The Saturday Club: 125 Years of Tradition and Philanthropy

Today, there are so many charities that each month is dedicated to a different cause, a pending cure, or a group in need. People help as best they can, by donating their time, efforts, and money. Giving back has become a way of life, and an integral part of being an active member of the community.

The Main Line has a long history of charitable and philanthropic activates, due in part to one of oldest and longest running organizations in the region; The Saturday Club.

Established in 1886, The Saturday Club began as a group of 12 women, brought together by an interest in literature, music, art and science, in a time when men discussed these subjects, and women minded the home.

But it was the desire for social influence outside of the home that inspired the mantra of The Saturday Club: “dare to be wise.”

In its first 25 years, The Saturday Club established themselves as part of the community, purchasing a lot of land on Wayne Avenue, where its clubhouse, the “rallying place” for its members, still stands today.

Within ten years, the group’s membership had risen, and so had its reach. Discussions on conservatism, civics, literature, child labor regulations in Pennsylvania and home economics had evolved into community outreach.

During the early part of the 1900’s, the clubhouse became more than just a place for its members, but a beacon in the community. The Saturday Club founded the first kindergarten in Wayne, organized band concerts and the community Christmas tree. They housed Marines during WWI, and held canteen lunches to help raise money for servicemen. And during the influenza outbreak, the clubhouse was filled with cots, turning it into a hospital.

During the 1930’s, the women of The Saturday Club created a Legislation Department, where classes were held to discuss local, state, and national topics. They began working with the Red Cross, a relationship that is still strong today. During WWII the clubhouse was used as an emergency room and members of the Defense Committee sold War Bonds.

They made books in Braille, created a circulating library, and during the 1940s and ‘50s the club continued its philanthropic activities, donating to hospitals, helping the homeless, seniors citizens and children in need. They promoted music, art, and literature through events, concerts, and discussions and provided scholarship funds for nursing students.

By 1960, The Saturday Club began to incorporate bowling, bridge and exercise into its member activities, while continuing its usual work hosting music appreciation lectures, and giving back to the community’s hospitals, seniors, and children, even helping to establish a teen center.

In 1971 the club members began working with the American Cancer Society, they made holiday baskets for the needy and seniors, held galas, dinners and lunches; each benefitting the community.

Over the years, the clubhouse had gone through many renovations. It had been added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978 and over the years, the members were charged with keeping the 90 year old building up to par. Club members raised funds for a new kitchen, roof, chimney and heater. Each generation faced its own remodeling needs, and tackled the challenge each time.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, The Saturday Club continued to help the community, donating to hospitals, thrift shops, libraries and local charities.

What some see as just a social club has charitable roots nearly as deep as the Main Line itself. Over the years hundreds of women, and the men who supported them have helped to create a positive environment for themselves, their families and the communities they serve.