Club History
Organized in 1907, our club immediately became a vital part of the community. The original club house, built in 1909, was the focal point of events as the city developed, and we continue to be involved and supportive of many activities in the area.
Much of our effort is dedicated to raising funds for our selected philanthropies in Sierra Madre and neighboring cities and communities.
1907 - SMWC was organized
1909 – became member of California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC)
1913 – Designated as member club in Los Angeles County Area C, San Gabriel Valley District #20
Essick House
SMWC is housed in a beautiful craftsman style home that was built in 1914 by Mr. and Mrs. Newman Essick. The house is listed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Guide to Architecture in Southern California.
In the early 1970’s, in a state of neglect, the house was threatened with demolition. Purchased by the Sierra Madre Woman’s Club, Essick House was restored through a community volunteer effort and furnished with items from the club’s original house. Since it’s restoration, Essick House has been faithfully maintained by the Woman’s Club as a community meeting place and club headquarters. The Wistaria Thrift Shop is housed in the former garage and workshop.
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Mission Statement:
"The purpose for which this organization has
been founded is to promote charitable, civic,
social activities and educational advancement."
Meeting Schedule:
Board Meetings
1st Wednesdays at 1:00 pm
Business Meeting and Luncheons
2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 AM
Evening Session on 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 PM
SMWC holds meetings September through May.
Each year the members work together to raise funds to provide support Scholarships and Charities.
1) Seven $1,000 Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates who have been accepted into college, as well as a deserving student from Journey House in Pasadena
2) Small grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations located in Sierra Madre and the Pasadena/Foothill area
Sierra madre woman's club
“Supporting philanthropy and education through service"
Sierra Madre Woman’s Club - The Essick House, 550 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Club House (626) 355-4379 Wistaria Shop: (626) 355-7739
Facebook: SierraMadreWomansClub
Sierra Madre Woman’s Club is an affiliate of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the California Federation of Women’s Clubs
Celebrating 114 Years Through Dedication to Service!
OFFICERS & MEMBERS
CHARITABLE WORK
HISTORY
2021-2022 Club Officers
President – Veronica Vasquez
1st Vice-President – Janette Ledea Second Vice- President —Vacant
Membership — Beverly Clifton
Recording Secretary – Kathy Watson
Communication Secretary – Jo Ann Williams
Treasurer – Eva Poet
Financial Secretary –Candace Taylor
Parliamentarian — Carol Handley
Protocols & Amenities—Patricia Woodlin
Board of Directors
Karlene Englert —House
Carol Handley — Thrift Shop Liaison
Susan Ross—Philanthropy
Rebecca Little—Public Relations
Newsletter Editor —Don Handley
SMWC maintains a busy schedule each year, hosting and participating
in a number of Community Events and Club Fundraisers.
The Wistaria Thrift Shop is open to the public September through early June
President Emeritus
Dixie Coutant, Active
Life Members
Phyllis Chapman
Dixie Coutant
Karlene Englert
Elma Flores
Elizabeth Levie
Betty Mackie
Marilyn McKernan
Anne Montgomery
Eva Poet
Esther Macias
Mary Carney