About the Womens Club of Saluda
A century of civic action, scholarships, and women working together
Around 1914, women in Saluda organized to take on the practical work their town needed. They cleaned up the open sewer running through downtown and focused on civic action. A book club would soon follow alongside the community work, for self-improvement, sociability, and the kind of conversation that turned into action.
By 1924, the group formally organized as the Saluda Book Club, meeting twice a month in members' homes.
In 1925, the club joined the General Federation of Women's Clubs through its North Carolina chapter, and the work grew. Members tutored students, served hot lunches at the school for a few cents a meal, raised money for a town playground, and supported families during the Depression. As one early record notes, the club was founded for "self-improvement and sociability" and quickly became a force for community good.
.jpeg)
By the mid‑1950s, after the disruptions of the Depression and World War II, the club had settled into a steady rhythm of monthly meetings, federation participation, and community engagement.
In 1976, the Club awarded its first educational scholarship to a Saluda resident, beginning what would become one of its defining missions. Members also remained active in the arts, local festivals, and other civic causes.
In 2007, the club formally incorporated as a North Carolina nonprofit, the legal home it still operates under today.
Explore our full Womens Club of Saluda history.
The Club Today
Scholarships
Over the last 15 years, our members have raised more than $42,000 in scholarships for Saluda residents pursuing education at every level. Our scholarship deadlines are consistent with the Polk County Community Foundation’s scholarship deadlines, and we’re listed in the Kirby Handbook of Polk County Area Scholarships.
Fellowship & Learning
We meet the second Tuesday of every month for a program featuring local speakers on topics such as forest bathing, native plants, Chinese medicine, search-and-rescue dogs, Saluda history, and investing.
Community Service & Fundraising
We sponsor a float in the annual parade, host seasonal fundraising dinners, support local causes, and put our members’ time and talents to use for the town.
A Visual Timeline
c. 1914
A women's organization takes root in Saluda
1924
The Saluda Book Club formally organizes
1925
Affiliates with the General Federation of Women's Clubs
1929
Renames to the Saluda Woman's Club
1976
Focuses on education and first scholarship awarded
2001
Withdraws from NC Federation of Women's Clubs
2007
Incorporates as a North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit
2026
Awards over 50 scholarships
Members take on civic action, cleaning up downtown Saluda's open sewer
Members meet twice a month for self-improvement, sociability, and community work.
Through the NC chapter, the club joins a national network and broadens its work
The mission has expanded beyond literature. Service and education become pillars.
The club awards its first educational scholarship to a Saluda resident.
The club leaves federation primarily for financial reasons.
The club formalizes its structure as the Womens Club of Saluda for long-term impact.
More than $42,000 in scholarships awarded over the past fifteen years.
