Saratoga News

News

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Foothill Club member Lynn Johnston looks over the club's 100th anniversary exhibit at the Saratoga Historical Museum.

Foothill Club still going strong after 100 years

By Shannon Burkey

Saratoga's first women's social organization is turning 100, and its members are gearing up for a month of celebrations to commemorate the birthday and honor the women whose passions they have kept alive through the years.

The Foothill Club was chartered in 1907 by 12 women who had a desire for self-improvement and learning. They formed the Foothill Study Club, which later became the Foothill Club. The women met to discuss culture, literature and art. They also began taking an active role in the betterment of their community.

"They were part of a women's movement that began in 1880," said Foothill Club member Lynn Johnston. "The idea was to enlarge their world and prepare themselves for a better experience in their community."

One hundred years later, members have taken the spirit that the club was founded on and kept it alive.

"I think it's very interesting that 12 women who were meeting 100 years ago conceived something that we women today still find relevant," Foothill Club President Cindy Ruby said. "It's remarkable how much we can relate to this woman's organization that has a love of philanthropy, culture and friendship."

To honor the women who pioneered the organization, the Saratoga Historical Museum will display an exhibit chronicling the history of the club through the end of March.

"This is the oldest social club in Saratoga, and over the years the ladies have done so much for the community," said Peggy Schoppe, exhibits chairwoman for the museum. "They are an active part of the community, and many people who are not members don't know what they do."

To give the community another glimpse into its history, member Maxine McGinnis, who joined in 1948, has written a book on the history of the club; Corrine Carter, a member for only a year, has adapted the book into a play. The book will soon be available at the Saratoga Library and at the museum.

Along with the work the club does in the community, the members are also proud of the building the club calls home. Designed by famed architect Julia Morgan in 1915 and completed in 1916, the clubhouse, built entirely of redwood, is on the National Register of Historical Places.

"One thing we want to do in the coming years is look for ways to share our building with the community because we believe it is such a treasure," Ruby said.

In celebration of the building and the architect who built it, the club has commissioned a bronze bust and a portrait of Morgan, both to be displayed at the clubhouse.

As part of its celebration, the club will hold a fundraiser on Jan. 28 at the clubhouse to unveil the sculpture and portrait. The event will include a silent auction and live auction and vignettes from Carter's play will be performed.

Over the years the club had evolved, but Ruby said it is still closely aligned with the values it began with. Today the club has 250 members, all women who have an interest in enriching the community. Some have been members for more than 50 years, while others are new. But despite the generation gaps, all the women still have the same focus--to enrich the community and themselves.

"I really appreciate the cross-generational aspect of the club," Ruby said. "That's the aspect that has kept it as close to the past and its history as it is."