Description
The records of the Chico Women’s Club contains documents relating to the clubs administrative activities, projects, and club
history.
Background
Founded in 1913, the Chico Art Club for women was a social and service oriented club focused on women and the arts. Mrs. Margaret
March founded the club and early members included prominent Chico citizens such as Annie Bidwell. In 1933 the club building
was finished. It is used as a community gathering place and is rented out for various public and private events. Many of the
clubs early records were lost in a fire in 1950 when a 10 year old boy broke into the clubhouse and set fire to club property.
The building suffered $6000 worth of damage and members had to meet in other locations while the building was refurbished.
In 1961, the Chico Art Club officially changed its name to the Chico Women’s Club to more clearly define the club’s purpose.
Though once a part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC),
Chico Women’s Club is now independent from any larger groups. During the 1990’s the club saw dwindling membership and almost
disbanded, it was during this time that membership in the larger Women’s Club organizations ceased. Though the club still
focuses on women in the arts they also contribute to many community and global improvement projects. Over the years the Chico
Women’s Club has hand a major hand in the development of Annie’s Glenn, Caper Acres and preservation efforts at the Bidwell
Mansion. The club also made use copies of the Bidwell Papers, available at Special Collections CUS, Chico. More recently club
members have been involved in projects such as a TimeBank and Micro-financing.
Extent
9.67 Linear feet
23 boxes
Restrictions
Collection is open for research. Two scrapbooks are restricted due to fragility. They are open to research with staff supervision.
These two scrapbooks are as follows: Box 13: Chico Art Club 1948-1949 Box 13: Chico Art Club 1949-1955
Availability
Collection is open for research without restriction.