The Forward Clubhouse Turns 100

"Late in 1912 or early 1913 about a dozen Lemon Grove ladies were called together…and a literary and cultural club was organized...After considerable discussion, the name of ‘Forward Club of Lemon Grove’ was chosen because that expressed our spirit and purpose."

When exploring our archival collections, I stumbled across the incredible story of our local women’s club, that went from 1913-1998. I also found that the clubhouse they built still stands! When I discovered the record I realized that the building's 100th birthday was coming in a few months. What followed was collaboration and outreach that activated community engagement in some unexpected ways.

Timeline

Resources

Community Event Video · A video taken of the community event held in the old clubhouse on its 100th birthday

Timeline · This is an interactive timeline used to promote the anniversary event

Forward Club Exhibit Plan · Designed for a class assignment, this is an exhibit plan that I will be installing in our small Parsonage Museum in the Summer of 2023

Forward Club Lecture Slides · This is from the history lecture I gave at the anniversary event on May 12, 2022

Archeota Article · I wrote a short article about the Forward Clubhouse anniversary in Archeota - the official publication of the San Jose State University Society of American Archivists Student Chapter

Forward Club · The revived Forward Club’s Facebook page

Presented By Sarah Lewis

I am a member of the all-volunteer board of the Lemon Grove Historical Society. There I focus on archives, public outreach, and currently serve as Treasurer. I am also a student at San Jose State University, working on my Masters in Library Science, focusing on the archival pathway. I have a BA in History from Brigham Young University. I have volunteered for several non-profits and continue to learn and develop through both education and volunteer opportunities. As I finish my education I am looking for opportunities to gain more hands-on experience as an archivist.

Need an archivist? See My Resume