Think of the best moments before technology and streaming services, and my guess is you would think of the community we all used to take for granted. Well, in the heart of Clintonville (3951 High Street, to be precise—but more on that later), there is a place where women of all ages build community and enjoy their own rich slice of history.
The Clintonville Woman’s Club (CWC) has a fellowship 220 strong that swaps binging Netflix for connecting IRL to explore a myriad of topics like photography and Mah Jong. “We have about 15 interest groups,” says CWC president, Lynne Bratka, “women who share interests in gardening, painting, cooking, bridge… We also have speakers come in, hold book club in the evenings, or do a ladies’ night out.”
Along with community, history is palpable with this club, as it has been around for nearly a century. “It was started in 1939 by six women,” Said Bratka, “in the homes of the members, and was exclusive to within the Clintonville boundaries.” Lynne Matthaes, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, added, “In 1946 they had 540 members.”
They had outgrown their humble beginnings, thanks in large part to the services the early members offered for wartime efforts. “Much support of the troops by CWC,” said Bratka, “involved serving in the Red Cross, providing bandages, getting things to servicemen.”
With this influx of members, the club needed a permanent location. Thankfully, the community stepped in once again. “The local Kiwanis had been saving for a property.” Matthaes explains, “But then the city of Columbus built the Whetstone Rec Center, so Kiwanis sold their property to the CWC in 1951 for $1.”
And now for the serendipity that surrounds this group. Their 3951 address marks the two most significant dates of the club: founded in 1939 and purchased the land, where they still reside, in 1951. But it's this kind of significance that clubs, like the CWC, are all about; a place with a legacy you can tap into.
It comes as no surprise that the CWC is still making history. As Lynne Bratka says, “We are very specific about working in the community; women helping women. We have social services and papercraft services, we currently support Chillicothe Veterans home and the Clintonville resource center.” The list is long, but Matthaes adds, "we also make blankets for My Very Own Blanket.”
Along with these events and services for and by its members, the clubhouse itself serves as a great public venue for catered events, weddings, and meetings of all kinds. Its proximity to the Park of Roses and Whetstone Rec Center makes it an ideal location for any time of the year. Just another way the CWC has been keeping the community strong.
This kind of altruism, of course, is nothing new for the CWC. Built into the DNA of the club is generosity and adaptability. “We gave the firehouse their first flag.” Bratka offered, and Matthaes said, “We helped develop the crabapple-tree memory lane on North Broadway.” And during Covid, the club even met over Zoom calls. “That was new for many members, but they adapted!” Matthaes exclaimed, “When you consider our age group, I think it’s pretty awesome that we have members taking on technology.”
As for taking in new members, “We reach out to women who are younger to find out what they would look for in a club.” Said Matthaes. Bratka added, “We have a few members in their 30s, but the majority are 40 to—well, we recently had a member who passed away at 101.” Proof that belonging to a group as intriguing as the CWC has its perks.
The Clintonville Woman’s Club is seeking new members and invites the community to various programs. A group of women providing service and lifelong friendships for each other and the community. Who knows? You might be part of their history.
"Before, the ladies all wore hats and gowns...we’re much more casual today."