Mission of the Saint Louis Woman's Club

For educational purposes, and especially to promote literature, science and art and the study thereof, and general intellectual culture, to provide a place for the encouragement of social intercourse and for the convenience of its members: to establish, maintain and manage a club for mutual improvement.

History of the Saint Louis Woman's Club

The Louisiana Exposition of 1904, often called The Saint Louis World’s Fair of 1904 inspired the creation of The Saint Louis Woman’s Club in 1903. The exposition’s Directors wanted a venue that would provide the wives of the heads of state and royalty from all over the world with gracious hospitality while in Saint Louis.

The Directors asked six ladies to form a committee solely for this purpose: Mrs. James L. Blair, Mrs. David R. Francis, Mrs. William Hardaway, Mrs. Thomas K. Niedringhaus, Mrs. Ashley Scott and Mrs. Julius Walsh. Meeting in April 1903, this group subsequently invited 100 other ladies to join with them.

Mrs. Blair became the first President of the newly formed Saint Louis Woman’s Club, while also serving as president of the Fair’s Board of Lady Managers. Mrs. Blair combined her interest as president of the Morning Music Choral, a group needing rooms for performance, to include a performance hall and ballroom in the plan for The Club.

The home of Augustus Frederick Shapleigh at 3611 Washington next to the very fashionable Vandeventer Place in what is now Grand Center, became the first Club House.

In 1912, The Saint Louis Woman’s Club moved to its present location, 4600 Lindell Boulevard built by William R. Donaldson in 1895. In 1929, they added a new dining room, ballroom, grand staircase, elevator and kitchen.

In the current membership, personal growth and friendship are the twin goals of all activities which include literature study, cooking sessions with the Chef; trimming the house and tree at Christmas; enjoying fine cuisine, exploring art on local excursions and enjoying friends at private parties or Club dinner dances. There are card clubs and book clubs as well as many committees who diligently plan programs, create floral arrangements, organize fashion shows and parties and work on the design and health of this lovely home.

Now in our second century, The Club serves women well as a classroom, dining room, meeting place, theater, ballroom and center of family and social activity. Meanwhile, a tour of our beautiful club reveals the love, generosity, integrity, wisdom, and vision of past generations, as well as the true “Spirit of Saint Louis.”

Club flower: Yellow Rose ■ Club colors ■ Yellow and white

Club Traditions and House Rules

President’s Room
To the right of the front door is the President's Room. Members must be invited in by the President if she is in the building. Otherwise the room is available for private luncheons or parties.

President’s Private Parking
The private parking space on the west side of the Club is reserved for our President.

The President Leads the Way
When the President is in attendance, she should be the first to enter the dining room.

Smoking Restricted
The St. Louis Woman's Club is a smoke free building.

Cell Phones Restricted
Cell phone calls may be made in the Library or Restroom Lounges. Please silence the ring.

Donated Furnishings
Furnishings donated to the Club are to be presented to the House Committee. The Vice Chair of the Committee welcomes such donations.

Ladies and Gentlemen Restrooms
When both ladies and gentlemen are present, the Ladies’ lounge will be on the floor of the main event. A handicapped bathroom located on the second floor in the back of the house (southwest section) is available for both ladies and gentlemen.

Dress Code: A Guideline for Proper Dress
Day: A jacket for gentlemen and comparable dress for ladies.

Evening and Holiday Events: Jacket and ties for gentlemen and young men over 12 years of age with comparable dress for ladies.

Exceptions: A Club event invitation or a notice in the monthly newsletter that other attire may be worn: Black Tie of Theme Party.

Casual Dress may be worn for informal committee meetings.

NOT PERMITTED: Un-collared shirts for gentlemen, or any kind of blue jean/denim apparel.