(The following article is the first in a series about the history and significance of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club.) The Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, established in 1924, has served our community for 93 years. In the next few months, we will highlight some of the major milestones achieved by the women of this venerable organization including the support of our soldiers during war time, advocating for our schools and education services, creating parks, open spaces and planting trees, helping found our library, and much more.
In fact, as a member of the OB Historical Society stated: “The history of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club is the history of Ocean Beach.”
As part of this series we hope to educate our community on the continuous philanthropic and civic efforts that have been a consistent part of the Woman’s Club. We also hope to solicit help in “Laying a new foundation” – specifically our floors. The clubhouse is in dire need of new flooring. Our hope is that you will be inspired by the women who have paved a path before us to build a strong community, and help us continue the work forward for the men, women and children who live here now and in the future.
We rent out our space and the condition of the floors are a concern. Clubhouse rental proceeds help support our local philanthropic causes. If you know of someone in the flooring business, or want to help out in a financial or physical way, contact us at [email protected]. Today the OBWC continues to support our community through local philanthropy. In 2016 we raised money for these local organizations: OB Library, OB Historical Society, OB Scholarship Fund, Fostering Opportunities Scholarships, Dana Instrumental Music Association, Pioneer School, OB Elementary, First Friday Music Club, OB Recreation Center, Spay-Neuter Action Program, and Urban Surf 4 Kids.
In the meantime, here’s a little snippet of what you can expect in coming issues. Did you know?
– 1929 the OBWC planted FIVE streets in OB with trees and shrubs;
– 1939 the OBWC was instrumental in getting lifeguards year round;
– 1942, after Pearl Harbor the OBWC created a Servicemen’s Club that was open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day providing food and rest for the service members guarding our ocean front; – 1946 the OBWC helped establish the Youth Center;
– The OBWC was instrumental in establishing our library; and
– The OBWC worked to get roads paved, trash removal service, park maintenance.
We leave you with our pledge, said aloud collectively at the beginning of each monthly meeting:
“We, the women of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, will honor each other with friendship, community, fun and philanthropy, in the spirit of sisterhood today and always.”
For information on membership and events, visit www.oceanbeachwomansclub.org.