Building Community Together Since 1904

Rooted in Tradition

The Saugatuck Women's Club was founded in 1904, beginning a legacy of service, learning, and community involvement that continues today.

In 1934, the Club's building was generously donated, establishing a lasting home for gatherings, programs, and civic engagement.

At its 100th anniversary, the Club proudly reached a milestone of 100 members, reflecting its strong community presence and impact.

Today, the Saugatuck Women's Club is home to around 80 dedicated members and continues to welcome new individuals who share a passion for community, friendship, and service.

Women gathered in church with stained-glass window

Our Story

For generations, the Saugatuck Women's Club has played an important role in the life of the Saugatuck community. From its earliest gatherings to the creation of a permanent clubhouse and its continued presence today, the Club’s history reflects a long tradition of service, fellowship, and civic engagement. Explore the story through three important periods in the Club’s history.

  • Before the building existed, SWC was already building community through education, culture, civic responsibility, literacy, lectures, readings, discussions, arts, and civic improvement

  • Founded in 1904, SWC helped shape the intellectual tone of the town and met in homes, churches, and social halls before owning a building

  • In 1938, the SWC Building was completed in Colonial Revival style, emphasizing symmetry, brick permanence, and civic dignity

  • The building served as an auditorium, stage, meeting space, and flexible civic space for town use

  • From 1950 to the present, the space evolved with Saugatuck’s growth in tourism, galleries, and creative culture, shifting from club-centered use to community-wide use.

  • The building should be presented as a living historic structure, not a museum.

A Community Takes Shape

The Saugatuck Women’s Club began with a shared purpose: to bring women together in friendship, learning, and service to the community. In its earliest years, the Club provided a place for members to exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute to the cultural and civic life of Saugatuck.

As membership grew, so did the Club’s influence. What started as a gathering of committed local women developed into an organization with a meaningful role in the community. Early programs, social events, and service activities helped define the Club’s mission and laid the groundwork for future growth.

Honoring the Past, Serving the Present

Today, the Saugatuck Women’s Club continues to honor its history while remaining active in the life of the community. The legacy of its founders lives on through ongoing programs, stewardship of the historic building, and support for local initiatives.

The Club remains a place where tradition and community come together. Its history is not only preserved in photographs and records but also in the continued work of members and supporters who help sustain its mission for future generations.

By caring for its historic home and maintaining its connection to the community, the Club carries its story forward—linking past achievements with present-day purpose.

A Living Legacy

The history of the Saugatuck Women’s Club is a story of vision, persistence, and community spirit. From its beginnings to the building of its permanent home and its role today, the Club has remained an important part of Saugatuck’s civic and cultural life.

We invite you to learn more about the Club, explore its history, and join us in preserving this legacy for future generations.

Learn Our History