The United Women’s Club of Concord and the History of Orchard House

One hundred years ago the was in disrepair. Enter the role of The Concord Woman's Club. The Club was an important venue for women; they met to exchange ideas and stretch their minds. A few of its members thought it would be a shame to see the Alcott home destroyed and decided to form a separate organization called The Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association in 1911. The LMAMA consisted of non Woman's Club members, including men, and it was that entity that raised funds to purchase Orchard House and eventually open it to the public May 27, 1912.

According to Jan Turnquist, Orchard House director: Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House will honor The Concord Woman's Club at its Oct. 27 meeting because of the important role it played in women's lives and in enabling the rescue of the home. Orchard House was built in approximately 1690 and was in poor condition when the Alcott family purchased it in 1857. People assumed it would be torn down then, Turnquist said, but Bronson Alcott saved the home and the family lived in it. In 1911, the house was put it up for sale — in worse condition than ever, having stood vacant for years.

Turnquist said: If it hadn't been for the Woman's Club serving as a place for women to express themselves and dream, who knows if those courageous women would have met and worked together so well.

The New York Times wrote, June 25, 1911, after noting the place of the home in literature, “It is proposed now to buy the Orchard House with the contributions of those who are grateful enough to its author to wish to see a memorial established … There should be a sufficient number, says the Concord Woman’s Club, which has the matter in charge, to raise $8000 to purchase Orchard House and keep it forever in memory of Louisa Alcott.”

“The Concord Woman's Club was organized March 26, 1895, with Mrs. George
M. Brooks as the president, and Mrs. Edward C. Damon, corresponding secretary,” according to the "History of the Woman’s Club Movement in America," by Jane Croly. “Sixty-two members were present at the first meeting … The annual fee was placed at one dollar.” The objectives were “…educational and social culture. There are classes in botany, German, English, art, history, current events, civics and literature.”

At its Thursday Oct. 27 meeting, Gabrielle Donnelly will be guest speaker. Donnelly’s book, "The Little Women Letters," explores the imagined lives of Jo March’s descendants. The public is invited to the light lunch at noon, and program, 12:45. Contact club president Pat Davis at Pittypatd@aol.com.

The United Women’s Club of Concord meets the third Thursday of each month.

“Joining the club is easy — just come to a meeting,” emails Pat. Dues are $20 a year. “Our aims are to raise money for high school scholarships and to have fun.”

The club has monthly workshops to work on items for the annual scholarship fair. Last year the club gave four $2500 scholarships to CCHS students.

“There are always people knitting and crocheting while others make different small items. We also set aside another day each month to work on teddy bears for hospitalized children at . Many people come to both workshops and they are always fun. The club also has eat-out groups, where they try new places.”

“There is always something going on,” she added.