Our Organization
History
The Faculty Wives Club of Athens, Ohio, was founded in the fall of 1936. Mrs. Edwin B. Smith was voted in as the club’s first President and Mrs. Herman G. James, wife of the University President, was named Honorary President.
- A constitution was drafted in 1938 and accepted by the group in January of 1939.
- In the early 1970’s, the club was renamed the Ohio University Women’s Club.
- In 2002, a special logo was created for the club.
- In the late 1940’s, it was suggested by the President’s wife, Mrs. John C. Baker, that there was a need for a special group to help new faculty wives meet others and make friends within the University community.
- The Newcomers Club of the Faculty Wives Club was begun in 1947, and was open to women their first two years at the University. It included women new to Athens, faculty as well as faculty wives. The first President of the Newcomers Club was Mrs. R. Smeck.
- The first Club sponsor was Mrs. Joseph Trepp.
- In 1950 the Newcomers Club hobby groups were begun.
- Interest groups have become a large part of the Women’s Club now. Many women participate in these activities, ranging from book review to tennis.
Although membership rules have changed over the years, the purpose of the group remains essentially the same - it’s a welcoming committee for women new to the University community, and a social staple for long-term members.
