Florida Historical Markers Programs - Marker Detail

Description: Side One: In February 1903, women in Gainesville organized “The Twentieth Century Club of Gainesville Florida” for the purpose of “intellectual and social improvement.” The 45 charter members met every other Monday afternoon in members’ homes, and dues were $.50. They discussed literature, read Shakespeare, listened to opera, and studied history and geography. Starting in 1906, they petitioned the city to stop cutting down trees and in 1913, helped build a park on NE 2nd St. and NE 4th Ave. by donating $500 (equivalent to $13,595 in 2021) to match the city. A major goal for the club was to create a public library and in 1918, with the help of the city, a Carnegie library opened. That year, the club’s 107 members rolled bandages and sold Liberty bonds for World War I soldiers. In 1921, after meeting in the Elks’ Hall for 10 years, a clubhouse was built at 716 W. University Ave. Work was completed in November, in time to host the Florida Federation of Woman’s Clubs conference. The club could now hold bridge parties, dances, luncheons, and programs in their own home. The club’s 200 members were active in areas of education, citizenship, fine arts, public welfare, legislative committees, and publishing the State Club newsletter. Side Two: In 1935, the club organized a new department, the Junior Welfare League (now the Junior League). The club supported World War II soldiers by knitting bags, outfitting rooms at the Alachua Army Airbase, and selling $17,000 worth (equivalent to $254,239 in 2021) of War bonds. After rezoning 4+ acres, the club purchased this lot in 1958 and in 1960, changed their name to the present one. Construction of a new clubhouse began in January 1961, and an opening reception was held in October for the 800 members. Congressman Donald Ray “Billy” Mathews was the first program speaker. During the 1960s, many future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musicians played at the club’s cotillions and dances. The club’s Spring Promenade began in 1975 to save the Thomas Center, now a cultural center. In 1986, they donated $10,000 to help the Girl’s Place get a new home. They made large donations to Idylwild Elementary and Duval Early Learning Academy, and donated $10,000 for Unity Park on NE 31st Ave. In 2020, COVID-19 dramatically reduced clubhouse rentals, but with financial help from members and others, the property was not lost. In 2021, the club celebrated the centennial of its 1921 clubhouse, and the 60th anniversary of their current one.