Socialize
The Clemson Woman’s Club was founded in 1916 by Mrs. Riggs, wife of then-President Walter Riggs. This initial organization fizzled out in the 1920s (as many clubs did), but was reinvigorated in 1947 by Mrs. Margaret Poole, wife of then-President Poole. This group was formed as a strictly social organization. Its Constitution states that the purpose of the club is “fostering the social life of the College and promoting fellowship on the campus.” Specifically, the club was meant to be an outlet for the wives of men associated with Clemson, especially for those who came from out of town or the country.
The content of their meetings was in some ways similar to that of the Once-a-Week Club. Woman’s Club members heard talks on a variety of subjects and supported the arts in their community. In addition to these activities, each meeting had a period of time set aside specifically for socializing.
Though socialization may seem like a lesser good than advocacy or education, its importance should not be understated. In the early years of the club, it is entirely likely that little to no wives of Clemson employees held jobs outside the duties of keeping house. It is no secret that such a situation can be isolating without other outlets through which one can make friends, and the Woman’s Club was just such an outlet. There was even a special branch of the club for wives of new faculty (the “Newcomer’s Club”) that ensured these wives would have someone to speak to or sit with as they acclimated to their new home.
