In the sleepy Gulf Coast fishing village of Panama City in 1913, thirty-two women with a vision for their community met and launched the Woman’s Club of Panama City. Today, this organization proudly celebrates its ninety-eighth year of service to the community.
Immediately these women began working to support city ordinances that would keep horses tethered to downtown hitching posts, to get pigs and cattle off the streets, and to outlaw spitting on the sidewalks. In 1922, the ladies led a city-wide cleanup and beautification effort. Other early projects were establishing the town’s first public library; paying the salary of the first county public nurse, and making available $1400 for teachers’ salaries in the Depression. During World War II, the Club received national recognition for selling more than $500,000 in war bonds.
Many local projects have received ongoing support through the years. In 1967, along with 24 other civic organizations, the Woman’s Club pledged their support to help build the Junior Museum of Bay County. The club became a founding member of the Children’s Advocacy Center in 2000, and has continued their support with funds and volunteer hours. The CAC is a temporary safe haven for children who have been separated from their families.
Since 1988, the Home Life Department has sponsored the Annual Community Prayer Coffee which is open to the public. The club’s primary fundraiser, The Red Stocking Revue, is held every other year. This is a themed musical variety show held in the downtown Marina Civic Center for 3 nights that is totally planned, produced, and performed by club members and many talented local residents.
While supporting the GFWC and the FFWC and their action plans, members actively participate in local charities, particularly those of interest to women and children. Included are the Heart Walk, Cancer Relay for Life, World Food Day, and Make-a-Difference Day. An effort is made to “sweeten” many civic functions; for example, the Club annually furnished lemonade and cookies to marchers in the Veterans Day Parade.
In 2004, the Club was honored to have been selected by Southern Living Magazine to host the Southern Living Idea House. During the summer, 15,000 visitors were escorted through the home by over 150 club members, accumulating 3,048 volunteer hours.
The Club was rewarded with a financial contribution and materials for a new roof.
The Club was rewarded with a financial contribution and materials for a new roof.
The Club members are “at home” in their historic clubhouse. Early meetings were conducted at the clubhouse on W. Beach Dr, but in 1936 the present facility was built on land donated by real estate developer H.L. Sudduth. Additions were made to the house in 1960 and 1975 that brought it to its present capacity. The monthly luncheons are held here, allowing the membership an opportunity to come together for fellowship, food, information and planning.
The clubhouse also is a gracious site for many weddings, receptions, and other social functions. Commemorating the founding year of the club, The 1913 SOCIETY has been established to conserve and sustain the club’s real property for many years to come.
