It's not just a building, although, naturally, the Foothill Club is where they hold their meetings. The Saratoga Foothill Club began in 1907as a small study group for women, regularly gathering at the home of one of its members. In 1915, when the numbers grew, member Grace Richards suggested building a clubhouse. Richards said she knew just the person for the job--her former college roommate from Berkeley.

Her roommate was none other than Julia Morgan, one of the world's first female architects.

The women set to work raising money, and the community supported them. The land was donated, and all but $700 of the $5,057.90 bill--which included Morgan's fee--was raised. The club took out a loan for $700.

Morgan set to work on the redwood building at 20399 Park Place in Saratoga, where it still stands. Four years later, she went on to create one of her most famous works--Hearst Castle.

With their new home, the group of women adopted the name the Saratoga Foothill Club. They decorated the house with items from their own homes and gave it a welcoming feel. It became the site of much more than just the women's meetings--many community functions were held there, and membership blossomed. During World War II, the club even served as the headquarters for the 31st Field Artillery for three months.

Today, the Saratoga Foothill Club boasts an impressive 250 members, who have done a remarkable job maintaining the original building.

"Our membership is made very much aware from the beginning that one of our causes is to maintain this building. As it gets older, it needs more and more maintenance of practical things like the foundation and plumbing," president Marilyn White says. "So we raise money for that."

Since its completion in 1915, the building has never been expanded, says White, and it was recently added to the registry of California Historical Landmarks. Member Beth Wyman helped with the process, and says the Foothill Club now appears in two categories, which is rare--social history and architectural history.

One of the Foothill Club's largest annual events is the Memorial Day celebration in Blaney Plaza and the parade to honor war veterans, which involves many local Boy and Girl Scout troops. The club organizes the entire affair and helps publicize it.

"That is the most memorable thing to me," says Mary Lou Taylor, a member for nearly a year. "I think it's needed, and I think it brings the hole Saratoga community together."

Another project the club began three years ago is making holiday baskets to donate to needy families.

"They are food baskets we make up in coordination with the elementary school district," explains Marlene Duffin, a former president and member for more than 30 years. Students donate food, and members make up the baskets to deliver to the Oddfellows Home and elsewhere. In 2004, they made roughly 150 baskets.

The club also takes great pride in its public lecture series. Noteworthy authors, professors and other experts are invited to give presentations, which are open to the public.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to have an outstanding person from the area come and speak during the daytime, since some older members have a hard time driving at night," Duffin says.

Two upcoming speakers are Dr. Francisco Jimenez, author of Breaking Through: The Immigrant Experience and professor of modern language and literature at Santa Clara University, on Oct. 25; and Jon Christiansen, an author and research fellow from Stanford University who will speak about John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts on Nov. 22.

On Oct. 11, the Foothill Club was filled to capacity when 125 women turned out to hear a presentation by Sharon Kasser, an expert on Julia Morgan who teaches interior design and furniture classes at West Valley College.

"She was a wonderful example of a woman before her time, working in the field," Kasser says.

Giving back to the community is important to members as well. In fact, the club was extremely proud to announce last year that it finally achieved nonprofit status, so donations are tax-deductible.

The club also supports a scholarship program for Saratoga High School seniors who excel in history and art.

Socialization and camaraderie is a big part of the Foothill Club. The group holds regular teas and luncheons, encouraging women to foster long-lasting friendships.

"It's a great place where you have friends, and you can keep in connection with them over the years at the meetings. That's the most important thing to me," Duffin says.

"I'm truly enjoying every single part of this club, because the speakers are excellent and I get to see my friends and meet new people," Taylor says.

"I was intrigued by the fact that this structure was here; I had read a lot about Julia Morgan," says Barbara Marshall, who has been a member for just under a year and serves on the publicity committee. "I came to a couple of lectures, which I found fascinating. They're people from all walks of life. Also, I didn't know very many people, so this club gives me the opportunity to meet many new people and also enjoy this beautiful structure."

Becoming a member of the Foothill Club is fairly easy. A woman must be a Saratoga resident and be sponsored into the club by a current member. Dues are $100 per year, and members make small donations at events like the lectures and teas, typically around $8.

"I'm so pleased to be a part of the Foothill Club," White says. "After all, look at me--today, I'm having lunch with 125 of my closest friends."

For more information on the lecture series, call Betty Peck at 408.867.3428. For information on renting the Foothill Club, call Diane Espinosa at 408.867.3428.