History

In 1947

Having weathered the Depression and the war

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea was officially re-incorporated and Mrs. David Linardy – a Founding Member of the Woman’s Club – was elected Mayor.

Isolation was an issue. The women raised the money for the materials and the men provided the labor for the building on the corner of A1A and Bougainvilla. Completed in 1949, this new Civic Center provided headquarters for the town commission, police and town clerk as well as meeting space for the Woman’s Club and the Men’s Association.

The Civic Center provided a home for the Woman’s Club meetings and many events including Halloween parties, square dances, country fairs and Christmas parties for the town children. Pot luck dinners were a favorite offering, with everyone providing a dish to share and their own silverware.

By 1954

an increasing membership and frequent special events led the club leadership to begin planning for a larger and private space. A 40 by 50 foot plot of land in Silver Shores, a sub-division near the intracoastal that had previously been a mangrove wilderness, was purchased for $2,000.

The construction cost was funded by the sale of ten $1,000 bonds and aggressive fundraising on the part of the membership. Builder Sidney Jones completed the two-bath clubhouse with plumbing and electricity for $12,000. The Grand Opening took place on Saturday, November 24, 1956, one year after the Club was officially chartered. Mayor Brady addressed the members and Rev. Finn gave the blessing.

The new clubhouse allowed the women to broaden the scope of their activities throughout the 1950’s and beyond. The women shared a Come-As-You-Are breakfasts, Christmas bazaars, bridge, musical programs, bingo and fundraising events for charity.

During the 1976

flu scare

The members organized to work with the Department of Health on the Immunization Program to vaccinate hundreds of people at Jarvis Hall. Every year since inception, the club has donated to charity. The Volunteer Fire Department, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, H.O.M.E.S., Food for the Poor, Save the Sea Turtle and Kids in Distress have all benefitted from the Woman’s Club generosity.

Starting in the late 1990’s, the annual Silver Tea and fashion show was held in February at Jarvis Hall, becoming the club’s largest and most popular fundraiser. Most recently, the club began a new tradition of adopting a family at Christmas with members contributing to provide a family with food and gifts for a happy holiday.

2019-2020 Renovations

The club began a several refurbishment projects to update the 60 year-old building.

2019 the kitchen was remodel completely with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting and flooring.

2020 a fluke accident in our restroom caused the entire clubhouse to flood. The new kitchen was saved but…the entire clubhouse was gutted and repaired.

2022 – The Club received a generous donation to replace the tables, chairs and side tables for our clubroom as well as new blinds were installed.

Other rennovations and improvements included: A new roof, redecorated bathroom, expanded storage, landscaping, new signage and a newly painted yellow exterior with a red door that reflect the club’s colors which restored the clubhouse’s welcoming charm.

In 2025

In 2022 the Club received a generous private donation. It provided funds needed to replace the tables, chairs and side tables in the clubroom. In 2022 the Clubroom also had new blinds installed.

2025 the Executive Committee applied for, and was awarded, a Grant from the City of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to replace the front windows of the Clubhouse with hurricane impact safe windows.