East Whittier Woman’s Improvement Club honored by Hahn during Women’s History Month
Photo courtesy office of Janice Hahn
WHITTIER – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn on Tuesday honored the East Whittier Woman’s Improvement Club in recognition of Women’s History Month and the organization’s 125th anniversary.
Founded in 1901, the club is dedicated to community improvement and the preservation of local history. It is believed to be the oldest women’s club in Los Angeles County east of Los Angeles.
“The story of the East Whittier Woman’s Improvement Club is women’s history,” Hahn said. “At a time when women did not yet have the right to vote, when their voices were too often left out of public life, a group of determined women in Whittier came together with a vision to improve their community, to create opportunity, and to build something lasting.”
Over the past century, the club has played a key role in preserving local landmarks. Among its accomplishments is the preservation of its own clubhouse, which originally served as a pump station for the East Whittier Land and Water Company before being acquired by the club in 1908. The building now functions as both the organization’s headquarters and a community event venue.
Club members were also instrumental in the restoration of the Pio Pico Adobe in Whittier, the former home of California Gov. Pío Pico before and during the Mexican-American War.
Hahn was joined at the presentation by current club president Jan Daigneault, incoming president Mary Pat Killian, and past president Sylvia Foltz, who at 99 remains an active member, along with other members of the organization.
“Women started in 1901 saying, ‘You know, the men have a club—called the pub. And we need a club to learn about current events, improve our arts, and have some place for the community to gather and be women and be leaders in our community,’” Daigneault said. “Since 1901, our mission has remained the same: to foster friendship, support our community, and preserve this special place for future generations of women.”
Foltz reflected on her decades with the organization.
“It’s been a joy to be a member of the East Whittier Woman’s Club,” she said. “I first joined the club in 1951 when we had a junior group, and it’s just been a big part of my life.”