GWFC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club History and Fundraiser

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of NC (GFWC of NC) Statesville Woman’s Club has a long history in Statesville. The Statesville Woman’s Club (SWC) was organized in 1920 and incorporated in 1927.  The same year the SWC was incorporated, they purchased the Tudor House on 515 West End Ave to function as its clubhouse, with a formal opening on September 13, 1927.

Six months later, in February of 1928, the clubhouse was almost completely burned down. With great fortitude and determination, the women of the SWC had the house rebuilt in the summer of 1928 and held their first meeting in the present clubhouse in December of 1928.

In honor of the historic clubhouse turning 95 years old, the SWC will be hosting An Afternoon Tea at “The Clubhouse” Preservation Fundraiser. The Preservation Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 and Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm each day. There will be  a chance to experience culinary delights, music and more with gluten free and vegetarian options available. Tickets are $60.00 per person or a table of eight may be reserved for $480.00. All proceeds will be directed to the Statesville Woman’s Club Capital Campaign Fund.

The Capital Campaign Fund will help revive and protect the “Grand Ol’ Lady,” as members lovingly refer to the house. Anyone who has ever owned an older home or business will understand the challenge of keeping such a structure in good working order. The years certainly take their toll on aged plumbing, HVAC systems and rooftops! The SWC initiates projects and holds fundraisers for the benefit of the community, but in keeping with the organization’s purpose of the betterment of Iredell County, we cannot use money raised in those ways to repair and update the property. Through grants, rentals and a carefully planned five-year Capital Campaign, the SWC hopes to fund immediate needs and provide for worry-free upkeep well into the future of the Club.

The SWC historic “Clubhouse” has been Statesville’s house in many ways. She has been a member of the Statesville Woman’s Club through all the many events that have taken place there. For 95 years the “Clubhouse” has been a hub for cultural, educational, and political growth and enlightenment for the communities the SWC serves.  How many of you or your families attended wedding receptions, showers, political forums, poetry readings or book clubs at the SWC “Clubhouse?”

Did you know that the plans for the Statesville public library took place in the meeting room of the “Clubhouse?” Or that during the Great Depression, the “Clubhouse’s” kitchen became the Iredell County cannery? In modern times, the “Clubhouse” has hosted several different fundraisers to support many area charities, including Mardi Bra Parties for My Sister’s House or even during the Pandemic, the Holiday Cheer Drawing which raised thousands of dollars for the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Program.

The Statesville Woman’s Club invites you to join them on November 5 or November 6, 2022 for An Afternoon Tea at “the Clubhouse” Preservation Fundraiser. In addition to enjoying an afternoon of delightful treats, there are sponsorship opportunities available, including, not limited to, being a member of the Circle of Grand Sponsors at a thousand-dollar level. Anyone who joins the Circle of Grand Sponsors will receive a complimentary one-day rental at the beautiful, historic “Clubhouse,” valued at $450.00. For information about sponsorship please contact Dana White at 704-641-8199 or [email protected].

If you would like more information about the club or about renting the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club for your meeting or event, inquiries may be directed to the club at [email protected] or by calling 704-761-8208. For details on joining the club, please contact Membership Chair Stephanie Gill at 704-657-5008. You may purchase tickets for the Afternoon Tea by calling Dana White at the previously provided number or email address. The club has also updated their website to www.statesvillewomansclub.org.