We have a rich history within our community. Founded in 1899 as the King’s Daughters Circle, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, in our little dirt-road town, known as Nordhoff at the time. In 1909, following the purchase of the lot adjoining the church property, construction of our Clubhouse would begin. On 11-5-1910, anticipating the need to transfer the title of the Clubhouse, following construction, the business of incorporating the new society, namely The Ojai King’s Daughters’ Association, was formed by unanimous vote. The Clubhouse dedication would finally occur on March 24, 1911, following several postponements. On April 11, 1911 the annual meeting of the Ojai King’s Daughters’ Association was held in the clubhouse. February 4, 1915, the last meeting of the King’s Daughters was held in the Clubhouse. Immediately thereafter, the first meeting of the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club was held.
We are also members of several organizations. These include the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Int’l (GFWC), California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC), and Tierra Adorada District #14 Women’s Clubs (TAD).
For specific details please reach out to Joanne Caldwell, club historian, or Kathy Smith, research and website master by email to: ojaivalleywomansclub@gmail.com. You can also take a look at the meeting comments from current co-president Judie Beckett.
You are also welcome to view this snippet of history. Come back often to see more of our history; we have a wealth of information to share.
Letter from former member Beth A. Craft, written sometime after 1927.
“The King’s Daughters Circle originated with the Ojai Presbyterian Church in the town of Nordhoff in approximately 1899. The women met in the Church on the east end of town, then near Gridley Road. The Church was later moved to Montgomery and Ojai Avenue.
Most women at that time, being new in this work, the first president was a man, the minister himself, the Reverend Thomas Marshall. Later, Miss Gertrude Hobart was elected to this office and served for many years.
This organization engaged in lectures and music programs for entertainment, as well as educational, social, civic, and charitable work. So effective was their work that when a resident from the valley, Mr. F.B. Ginn, wished to leave a legacy to a worthy organization, he left a considerable sum of money, which his wife, the late Mrs. Josephine Pierpont Ginn Steinberger. In May 1919, she decided to bestow upon the Ojai Valley King’s Daughters a Clubhouse, a home of their own. There is a suitable plaque over the fireplace acknowledging this gift.
According to our records, an anonymous friend gave the lot on which the Clubhouse was built, and approved by Mrs. Ginn and a public meeting, was presented by her to the King’s Daughters Association on March 24, 1911.
With this new home, the Association was able to increase its activities and to add many more members. There was always great interest and activities on behalf of the children of the valley, especially of grammar school age.
The Clubhouse was always opened during the Tennis Tournament for hospitality and convenience to players and guests of the valley. An entire Girls School was housed in the Clubhouse, and breakfast and supper, which was furnished by members, was served.
In the early days, there was in connection with the benevolent committee a “Calling Committee,” and all newcomers were visited and made welcome to the valley. In an early report, thirty calls were made in a month. Now it is very rare for anyone to get across the street to greet a neighbor.
On February 4, 1914, the Ojai Valley King’s Daughters was transferred to the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club. The status changed with 37 unanimous votes. So we move on with the ideals and purposes of our original organization in mind, to a progressing and forward-moving community. May we always keep in mind the wonderful devotion of these early women to make this valley such a wonderful place to live and call home. “
According to the handwritten minutes of the Ojai King’s Daughters, the day of dedication would be postponed from time to time for various reasons, including excessive rain. The dedication would eventually be rescheduled to March 24, 1911.
This photo is an excerpt from the application submitted to the City of Ojai for Clubhouse landmark status. You can read that report in full here.
Over the years, we have been fortunate to have so many members who have documented our history. We share interesting stories about the extensive work of our members. They supported individuals and our community as a whole. This report also details the work of women and organizations across this country, including GFWC, the Suffragette Movement. By doing this, we create a living history accessible to the generations that continue on. Please read from these stories here.
Thank you to member Joanne Caldwell for this beautiful painting.
From your desktop, if you click on any photo. You will also read details of the Club members or images depicted in these photographs. You can click to scroll through one or all photos.
