Peoria Women’s Club has Rich History
Peoria Women’s Club has Rich History
Founded in 1886 to provide women with educational and cultural programs not available in the community, the Peoria Women’s Club has served its members for over a century. Its current location, at the corner of Madison and Fayette, was built in 1894 and with an entry foyer, main foyer, president’s office, dining room, pantry, kitchen, drawing room, and theater.
Members would spend evenings at the Women’s Club attending plays, concerts, lectures, or other presentation performed in the second floor theater, or attending formal balls in one of the downstairs’ parlors. Classes in all areas of the arts were conducted in the downstairs’ parlors. By 1911, these classes had expanded to meet the needs of business and professional women.
The Women’s Club has also provided other services to the area. Members have lobbied for many need humanitarian and educational causes. During WWI, the Club and other organizations supported the Furlough Houses in France and helped to send an ambulance to the war front. During the influenza outbreak of 1918, the downstairs was turned into a hospital for victims. The women also participated in the equal suffrage movement and provided speakers on both sides of the issue before eventually lobbying for passage of the bill. The members also provided cooking and homemaking classes to underprivileged young women. Even though prostitution had been legalized by Mayor Woodruff, the Women’s Club often found itself at odds with the "businesses" next door. Through two wars, prohibition, prostitution, gambling, depression, and even freeway construction, Peoria Women’s Club maintained the building and its membership.
Although the Club’s main floor is still used by the Women’s Club, the Herb Guild, the Opera, and other local groups, the second floor theater is in need of repair and renovation. The Peoria Women’s Club is currently exploring ways to restore the historic Music Hall to its original condition. The Peoria Women’s Club’s building is open for tours by appointment.
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