Woman's Wednesday Club
Bartlett, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
What began in 1902 as an idea to organize a women's club with a focus on literature and history became a reality in April 1903, with formation of Woman's Study Club. Chartered with nineteen members under the leadership of Mrs. Vena (Holzgraf) Hightower, the Woman's Wednesday Club of Bartlett was federated with the state organization in 1903. Over the years, the group has sponsored numerous community programs. Among its accomplishments are sponsorship of early Red Cross efforts and establishment of the town's first public library. (1986)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
What started in 1902 as an idea to gather women around literature and history became, in April 1903, the Woman's Study Club of Bartlett, chartered with nineteen members and soon federated with the state organization as the Woman's Wednesday Club. In the Progressive Era spirit of civic betterment, the club reached far beyond its reading circle — sponsoring early Red Cross efforts and founding the town's first public library. Its members turned self-education into community service.
Why it matters
The club exemplifies how Progressive-Era women's organizations became engines of civic reform, building the libraries and social services that shaped small-town America.
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Related people
- · Vena Holzgraf Hightower
Themes & tags
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