Women's Club of Glen Ridge

The Women's Club of Glen Ridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1905 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. The Club serves as a center for thought and action among the local women, promoting ideals of education, culture, civic service, and social welfare. It is an inclusive community of diverse women, built on values of respect, fairness, and kindness.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge is to bring together women through friendship, volunteerism, education, and leadership, engaging in civic, social, and cultural activities that benefit both the Club and the broader community. The Club hosts various social gatherings, educational programs, and cultural events. These events include monthly meetings with guest speakers, informal cocktail parties, luncheons, yoga classes, book discussions, and day trips to surrounding areas. The Club also publishes a quarterly newsletter titled Signpost.

Through its committees and departments, the Club supports community service projects and sponsors annual programs related to art, drama, family events, home and garden, international affairs, literature, music, and spirituality. These activities not only enrich the lives of members but also raise funds to support philanthropic goals and maintain the Club’s historic clubhouse.

Clubhouse

The clubhouse, located on Ridgewood Avenue, is an elegant brick Georgian Colonial Revival building completed in 1925. It was gifted to the Women's Club by Henry Stanton Chapman as a memorial to his wife, Emily M. Chapman. The building features two ballrooms, a balcony, stage, patio, living room, and side rooms, making it a popular venue for weddings and community events.

Membership and Governance

The Women's Club of Glen Ridge consists of over 200 diverse women from Glen Ridge and surrounding communities. Members can engage in Club activities at various levels, from attending events to participating in committees that drive the Club's operations. The Club is governed by a Board of Directors and numerous committees, each responsible for different aspects of the organization's activities, such as finance, hospitality, membership, and public relations.

History and Impact

Since its founding, the Women's Club of Glen Ridge has been a vital part of the community, supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of community among its members. The Club's historic clubhouse remains a symbol of the community's rich heritage and the generosity of its benefactors, including Henry Stanton Chapman, who significantly contributed to the town's development through his philanthropy.