The Ontario Business and Professional Women's Club Collection consists primarily of scrapbooks created by the club as well as correspondence and club directories.

In 1923, five young businesswomen started a Business Women’s Club to promote “the civic, social advancement of women in general and club members in particular.” Through monthly lunch and then dinner meetings, businesswomen networked and provided support for local charities and college students through scholarships and fundraisers. Each year the club sponsored a “Work Observation Day” in which local business students visited local businesses; a forerunner to “take your child to work day.” The club also adopted a Belgian war orphan in the 1940’s and distributed 4000 leaflets on survival under atomic attack. As a subsection of the club, the Lois LeBaron Avery Toastmistress group also had programs and meetings that are included in this collection. LaVaughn Moberly, a local beautician, was very active in the BPW during the 1950’s and 1960’s and a portion of her correspondence is included. By the 1990’s the club was no longer in existence. The Foothill Valley Business & Professional Women was the surviving club, meeting in Upland, California.

9 linear feet

Collection is open for research.

Collection is open for research during the operating hours of the Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room, or by appointment.