was founded by a group of women who wanted to socialize, but also to contribute to the community. The constitution of the club declared that the Woman’s Club is undenominational and nonpartisan, and is organized first for the good of all; second, for the betterment of conditions around us; and third, to promote sociability in our community.

Meetings were held at the homes of members until more space was needed, at which time a hall was rented from local farmer, Rush Green, for $5 a month. Club meetings were held monthly, with a luncheon in the club house. In 1917 they decided to invite the public to an ice cream social on Thursday evening, June 20. The  money raised was donated to the Chicago Tribune’s Red Cross Christmas Fund for kits for our soldiers in France.

The success of this enterprise led to a variety of public events; strawberry and ice cream socials in the summer and chicken suppers and bazaars in the winter. The annual bazaar sold many hand-made items, made by club members. In the fall, Halloween parties and masquerade balls were popular, and card parties could be held in any season. The proceeds from these supported many charitable causes.

By 1922, the members had been considering having a club house of their own. A lot  was donated to the group in 1923. Plans were drawn up by Lyle Green for a two-story building. Members of the Dayton Farmers association did the excavating for the basement and all members of the club and the community worked to complete the building.  A community dance, Feb, 1, 1924, opened the club house and Feb. 5, 1924 the first club meeting was held. The hall soon became the social hub of the community.

Events at the Dayton club house were popular and well attended, as shown by this newspaper item:

250 Gather for Annual Dayton Halloween Party

Two hundred and fifty gathered at the Dayton clubhouse Saturday night for the annual Halloween costume party of the Dayton Woman’s club.

Pumpkins, corn stalks and Halloween symbols formed decorations. Cards furnished the diversion during the early part of the evening and later the guests danced. A supper was served.

Mrs. Leroy Brown and Oran Mathias won pinochle prizes and Mrs. Frances Leibold and Arthur Retz received the “500” awards.

Judges in the Halloween masquerade costume contest were Charles Shields. James Trent and Harriet Moss. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Ashley won the prize for the best dressed couple; Wesley Quinn for the “most comical lady”; Catherine Brown for the best dressed lady; Donald Ashley for the “most comical man” and Vincent Aubry for the best dressed man.¹

Dayton Woman’s Club Makes Plans for Lawn Social

The meeting of the Dayton Woman’s club opened yesterday with musical numbers and a salute to the flag. The meeting was held in the Dayton club house and Mrs. Nettie Masters, newly elected president, was in charge of the business session.

During the meeting plans were made for an ice cream social Aug. 8. Mrs. Raymond McCormick was named general chairman in charge.

Refreshments were served to the 34 people attending. Guests were seated at a long table arranged with bouquets of summer flowers. Mrs. Ada Thompson and Misses Jennie and Emma Fraine were hostesses.

In games of “500” prizes went to Mrs. Masters, Mrs. Elizabeth Waldron and Mrs. William Calhoun. Prize winners in other games were Mrs. Hans Johnson and Mrs. Frances McCormick.

Aug. 10 the club will meet again. Mrs. George Thomas and Mrs. Nicholas Parr will be hostesses.²

Graduation ceremonies were held in the club house, as well as Christmas pageants and parties, spring teas, harvest dinners and other seasonal festivities. The club house was in use into the 1990s although it has since been sold and a house erected on the lot.

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1. Ottawa Daily Republican Times, November 1, 1943, p. 6, col. 3.
2. Ottawa Daily Republican Times, July 28, 1949, p. 16, col. 1.