Western Springs Social Clubs Entertained Residents

From 1910 until the Depression, Western Springs was home to many social clubs, mostly  for women. These clubs met mostly in club members' homes and were often written about in the local newspapers in great detail. 

Bridge clubs were very popular, according to clippings in the Western Springs Historical Society Collection, and while they were mostly for women, couples did join certain bridge clubs.  The Whist Club, for another card game, was also very popular from 1913 until 1934.

Some clubs were very specific to interests, while others were purely fun.

For example, the Saddle and Bridle Club started in 1915 to "stimulate the interest take in the horse and induce the people in this section to raise better horses. "The clubs activities were to hold "runs" every Saturday for their members and their horses.

The Social Circle met for lunch at various homes. At one meeting in 1915, "the ladies took their sewing and had a very pleasant social afternoon." Many details of the events were shared in the local newspapers, such as this about the May 1915 meeting: "Althought the day was dreary, the pouring rain did not prevent 60 ladies partaking of the delicious luncheon served in the spacious rooms.  Small tables were decorated  with pink tulips while the large table in the dining room bore bouquets of iris."

Girls were also encouraged to participate clubs like the Woodcraft Girls, outdoor activities and camping, or the Triple L Girls, who "frolicked"  and held costume parties and did community service, like "dressing dolls for several orphanages."

The Comaraderie Girls Club in August 1923 made news when they  "transported to Western Springs, at great expense and personal risk, the best fish pond in Northern Wisconsin."  Villagers were encouraged to come to the Grand Opening at Chestnut and East to fish at 8 p.m. on Saturday night.

Other clubs, like the Stellar Club, the Monday Evening Club, the Crusaders Club, Maids and Matrons, the Drama Club, and others hosted regular meetings, golf outings and picnics and contributed to social fabric of the time. 

One club, the Western Springs Music Club, is still in existence and will be celebrating a major milestone this fall... stay tuned to read more about it in September!