About the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club

St. Petersburg Woman’s Club has been the gathering place for women to learn, make new friends, laugh with old friends and provide hands-on service to the community since 1913.

The St. Petersburg Woman’s Club (SPWC) began on February 7, 1913 with fourteen members and joined the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Historical notes say some of the club’s earliest initiatives included getting spittoons added to Central Avenue and a fence built around downtown William’s Park to keep out the wandering cows and hogs.

In 1924 SPWC also joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), still one of the largest women’s volunteer service organizations in the world. That same year they became incorporated so they could own property.

What you see here today is the original dream of those fine ladies dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Collectively, we are Living the Volunteer Spirit.

Community and Social Activities

Members of the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club have been reaching out in the community since 1913!

As part of GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) we offer volunteer opportunities and social activities in Arts and Culture, Environment, Civic Engagement and Outreach, Education and Libraries, Health and Wellness. Go to the calendar for upcoming events.

Some of our more recent projects include:

• Hundreds of handmade neck rolls for Hospice
• Drawstring bags with shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap etc. for children removed from their homes and placed into protective custody (Sallie House)
• Kidney dialysis belts to soften the port entry
• Skull caps for lining the helmets of military in war zones
• Collect & distribute school supplies to kids in September (public schools) & fill stockings for Sallie House and Brookwood Home
• Members volunteer in museums, hospital gift shops, Florida Orchestra Guild Open House, mentor school children and more.
• Collect and donate gently used prom dresses for teen girls 
• Collect school supplies and cereal for school children
• Whatever your interest, you can find your niche!

Leadership

The St. Petersburg Woman’s Club is led by the following people:

• President – Barbara Sundholm – president.spwc@gmail.com
• VP Programs – Evelyn Nakelski
• VP Capital Improvements – Cathy Allen
• VP Daily Operations – Cathy Allen
• VP Fundraising – Ashley Miller
• VP Membership – Cynthia Guillama – guillamacynthia@gmail.com
• Finance Officer – Liz Coerver
• Recording Secretary – Roseanne Costa
• Corresponding Secretary – Cheryl Freeburg
• General Treasurer – Carol Tillis
• Bookings Treasurer – Beth Timberlake
• Chair Arts and Culture – Marianne Snyder
• Chair Civic Engagement and Outreach – Gail Brazzell
• Chair Education – Joyce Taylor
• Chair Environment – Amy Skasko
• Chair Health & Wellness – Annette McComas
• Chair Evening Group – Tyler Kornatowski, Li Watts
• Newsletter/Yearbook Editor – Carolyn DeFreitas
• Public Relations/Publicity – Josephine Spinelli – SPWCPR@gmail.com
• Social Director – Liz Pacheco

Historic Clubhouse

Our historic clubhouse is a popular venue for weddings, parties, and corporate events. Learn More

Our History

The St. Petersburg Woman’s Club was founded in 1913 by Mrs. Benjamin A. Greene to foster intellectual, civic, and charitable activities in the city. Over the decades, it has played a significant role in social reform, war efforts, and community development while continuously evolving to meet the needs of its members and the wider community.

• Founding and early activities: The club began with 14 members focusing on women’s suffrage, social welfare, public
  health, and civic reforms, actively influencing state legislation and local sanitary standards.
• War contributions: It was the first in Florida to start war relief efforts in 1915, supporting the Red Cross and local welfare,
  and promoting the Susan B. Anthony Amendment for women’s suffrage.
• Expansion and formalization: By the 1920s, membership grew to over 700, the club joined the General Federation of
  Women’s Clubs and began fundraising for a dedicated clubhouse.
• Clubhouse establishment: In 1928, land on Snell Isle was gifted for their clubhouse, which was dedicated in 1929 after
  significant fundraising and loans.
• Challenges during the Great Depression: Membership and finances declined sharply, but the club persisted, eventually
  rebounding by the late 1930s and paying off its mortgage in 1940.
• Fire and recovery: A fire in 1940 damaged the clubhouse interior, but members quickly repaired and upgraded the facility,
  including installing modern amenities.
• Continued community service: During the 1940s and beyond, the club supported war efforts, local parks, education, and
  social programs, while expanding its cultural and social offerings.
• Modernization and membership changes: From the 1960s through the 1990s, the club modernized its facilities,
  adapted to societal changes, and addressed contemporary social issues including environmentalism and equality.
• 21st century developments: The club embraced new technologies, renovated facilities, and established a teen division,
  maintaining its founding goals of social conscience, civic responsibility, and educational progress.