Our Founding
In 1914, a small group of women began planning the formation of a community woman's club in Winter Park. On January 13, 1915, Mrs. Helen Morse invited sixteen women to her home, "Osceola Lodge" — still standing on Interlachen Avenue — and The Woman's Club of Winter Park was organized at that meeting.
Mrs. Helen Morse served as the Club's first President until 1918, when Mrs. George Dyer assumed the Presidency. The Club was chartered with thirty charter members; its last surviving charter member, Mrs. Arthur Schultz, died September 8, 1982.
Adopted at our founding and still guiding the Club today.
The First
To associate its members and the public in efforts to advance the civic and educational welfare of Winter Park and surrounding areas.
The Second
To aid worthy students entering or attending institutions of higher learning.
The Third
To preserve the history and the premises of the Woman's Club of Winter Park for future generations of the members and the community.
The Clubhouse
Early meetings were held in various locations — Hooker Memorial Hall, Town Hall, the Library and the public school. In 1917 a committee chaired by Mrs. Hiram Powers began a search for land, which culminated in a gift from Mr. Charles H. Morse: five city lots on Interlachen Avenue, between Lyman and Comstock Avenues, extending to Lake Virginia.
World War I delayed construction until late 1919, when architect Percival Hutton was hired. The final cost of the building — $40,000 — was raised by member contributions and fundraising; by 1927 the building, with furnishings, lawns and gardens, was free and clear of debt.
The first meeting in the new Clubhouse was held January 21, 1921. The auditorium, now known as Helen Morse Hall, was dedicated in Mrs. Morse's honor at that same meeting. Mrs. Morse died November 29, 1929. In 1990, the clubhouse was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
A century of service, advocacy, and community leadership in Winter Park.
Community service tied to WWI — surgical dressings and 700 lbs. of orange marmalade.
Members petitioned the state legislature for municipal suffrage for women.
Sponsored the first community Christmas tree, placed bird sanctuary markers, and petitioned for sanitary garbage removal. Clubhouse completed for $40,000 on land donated by Mr. Morse.
Petitioned the city to replace the Board of Trade with the Chamber of Commerce.
The first state flower show and Garden Club began in this house; over 2,000 people attended.
House used by local artists; junior woman's club formed; the Scholarship Program initiated.
Presented the need for a Parks and Planning board; a member chaired American Women's Voluntary Service; membership peaked at 576.
Interdenominational services held; clubhouse loaned to nonprofit, cultural, and social-service organizations.
Many community-service activities became separate, self-supporting organizations.
Scholarship Program continued; programs directed toward senior membership interests.
Clubhouse renovated for the first time; the house was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Scholarship endowment grows; community rentals increase; membership expands in age range and diversity; house-preservation endowment recognized.
Awarded 501(c)(3) status by the IRS; at the 99th Founder's Day, a $300,000 Centennial fundraising goal was announced, and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation awarded a $150,000 matching grant.
At the 100th Founder's Day, Mayor Ken Bradley declared January 19 "Woman's Club Day" and presented President Sandra Blossey a $30,000 check from the city.
Signature Outdoor Feature
Our lush historic rose garden is one of the Club's most beloved features — a signature outdoor setting woven into the grounds alongside the brick terrace and front lawn. For generations it has been a quiet place of beauty for members and guests alike.
Today the rose garden is a favorite wedding-portrait backdrop, included with venue rentals, and a serene space for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and golden-hour photography. The Club also offers a dedicated Historic Rose Garden Tour for those who wish to experience it up close.
Since 1915
For more than a century, the Woman's Club of Winter Park has brought community, service, and friendship together. We welcome those who want to be part of something meaningful.
