The Woman's Club of El Paso
El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1895 the Child Culture Study Circle was officially organized as the current Topics Club for the purpose of improving the physical, intellectual, and moral conditions of the community. The name was changed three years later to the Woman's Club of El Paso. This structure, built for the members in 1916, was designed by O. H. Thorman and constructed by H. T. Ponsford and Sons. It reflects influences of Georgian and beaux arts styling. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1895 as the Child Culture Study Circle and soon renamed the Current Topics Club, this women's group aimed to improve the physical, intellectual, and moral life of El Paso; three years later it became the Woman's Club of El Paso. In 1916 the members built their own clubhouse, designed by O.H. Thorman and built by H.T. Ponsford and Sons in a blend of Georgian and Beaux-Arts styling. The building became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1980.
Why it matters
The club reflects the national women's-club movement of the Progressive Era, through which women organized to shape civic life well before they could vote.
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Related people
- · O.H. Thorman
Related events
- · Women's club movement
Themes & tags
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