Willoughby: Envious women’s social options
Aspen Historical Society/Courtesy photo
There were many social options for Aspen’s women in the 1910 to 1940 period. Here are some examples:
— The Friendship Club offered “sewing and social converse,” and after one meeting, they went on a sleigh ride. In 1913, it was described this way: “(T)his club is a very popular one, and judging from the way in which they greet each other, and outsiders as well, the club is certainly well-named.”
They met monthly but disbanded for a few years between 1913 and 1919. One interesting aspect about their membership I discovered is that there were five members who were all related, either by blood or by marriage: Mrs. Georgia Bishop, Lulu Wilson, Mrs. Mansor Elisha, Mrs. M.J. Healy, and Mrs. Martin Healy.
— The Ladies Guild of the Episcopal Church started in Aspen in 1885. They held St. Patrick’s Day parties and held dances at Fraternal Hall. One was advertised as “very latest and most popular music.” In 1911, they held eight dances over the spring and summer. One had 40 couples dancing to the McHugh Orchestra. In 1913, they held a lawn social with “games for grown people, games for children, cake and coffee for 10 cents ($2.50 in today’s dollars). Attending were “handsomely gowned ladies and charmingly dressed girls.” They offered Lenten teas and a Thanksgiving tea, too. My great grandmother, on the Willoughby side, was a member.
— The 500 Club had a shorter history, and it would appear a smaller following. Three members from my family belonged. Their gatherings usually combined sewing and, according to the paper, “cards were the main diversion of the meeting, with prizes.”
— The Aspen Women’s Club spanned a longer time. In 1900, the group traveled by train to Grand Junction for the Western Slope Women’s Club meeting. Their gatherings included an April Fools’ stunts event and one where they discussed the play Every Woman read by Mrs. J.W. Dean. They held a meeting at a member’s ranch and held a picnic meeting at the Eagles picnic grounds that attracted 30 families. They held meetings in Woody Creek.
Like the 500 Club, as reported by the paper, “cards were their chief amusement”. Mrs. Ben Vagneur was president for a number of years in the 1930’s.
— The largest and most active club was the Columbine Circle of the Woodcraft. There were two separate groups in Aspen, No. 88 and No. 6, until they merged in 1919. They were also known for their dances. Meetings featured cards and lotto followed by refreshments of ice cream, cake, and coffee. They also assisted in funerals whenever a member died.
They had many offices, usually eight to ten, that included my grandmother on my mother’s side as clerk. Like many maternal/fraternal orders, there was a long history of customs and procedures. Being an officer was a significant position. In 1923, the event where they installed new officers had 100 Neighbors, the term they used for a member, attending.
As you can see, women in Aspen during those decades had many fun and interesting choices for their social time.
Tim Willoughby’s family story parallels Aspen’s. He began sharing folklore while teaching at Aspen Country Day School and Colorado Mountain College. Now a tourist in his native town, he views it with historical perspective. Reach him at redmtn2@comcast.net
