The Woman’s Club of Newton Highlands was formed in 1917, and it’s now the only one remaining among many such charitable and social clubs across the villages of Newton a century ago. Club members still meet (on the first and third Wednesdays of the month) at its Workshop, a one-story building at 72 Columbus Street in the Highlands. The Workshop building was constructed in 1927 on land donated by Seward Jones — a Highlands resident and father of two original Club members — and the following year the Club had raised sufficient funds to pay off the mortgage for its construction. Last December, the Workshop was designated a Newton Local Landmark.
The Club remains true to its original mission as an Educational, Humanitarian, and Social organization. Over the years, it has:
- Hosted speakers, including women who had traveled overseas, Robert Frost, and experts in aviation, law, antiques, journalism, weather, art, and many other topics
- Held classes in drama, quilting, singing, and painting
- Sold War Bonds
- Held blood banks
- Lobbied for higher salaries for Newton teachers
- Hosted biweekly Well Baby Clinics
- Supported the Newton Community Council, Christmas Seals, Food Banks, Veterans, and other charitable causes
- Sent books to Guatemala
The Club continues its mission in the present by:
- Providing four annual college scholarships — two each year for students from each of Newton’s two public high schools
- Hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa (on December 3 this year, 9AM-Noon) with photos, coloring, and healthy snacks (This event started in 1984 to help Highlands children stay connected after the Hyde School closed.)
- Hosting a very friendly annual Craft Fair since 2001 (on November 12 this year, 10AM-4PM, at the Hyde gym) to fund the Club’s four annual high-school scholarships
- Supporting the Second Step, food banks, and other charitable causes
- Supporting Newton Open Studios and hosting speakers and other cultural events
- Renting out its building ($125 per hour) to other parties for meetings and social gathers such as bridal showers, bar mitzvahs, club meetings, etc. (Contact bbennett@bu.edu for rental information.)
Club membership is currently much smaller than its 500 members a century ago, and the Club is currently seeking new members who want social connection and involvement in educational and humanitarian causes. The Club intends to add evening meetings to fit the schedules of working women, and Club members need not reside in Newton.