Club History

In 1915 a group of public-spirited women began meeting to pursue their civic interests; particularly, the Women’s Suffrage Movement. During World War I they worked together for the Red Cross, Liberty Bond drives, and welcoming drafted soldiers and returning veterans. After the war, a core of the group wanted to continue the sense of satisfaction gained from mutual accomplishment.  They considered forming a woman’s club. Consequently, they incorporated as The Scarsdale Woman’s Club on December 23, 1918, to foster the welfare of the community, to be a center for community civic life, and to maintain a clubhouse for the use and enjoyment of its members.

Originally, the club met in Wayside Cottage, a pre-Revolutionary War inn, listed in Historic American Buildings. Wayside Cottage was deeded to the Village of Scarsdale by Emily Ogden Butler, the daughter of local landowner Charles Butler, for the use of The Scarsdale Woman’s Club as long as it desired.  By 1926 with over 900 members, the women found the cottage inadequate. After considering several options, the members purchased the house known as Rowsley on approximately four acres on Drake Road.

The first public venture of the club was to purchase for $1 the defunct local paper, The Scarsdale Inquirer.  The women edited (Ruth Nash Chalmers was editor from 1930 until 1959) and published the award-winning paper for 40 years, increasing from 400 subscribers in November 1919 to over 5,000 at its sale in 1959. 

The club members participated in Scarsdale Village affairs through its Civics Section. Aware of community needs, the Community Service Committee was established by the president in January 1920.  This group worked to assist immigrants and to provide a visiting nurse for the community. This nursing service expanded coverage to include Hartsdale.  It was headquartered in Rowsley until 1941. Participation in the Scarsdale Foundation helped establish a philanthropic source to the community. Over the years, members pursued interests in various areas that were the roots of organizations in the community; namely, the Scarsdale League of Women Voters, the Scarsdale/Edgemont Family Counseling Service, the Scarsdale Auxiliary of White Plains Hospital, Scarsdale Art Association, Friends of the Scarsdale Library, Scarsdale Women’s Exchange, Associated Visiting Nurse Services, Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation.

As an active participant in in civic affairs, the club took part in the creation and supported the Non-Partisan System of nominating village officers. Before applying for the 501 (c) 3 federal not for profit designation, the club participated in school nominating committees and community boards.

Today, the Scarsdale Woman’s Club continues its tradition of education and philanthropy with its Wednesday programs, sections of cultural interest, and outreach and contributions to various charities.  Through the Committee of 100, now the Philanthropy Committee, our involvement with the current needs of Westchester’s women and children continues. Proud of its heritage in the Village of Scarsdale and Westchester County, the club is committed to fostering its message of education, cultural enrichment, and philanthropic involvement.

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