Archives West Finding Aid

The Washington State University Women's Club was started by Hattie Bryan, wife of WSC President Enoch Bryan, in 1913 as the Matron's Club. In 1951, the group changed its name to the Women's Faculty Club. Again, in 1969, the group revised its title to the Washington State University Women's Club. The purpose of the organization was to cultivate friendship among women in the university community as well as to welcome newly arrived women into their social network. In 1913 when the Matron's Club was founded, it was the only social club for State College women outside of those sponsored by churches. For many years, the membership consisted of women whose husbands were on the faculty of the State College. Later, women on the faculty also joined the organization, and ultimately the membership expanded to include women who worked for the Washington State University, or who had a spouse who was a university employee. Throughout, the purpose of the organization remained friendship. This objective was achieved by group dinners and other social events. (see Cage 627)