Fallbrook Woman's Club

“Teach us to put into action our better impulses – straightforward and unafraid…and oh, Lord God, let us forget not to be kind,” reads a portion of the creed of the Fallbrook Woman’s Club who, on Tuesday, November 13, will host an open house to commemorate their 100th anniversary.

With “Unity in Diversity” as the club’s motto the group has made a lasting impression on the community of Fallbrook since its inception in 1907. The women came from diverse backgrounds but were united in service to Fallbrook, as well as to the pursuit of personal knowledge and self-improvement. Club colors are green and gold and the meetings were, and still are, held on the second Tuesday of each month.

Early in the club’s history the members discussed issues relevant to the times with programs covering topics such as music, schools, women’s suffrage and state laws. From the onset the members were dedicated to literacy and, in 1919, established the first lending library in Fallbrook.

The group has been service-minded since its inception. Even though the club was developed with a social purpose in mind, it quickly evolved into a service organization.

“We are a service and social club,” noted Ayn Bryant, longtime member. “At one time or another we have probably given to every organization in Fallbrook.”

For the 100th anniversary, Bryant has created a ‘family tree’ with the photographs of all but eleven of the club’s sixty-nine past presidents. The project will be on display during the celebration.

“This is women on the move for their country and for themselves,” said past president (1988-1990) Mary Jane Pfeil, pointing to a photograph from 1916.

Also on view during the event will be the club’s large oil painting entitled “Two Girls in White,” which was created by artist Arthur Merton Hazard (1882-1979) and donated by his daughter, a club member.

In 1907 the group began life as the Fallbrook Saturday Afternoon Club, which was organized by seventeen farmers’ wives. Mrs. Percy Johnson first came up with the idea of a club and then discussed it with Kate Sidle Regan. The two women invited others to join them.

The women were the wives of Fallbrook area farmers who felt that they needed something to occupy their time on Saturdays when they traveled to town with their husbands. So, while their husbands bought feed and other supplies, the women congregated. In 1907 it wasn’t just a short drive to downtown Fallbrook; the roads were poor and the journey slow. Coming to town was an all-day event.

In 1916 the group purchased a clubhouse which was offered to the Red Cross as a base during World War I.

During World War II the members organized a local USO and contributed many volunteer hours to the Red Cross, offering first aid classes and caring for the wounded.

In 1917 the group sponsored the first Girl Scout Troop west of the Mississippi River, which was called “Fallbrook White Rose Troop Number 1.”

In May 1946 the name was changed to Fallbrook Woman’s Club.

The current clubhouse was built in 1876 and purchased by the Fallbrook Woman’s Club in 1952. As stated in the January 18, 1952, edition of the Fallbrook Enterprise newspaper, “Former Fallis Estate has been purchased by the Fallbrook Woman’s Club. It comprises 11 lots and a large residence. The building will be remodeled for a clubhouse, announces President Juanita Darwin. Some of the lots will be sold, some converted into a parking area, and others will be held for expansion of club buildings.”

Also in 1952 the Heald family donated a side-loading carriage (circa 1872) to the club. This carriage now holds a place of honor in front of the Mission Road clubhouse.

Mary Jane Pfeil, at 92, is one of the oldest members. However, her age hasn’t slowed her down, as she is quite active in the club.

Pfeil has purchased an historic bell that she is donating to the club and which will be dedicated on Tuesday.

The bell weighs 92 pounds, is over 100 years old and had hung on El Camino Real. Her vision is to bring students to the bell then teach them about California’s history and the history of the El Camino Real Bells.

According to Ayn Bryant, “The club continues to be a major influence in Fallbrook. Through the years members have raised money for the hospital, given countless hours to schools, churches and club and district activities. Members have fostered self-improvement, striven for community betterment and encouraged education. The forward-looking women of 1907 would be pleased with the club today, which stands for ideals and ennoblement of women who, with ‘Unity in Diversity,’ find that ‘Strength United is Stronger.’”

Fallbrook Woman’s Club

238 West Mission Road

100th Anniversary Schedule

Tuesday, November 13

2:00 Ribbon-cutting ceremony with Fallbrook Mayor John Harris,

Miss Fallbrook Kate Derr and the Fallbrook Chamber of

Commerce

2:15 Welcome by Presidents Karen Feyler and Linda Yachtman

2:30 Fallbrook Chorale musical presentation

3:00 Bell dedication by John Kolstad

3:30 Fallbrook songs written by Marilyn Busnardo performed by

the ESO and Literature group members

5:00 Fallbrook Chorale musical presentation

6:00 Fallbrook songs written by Marilyn Busnardo performed by

the ESO and Literature group members

7:00 Wrap-up and thank you by Past-President and 100th

Anniversary Chairperson Linda Gregg

• Throughout the afternoon a light tea will be served.

• Displays will highlight club contributions and historical events.

• Members are encouraged to dress in vintage clothing.