rooted in community, one step at a time
The Cornerstone of Our Community
Three clubs that were active in Punta Gorda in the early part of the twentieth century merged in 1925 to form the Woman's Club. Through the years, the club building has been the place for various civic, religious, and political groups. In 1976, the Charlotte County Historical Society presented the club with a marker. In April 1991, the club building, with the help of our members, was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. In 2000 the club building was sold for $10 to the Punta Gorda Historical Society. We have first right of refusal for all meetings and fundraisers.
- Club Colors: Green & Gold - Green represents growth, renewal and harmony, connecting us to nature and symbolizing hope and vitality. Gold represents prosperity, success, and enlightenment, radiating warmth and positivity. Together they signify a balance of growth and abundance.
- Club Motto: "Unity in Diversity" - reflects our commitment to bringing together women from diverse backgrounds to work towards shared goals and to foster a sense of community.
- Flower: Yellow Hibiscus - we chose the yellow hibiscus as our club flower because of its strong connection to the city of Punta Gorda, which is known as "The City of Hibiscus." This title dates back to 1926, when the city council planted thousands of hibiscus plants throughout the area. The flower symbolizes beauty, resilience, and community spirit, values that align with the club's mission and history.
Our club is a non-profit 501(C)3 volunteer organization whose purpose is to support charitable, educational, and philanthropic activities. We meet the first Friday of the month: October through May. All are welcome, come join us!
GFWC PUNTA GORDA WOMEN’S CLUB, INC. Organized 1925
The GFWC Punta Gorda Woman's Club, whose motto is "Unity in Diversity," is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) and the General Federation of Women's Clubs Florida. Our district includes clubs in seven southwest Florida counties. These clubs, working through the state and district structures, can tap into the expertise at both levels and can have the opportunity to tailor their projects to suit particular community needs. Our programs and projects are designed to enrich and expand members horizons and are promoted under the following Community Service Departments:
- Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
- Arts & Culture
- Civic Engagement and Outreach
- Education & Libraries
- Environment
- Health & Wellness
Original members of The Punta Gorda Woman’s Club gather for a group photo 1925.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) whose motto is "Living the Volunteer Spirit," was founded in 1890. It is one of the world's largest and oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational women's volunteer service organizations, dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. The organization was established during the Progressive Movement and has played a significant role in civic and social advancement and dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. The women of GFWC have responded to the needs of our nation. Their commitments include supporting participation in the arts, preserving national resources, promoting education, assisting clubs hit by natural disasters and contributing to world peace and international understanding. History has shown that these dedicated and concerned groups have established local libraries such as Punta Gorda Library, garden clubs, scout troops, city parks, humane societies, hospital auxiliaries and much more.
The very first General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) club was founded by Jane Cunningham Croly in New York City in 1868. She established the Sorosis club, which became the model for the nationwide GFWC when it was officially formed in 1890. Croly, a pioneering journalist, created Sorosis after she was denied entry to a dinner honoring Charles Dickens simply because she was a woman. This inspired her to form a club where women could gather, support each other, and advocate for social change.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) has active women's clubs in more than a dozen countries, including Aruba, The Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Ghana, Mexico, Peru, The Philippines, Taiwan, Curacao, and Ukraine. These international affiliates work alongside GFWC to promote volunteerism, community service, and advocacy for various causes.
The GFWC boasts a membership of over 60,000 individuals affiliated with clubs across every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries worldwide. These members actively engage in volunteer community service, supporting causes such as education, health, civic involvement, and domestic violence awareness. While diverse in age, interests, and experiences, all clubwomen are united by a desire to create positive change in their communities. Members of the GFWC belong to the world's largest and oldest volunteer organization. Members include young women in Juniorates Club (12 yrs. to 18 yrs.), Juniors (18 yrs. to 40 yrs.), and women 40 years and up in the Women's Clubs.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Florida focuses on issues through a statewide organization of women who want to become involved in charitable and community activities. They directly support projects through donations of time and money. Today Florida has over 8,000 members in 189 Woman's Clubs, divided into 14 districts representing all 67 counties, from the Panhandle to Key West.
For more information go to: www.gfwcflorida.com
Forerunners to the formation of the Federated Woman's Club of Punta Gorda (1925) were the Fortnightly Literary Society (1896), the Married Ladies Social Club, and the Women's Civic Improvement Association (1911). The Women's Civic Association had undertaken such projects as building the Bath House. Because members of the Married Ladies Club were required to wear hats and gloves as they engaged in polite conversation at meetings, they were called the "tea drinkers."
The Fortnightly Literary Society, eventually led to the formation of the Federated Woman's Club of Punta Gorda in 1925. The Punta Gorda Woman's Club building, constructed in 1927, housed the Punta Gorda Library for over 30 years. After the Hurricane of 1926 damaged the previous library location, the Woman’s Club stepped in to salvage books and provide space for the library in their new building.
The Punta Gorda Woman's Club has played a significant role in the community, from housing the Punta Gorda Library to serving as a USO during World War II. Today, it continues to be a hub for charitable initiatives and civic engagement.
The antique tea service makes an appearance at a Christmas party around 1945.
