Our History

Early Origins

The club began around 1913 or 1914. It was first known as the Locust Grove Civic League, formed out of a union prayer meeting between the Methodist and Baptist Missionary Societies in Locust Grove. The goal was community civic improvement. Georgia Historic Newspapers+1

In 1914, the Civic League held its first “clean up” day—a public event where many women turned out to clean the town, plant hedges, beautify public buildings, etc. That same year, the organization was reorganized, and later (in 1917) joined the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs, at which point it took on the name Locust Grove Woman’s Club. Georgia Historic Newspapers+1

Mission, Activities, and Impact

From its early years, the club engaged in both civic beautification and education.  We planted trees around schools & public spaces; hedges; placed benches and swings in parks; worked on planting flowers in barren spots. Georgia Historic Newspapers

We continue to support and contribute to Tallulah Falls School, a well-known school in northern Georgia. AJC+1

We provide books and educational materials to the local grammar schools and historically to the Locust Grove Institute (a preparatory/coeducational institute that was active in this area at one time). Georgia Historic Newspapers+2Georgia Historical Society+2

Locust Grove Institute & Connection

In the early 1900’s The Locust Grove Institute (founded 1894, opened with 13 pupils) was an important institution in town life. The Woman’s Club worked closely with it, as well as the local schools. Georgia Historical Society+2locustgrove-ga.gov+2

The Institute was one of the first in Georgia to be accredited by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. It was discontinued in 1929/1930 due to increasing public school expansion. Georgia Historical Society+1

The Clubhouse / Meeting Place

In the early 1950s, land was donated in Locust Grove for the Woman’s Club to erect a physical building. This building has served as their meeting place and also as a community center. It has hosted parties, wedding receptions, meetings of all kinds. AJC

Membership, Governance, & Evolution

Back in the day, especially the 1920s–30s, membership was broad: many of the town’s women were club members. AJC+1 We would like to rebuild and re-engage to become the hub for the greater good in our community once more.

Our membership has decreased (for example, around 2014, membership was about 70; more recently, about 10 active members). AJC

Our regular meetings are held (third Thursday of each month, except in summer), including lunch, a program / speaker, and official business. AJC

Focus Areas & Current Activities

The Club’s present-day focus includes several community service program areas:

  1. Arts & Culture
  2. Civic Engagement
  3. Education & Libraries
  4. Environment
  5. Health & Wellness
  6. Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
  7. Support for Tallulah Falls School (a longstanding commitment) AJC

Recognition & Legacy

  • In 2014 the Club celebrated its 100th anniversary. As part of that, the Henry County board of commissioners issued proclamations, the Locust Grove Woman’s Club Club was named “Citizen of the Year”, and took a prominent role in the Locust Grove Days parade. AJC
  • Over more than a century, the Club has had a tangible impact on civic life: beautification, education, library services, social welfare. We remain a proud member of the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs (joined in 1917) and will continue to carry our legacy of serving the community. Georgia Historic Newspapers+1
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  • Locust Grove Tour of Homes – News Article

The history of our international organization, the General Federation of Women’s Club began in 1890, but our GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club—Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs by ratifying the GFWC constitution.

In 1895 GFWC travelled to Atlanta, Georgia to talk with the women in Georgia at the Cotton States Exhibition held at Piedmont Park. Our founder, Rebecca Douglas Lowe attended the GFWC presentation and was inspired to begin a woman’s Club in Atlanta.  In 1895 she founded The Atlanta Woman’s Club.  After the formation of The Atlanta Woman’s Club, Mrs. Lowe realized the need to create a State organization known as the Georgia Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC Georgia) so that all local clubs throughout the State of Georgia could call upon for resources and guidance.  Mrs. Lowe was its First President in 1896 and went on to be GFWC’s third President.

Today, our International organization has over 60,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries.  Our State organization, GFWC Georgia has approximately 63 clubs within the State of Georgia with approximately 1,500 members.

By Living the Volunteer Spirit, GFWC clubwomen transform lives each day, not simply with monetary donations, but with hands-on tangible projects that provide immediate impact. With a grassroots approach that often thinks locally but impacts globally, GFWC, its clubs and members remain committed to serving as a force for global good, as it has done since its formation over 125 years ago.