The Woman's Club of Hermosa Beach: 1922 - 2008
WCHB was first organized prior to World War I, but became inactive during the Great War. In 1920 women in the US received the right to vote, and in the following year Mrs. Frances Rice founded the Woman's Club Organization. The group made rapid strides and was officially approved November 14, 1921 as a member of the Los Angeles District Federation of Women's Clubs by Mrs. John C. Urquehart. The Club became a member of the State organization on February 22, 1922.
From the beginning WCHB became involved in acquiring and selling property as an investment vehicle, which has been an important source of revenue. The first property, a lot far from the center of town, was donated and subsequently raffled off for $750. These proceeds were used to relocate and remodel a house from the Strand to the 17th Street walk street. This house had been donated to the WCHB members by Directors of the Surf and Sand Club of the Biltmore Hotel. This was the Clubhouse until it was sold in 1961. Also, land near Prospect and Artesia purchased from the Walter Ransom Company in 1961 was subsequently sold in 1988. Interest on the proceeds from the sale of this property continues to help fund our philanthropies.
Following WWI, the Club was active in patriotic activities. During WWII, members volunteered as "spotters" who watched the coast for signs of enemy activity. Records indicate that the Club consistently held monthly or bi-monthly meetings including Literary Salon Programs, performances, and lectures. In March of 1972 WCHB celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Newspapers accounts show that the Woman's Club sponsored various fund raisers, collaborated with other non profit organizations within the City, and supported our local schools and parks.
The Club evolved over time, and one of the key developments included formation of the Evening Division. This was started in 1988 by Yvonne Amarillas with eight of her friends. This provided an access for women not able to come to day meetings. The Evening Division took hold quickly and has been a vital part of WCHB ever since, holding many social events and successful fundraisers. The Evening Angels was a special committee that would seek out a family in need and provide assistance anonymously. The Evening Division continues to raise and donate significant amounts of money for worth philanthropies such as the South Bay Toy Drive.
Other Interesting Tidbits:
*In 1922 we had the first Margaret Thatcher
*1940 was the first year a member was listed by her first name and not her husband's (Mrs. Pearl Richardson)
*In 1955, using the WCHB as a model, Frances Young established the Hermosa Garden Club.
*In 2007 the WCHB held a Roaring 20's Party that was the talk of the Town and the District.
Today WCHB has upwards of ninety members many of whom are taking leadership roles in the community and participating in federation activities as well as in civic and other non profit organizations.
This thumbnail history of the Woman's Club of Hermosa Beach was prepared by Janice Brittain and adapted for this webpage.