Woman's Club of Winter Park

What are they doing behind the French doors of the cozy yellow building on Interlachen?

The Woman’s Club of Winter Park (WCWP) traces its beginning to January of 1915, when Mrs. Helen Morse greeted 16 women into her home on Interlachen Avenue, “Osceola Lodge," for the purpose of organizing a club for women. It is the opportune time nationally and internationally for women to become informed of politics and policy making. A few years later WWI begins and, in 1920, the club women join the final fight for women’s right to vote.

Populated with influential and industrious women, the club cultivates community leaders who become pivotal to the local success of the Suffrage Movement. In 1919, the WCWP petitions the State of Florida and the City of Winter Park for the right to vote. The all-male City Commission not only grants it, but pays the $1.00 Florida poll tax for women, both black and white. This is revolutionary during this period of resistance to women’s rights, particularly in the south.

The newly established club provides a place for women to explore the world beyond their private lives. Intellectual, social, cultural, and philanthropic opportunities include lectures and classes in world religions, international relations, and parliamentary procedure. By 1938, a college scholarship program is established which continues today, enhancing the educational opportunities of both women and men.

During WW I club members successfully raise money to send overseas to U.S. troops, as well as making and sending surgical dressings and homemade goods. Early in the war, 700 pounds of homemade orange marmalade is sent to wounded French soldiers!

The club also plays an important role bringing the community together during WWII. The women sell war bonds, the clubhouse is dedicated as the local Red Cross headquarters and dances are hosted at the club for military personnel training on local bases.

Over the years the WCWP is a steadfast ally of beautification, planning and enhancement of Winter Park – from petitioning sanitary garbage removal in the 1920s, to overseeing the town’s future growth by petitioning for a planning and zoning commission. In 1923 the WCWP provides Winter Park’s first community Christmas tree and downtown celebration. Statewide, clubwomen petition the treatment of convicts and prisoners, and voice support for stricter prison inspections.

In the 1930s the club passes a resolution stating that a cross-state canal would be a disastrous environmental plunder. With many voices across the state putting pressure on the issue, the project is thankfully halted.

In the 1950s the club addresses the growing threat of the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) organizations in Orange County, and successfully proposes an ordinance prohibiting the burning of crosses within the city limits. During the Korean War, the club launches a successful campaign to aid starving South Koreans. Club members send CARE food packages, warm blankets, and clothing to war-stricken civilians.

This success of the WCWP was assisted by the generosity of Charles Hosmer Morse. The Chicago benefactor offered club members prime lots along Interlachen Avenue to build the beautiful 1920 clubhouse.

In 1995 the Neo-Classical Revival style building qualifies for the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the WCWP continues its outreach and programs at the same location. The club welcomes new members and meets monthly.

Contact: 407.647.2237 or www.womansclubofwinterpark.com