History of the Woman’s Forum

Of

Wichita Falls, Texas

1927-2009

     If this building could talk, there probably would be many a tale told about the people and events that have taken place here throughout the past 80 years. The site was donated in 1926 by W.B. Hamilton and N.H. Martin, owners of the Country Club Addition with the stipulation that a club house be built of which Wichita Falls would be justly proud. At that time the lot was valued at $16,000.00

    The members solicited over 1750 businessmen in the city for cash and pledges to begin construction of the building. Just about every honorable means of making money that one could think of was used. A Fiesta of Roses was held in the beautiful gardens of the Weeks home. Style shows and a quilt show were held in downtown shops and one shop gave a commission on the sale of hosiery. Chances were sold for an automobile and a needle point footstool. A dog show was held. The Magnolia Coffee Company redeemed coupons saved by members. Two thousand cookbooks were published and sold.

    One year later, at the completion of the building, it was valued at $95,000.00 with the first meeting held in September of that year. Many prominent citizens in the state attended the dedication and open house which was held in the afternoon and again that evening on September 30, 1927.

    The final cost was $57,960.02 and it was eleven years before the debt for this Spanish, Italian structure was paid in full. Now, 80 years later, this building and all it represents is a source of pride for all of us. Its stately beauty complements the lovely homes in the Country Club Estates Addition.

    In those early years and because of its enviable reputation, the Forum was nationally recognized. A New York Women’s magazine titled “Woman’s Citizen” featured a story about this beautiful club house. We had an exchange of privileges with clubs in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Louisiana, Texas and the San Francisco Women’s Club. We continue to have an alliance today with some of the same clubs.

    The Junior Department of the Forum was founded in 1927 for daughters of Forum members of 14 years and upwards. The graduating senior girls are presented to society at the May Debutante Presentations. These special events continue to be the highlight of the spring social season in the city. The ceremony had to be held in Midwestern University’s Ballroom in 1951 due to the crowded conditions at the Forum.  In 1979 the May presentation was cancelled and had to be held later in the summer because of the “Terrible Tuesday” tornado. Many of the girls lost their homes and their gowns were destroyed or blown away.

    In 1928 one thousand needy children received gifts from the generous Forum members. The Forum sponsored a “beautify-your-alley” contest and a vegetable garden contest in 1931. The next year a city wide tulip planting contest was held.  Among the early activities were the weekly Woman’s Forum Radio Hour which was heard on the local radio station. The Garden Club, Senior-Juniors, the Junior Forum and the Fine Arts Department alternated with hour-long programs each week. A Social Service Department supplied school milk and lunch funds for the needy. Christmas projects and the collection and distribution of clothing for the needy were also sponsored by this department.

    In 1929 the Woman’s Forum Garden Club was organized and by the end of that first year there were 100 members. Since their beginning, they have carried on the beautification of the Forum grounds and numerous areas around town such as Ben Franklin School, the Auditorium, the State Hospital and many others. For the last 37 years they have also given deserving Midwestern State University biology student’s yearly scholarships. Through the years they have sponsored flower shows- one in particular in November of 1949 had 800 people in attendance. Each month the informative programs are held where members learn about horticulture and flower arranging.

    The Senior-Junior Department was formed in 1933 for members who were 23 to 33 years of age. Their purpose has always been to giver service and raise funds that will benefit the community. Every member is required to fulfill her financial and service obligations in order to maintain membership in the group. The achievements of this group through the years have been staggering. The Northside Girls Club was founded by them in 1934. They presented their first musical revue “The Merry-Go-Round: in 1937 to raise funds and these shows continued through the 80’s, most notably with “Pzazz”. In 1940 they were given a lot on which to build a permanent home for the Northside Girls Club. The Little Shop on Tenth Street was started in 1943 to support this club. They equipped and transported sixty girls to Camp Letoli in Saint Jo over a five week period. This hard-working, social-conscious “service” organization continues to benefit several needy non profit agencies with funds every year.

    The Woman’s Forum began with 1200 members. Although membership dwindled during the war years to 415, it quickly rose back to the 1200 mark after the war. During the 1950 club year, there were 44,199 guests in the building.

    From the beginning, the Forum was well-known for its wonderful food service. During the first year, the dining room served 6041 persons. Through the years there have been banquets, Sunday Dinners, Wednesday Tea Rooms and luncheons, all of them prepared in the Forum kitchen. These meals were made by an outstanding kitchen staff and were always delicious, however as time passed, its profitability became a source of concern. Due to many cost factors, the decision was made to close the kitchen in 1998. The food service is now catered by several dining establishments in the city and this seems to be a satisfactory arrangement.

    Square dances and dinner dances were given in the 1930’s and Will Rogers’ performance was a benefit for the unemployed in 1933. During WWII, USO dances were held. Senior-Junior members numbered 50 with 30 of these having husbands in the service. They pieced quilts and collected scrap metal. Their work was recognized as the best defense work done in Wichita Falls that year. The Red Cross used the building to pack 10,800 boxes for overseas Christmas presents. This work was completed in three days. In 1942 the Forum sponsored a war bond drive to raise enough to buy a bomber to help in the war effort. Over $400,000.00 was credited to the Forum and the bomber was christened “The Texas Spirit”.

    In 1951 service to the State Hospital was begun. Gifts for 2725 patients were collected and then a modern, well-equipped beauty shop was provided for them by the Woman’s Forum. The chapel was air conditioned and a greenhouse built. This much needed service continued for over 25 years and was the impetus for other organizations to give of their time and funds to help the patients. Also in 1951, the members contracted to have the back of the Forum building graveled and a rose garden was planted.

    In 1952 the building was air conditioned for the first time. Reservations for the September Reassembly Tea that year had to be closed at 450 because no more could be accommodated. There were 1410 members at that time. Six years later a campaign to expand the building was begun. At a cost of $259,000.00, the 12,000 square foot addition was complete and the 1960 Reassembly Tea was held in the new Garden Room. This addition tripled the size of the building. The parking lot was purchased, paved and lighted in 1969.

    Based on the historical, cultural and architectural significance of the structure, the Forum building received the Historic Landmark designation from the State of Texas in 1980 and the City of Wichita Falls Landmark designation in 1984. The cream-colored building with its beautiful arches in the front and its multi-colored tile roof is truly a part of Wichita Falls history. Both plaques are affixed to the building by the front entries.

    From the beginning our purpose has been to reach more women in a cultural way and to be of greater service to the community. This beautiful and useful asset has continued to support and promote the study of history, literature, science, painting, music, drama and other fine arts. Over 600 activities are held annually. It is probably that most long-time Wichita Falls residents, at one time or another, have participated in or been in attendance at, one of the many functions held here. The names of numerous Wichita County citizens have become synonymous with the Forum because of their many years of dedicated service to the organization. It would be impossible to list them, there have been so many. This club house has earned its race in the history of our city because of its significance as a civil, educational and cultural center.

    The following Departments were well attended at one time at the Forum, however as interests have changed, they, one after the other, were disbanded. They were Arts and Crafts, Bible, Camera, Civics, Dance, Drama, Music, Forum Chorale, Social Services, Tours and Writers.

    Afternoon games of bridge began in 1976/ Thirty one years later this is still a popular pastime with several tables of bridge players meeting every Wednesday afternoon at the Forum.  One of the newer Departments is Alpha Forum which was organized in 1993. This club is for 8th and 9th grade daughters of Forum members. They meet for monthly luncheons and parties and participate in projects that serve the community each month. Gourmet Club was organized in 1995 and has one of the larger memberships. They enjoy programs about food and cooking. The Book Club was started in 2002. This popular Department involves the members who take turns giving reviews each month. Their membership number is approximately 40. The newest Department at the Forum is Bunko where members meet for monthly games. This group was organized in 2005.

    The Woman’s Forum continues to be the hub of women’s activities where meetings, dances, weddings, seminars, performances and social are held. We have entertained, or been entertained, by famous artists, writers, actors and state, national and foreign dignitaries. Their comments regarding our facilities have always been most favorable. A few of them are:

John Erskine, the author, in 1928

Russian Cossock Chorus (16 male voices), 1929

Richard Halliburton, the actor, in 1929

Will Rogers in 1933

Lloyd C. Douglas, author, in 1934

J. Frank Doby, Texas folklore authority, in 1934

Ruth Bryan, Owen, minister to Denmark in 1935

Amelia Earhart, aviator, in 1936

Cornelia Otis Skinner, the actress, in 1938

Rubinoff and his violin in 1940

Elsa Maxwell in 1950

Cedric Foster, stage actor, in 1951

Meredith Wilson, composer, in 1955, an evening of music

Ogden Nash, humorous poet, in 1958

Will Rogers, Jr. in 1959

Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson in 1961

Vice President Gerald Ford in 1974

    From 1960 to 1990 the annual Antique Shows were held. The dealers came from all over the United States to set up their booths. These three-day events filled every room of the building and attracted hundreds of people each day. Since 1981 the Woman’s Forum Christmas Tour of Homes has been held. It also draws huge crowds and is eagerly anticipated by everyone. This event has become a Christmas tradition for area citizens who look forward to visiting the beautiful homes dressed for the Christmas season.

    Although it sometimes has been a struggle to keep the club house in top condition, the Forum ladies have followed the course to set by those in the beginning. They have been ready to raise funds when needed. This daunting task could not have been accomplished without the continued help of our community. The 80 year old building is forever in need of funds for its upkeep or repairs. Members of the Woman’s Forum are indebted to everyone that supports their efforts to keep this grand old lady in top form. We cherish the memories of its historic past, but look forward to a future that continues to serve the women of our city.