WORKING GIRLS' CLUB

WORKING GIRLS' CLUB. Organized in Dubuque around 1892, the Club was a local representation of organizations formed in large cities throughout the United States. They had become so popular that newspaper accounts of the time suggested many small communities hosted one as well. (1)

In Dubuque the organization was formed among women and girls to "secure by cooperation means of self improvement; opportunities for social intercourse; development of higher, nobler aims; and the advantages of instruction in any practical branch of industry or education. Unlike "Young Women's Christian Associations" these organizations were "non-sectarian in character" and managed by the members. (2)

Initially seventy-five young women showed an interest in membership. Others later indicated their willingness to join so that by the time the Club was founded there were one-hundred fifty members. The Club met in a building on Ninth Street directly over the city library. Classes were organized in cooking, gymnastics, dressmaking, sewing and millinery, health, embroidery, drawing, writing, reading, German and bookkeeping. (3)

The Club maintained rooms in the Facade Building until June, 1893. Lack of finances made them give up the space. In March 1894 members of the group met and vowed to reorganize again in September. (4)

The plans to reorganize turned into a decision to disband. Money left in the treasury was given to FINLEY HOSPITAL (THE) with twenty-five dollars presented to the Young Women's Charity organization. Furniture and carpets were divided between the St. Francis Orphan Asylum, free kindergarten, and the HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS. (5)

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Source:

1. "The Working Girls' Club," Dubuque Daily Herald, February 21, 1892, p. 8

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. "Municipal Molecules," Dubuque Daily Herald, March 14, 1894, p. 4

5. "Working Girls' Club Disbanded," Dubuque Daily Herald, December 16, 1894, p. 6