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The Ladies' Cooperative Society of Bellingham originally assembled as a branch of the State Cooperative Society. The club was active from 1895 to 1934, during which time they adopted the slogan "Patronize Home Industry." The purpose of the group was to promote business interests and policies which would strengthen the local community and, by extension, the greater community of the state, the country, and the world.

The Society sought to arouse an interest in the industries and trade of the community, and to correct any existing business policies that tended toward weakness and disintegration. They were active in developing Walnut Street Park (later known as Elziabeth Park), and made contributions to various local groups including the Whatcom Falls Park Club. They also invested in local businesses including the Creamery and the Interurban Railroad and, during World War I, they purchased War Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds.