WATSONVILLE — In 1917, the Watsonville Woman’s Club built its clubhouse on 12 Brennan St. for a cost of $6,859.
That same year, President Woodrow Wilson declared war on Germany, plunging the United States into World War I. Later, 10 million U.S. men registered for the draft in WWI.
Closer to home, the Woman’s Club assisted at the Soldiers Club and American Red Cross in support of the war effort.
On Saturday, the Woman’s Club celebrated the 100th anniversary of its English Tudor-style building with an open house.
Although its building has been standing for 100 years, the club itself was established in 1899. According to the club, it is the oldest continuously existing organization open to women.
“This club has done countless positive things for the community,” said member Sharon Gray.
In 1905, the Woman’s Club led a fundraising drive to purchase land to be used for a library on the corner of Union and Trafton streets. In 1912, it advocated the purchase of land for Callaghan Park, as well as Marinovich Park in 1936, providing funds for playground equipment.
Today, the club is known for its annual High Tea event, which benefits local music students, and the Louise Bilicich Memorial Scholarships.
The clubhouse was designated an historic landmark by the City of Watsonville and County of Santa Cruz in 1987.
In anticipation of the 100th anniversary, the clubhouse underwent a number of renovations over the past year, including new stage drapes and doors and a freshly slurried parking lot.
The clubhouse hosts a number of community events through a rental program that is popular because of its affordable rates, according to the club.
Nancy Bilicich, who joined the club in 1999, said she was happy to see such a large turnout to Saturday’s event.
“This is wonderful,” she said. “It’s 100 years of community service. What more can you ask?”
But to continue the club’s service well into the future, it needs more members. Women who are interested in joining can visit www.watsonvillewomansclub.com or call 359-5814.
