Where Our Story Began
In 1894, a small gathering of determined women planted the seeds of what would become one of El Paso’s most enduring civic organizations. More than 130 years later, their legacy lives on.
A Legacy Born in 1894
Out in the West Texas town of El Paso, in May of 1894, a small group of congenial women gathered in the stately adobe home of Mrs. Mills on San Francisco Street.
They met to study literature and discuss current events.
It was a modest beginning — one that would grow into an organization that has endured for more than 130 years.
Originally known as the Current Topics Club, the group renamed itself the Woman’s Club of El Paso in 1899. At that time, membership stood at 32 women. Within months, it had grown to 50. Annual dues were $2.00.
They met four times a month:
- One social gathering
- One history program
- Two current topics discussions
The only reason membership remained limited? There simply wasn’t a large enough space to meet.
A Movement Larger Than They Knew
Though they may not have realized it, these women were part of a nationwide movement reshaping the role of women in society — challenging the belief that “a woman’s place is in the home.”
The story of the Woman’s Club truly reflects this truth:
Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Mary I. Stanton & The First Children’s Library
One charter member, Mary I. Stanton, a public school teacher, played a pivotal role in El Paso’s cultural history.
She opened a “Reading Room for Boys” in the old Sheldon Building — offering wholesome recreation at a time when the streets offered little of it.
That reading room became the foundation of the El Paso Public Library — and remarkably, the first children’s library in the United States.
Miss Stanton donated her personal book collection to form its nucleus. Club members worked alongside her to make it a reality.
Shaping a City
These women were determined to bring culture and the arts to what was once described as a “wild and woolly” border town.
They were civic leaders. Visionaries. Builders.
Among their many contributions:
- Established the first public kindergarten in Texas
- Funded the first physical education teacher in the high school
- Advocated for pure food laws, sanitation reform, and city beautification
- Helped preserve San Jacinto Plaza
- Sponsored soup kitchens during the Depression
- Sold war bonds and supported the Red Cross during World War II
- Hosted the city’s first art show, flower show, and fashion show
At one time, the Woman’s Club was the only women’s organization in El Paso. Today, hundreds exist — many founded by members inspired to expand service into specialized fields.
Building a Home of Their Own
By 1910, after years of moving from location to location, members began raising funds for a permanent clubhouse.
They set aside $375 for a “Club House Fund.” At the time, they owned a piano and 125 chairs — which they transported from meeting to meeting.
In November 1910, Miss Thirza L. Westcott, a charter member, gifted her home at 407 E. California Street to the club just one month before her passing. The eventual sale of that property helped fund construction of a permanent clubhouse.
The site at Mesa and River Streets was purchased for $8,500. Construction began in 1915.
When members first gathered there, they brought furniture, lamps, dishes, trays, and utensils from their own homes in order to furnish the building.
A Historic Landmark
Built in 1916, the clubhouse was the first structure in Texas originally designed and constructed specifically as a women’s clubhouse.
Designed by Otto H. Thorman and built by H.G. Ponsford, it remains an architectural jewel.
The building was:
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979
- Designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1980
Over the decades, renovations and restorations have preserved its beauty:
- Major renovations in 1930
- Grants from the Texas Historical Commission
- Auditorium window restoration
- Ongoing maintenance and improvements
As members often say:
There’s always something that needs attention — and we gladly give it.
Early “Firsts” in El Paso
The founders of the Woman’s Club were at the forefront of El Paso’s development. Among the many milestones:
- First public kindergarten in Texas
- First children’s library in the U.S.
- First large art exhibit in El Paso
- First physical education classes in city schools
- First permanent El Paso Symphony Orchestra organization included six club members
- First professional style show in El Paso
- Founding influence in hospitals, scholarship programs, and civic organizations
These women did not wait for change. They created it.
Then. Now. Always Forward.
What began as a small literary gathering in 1894 became a civic force that helped shape education, the arts, healthcare, and community leadership in El Paso.
More than a century later, the mission continues.
The women of the Woman’s Club of El Paso remain committed to service, culture, and strengthening the city they call home.