A century of community and women’s empowerment in San Luis Obispo

Founded in 1924, the San Luis Obispo Monday Club celebrates 100 years of history, service and community impact. Since its founding, this civic organization has been dedicated to promoting civic engagement, education, and the arts; all housed in its iconic building designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan.

In 1924, Calvin Coolidge was president, silent films dominated entertainment, and a carton of eggs cost about ten cents. Against this backdrop, a group of determined women in San Luis Obispo founded Monday Club to create a space that empowers women and encourages civic engagement.

The club’s mission has always been based on the belief that communities thrive when individuals come together for a common purpose. Current president Dawn Turner emphasized the continuing importance of this legacy.

“Whether it’s providing books to children without access, supporting the Lumina Alliance, or hosting our annual Fine Arts Awards for 64 years, we are committed to making a meaningful impact,” Turner said.

The club’s name reflects the day of the week when members first met, at a time when opportunities for women to organize were limited. Completed in 1934, the club’s California Mission-style building was one of Julia Morgan’s final projects. Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect, brought her vision to life by focusing on creating supportive spaces for women, despite facing significant health challenges.

Documentary filmmaker Robin Smith, who chronicled the history of the Monday Club, noted Morgan’s determination: “Julia asked ‘what does this building need to do to support women?’ “He had a really great idea about it.” Of the more than 700 buildings he designed, 30 were specifically for women’s clubs. In 2016, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Monday Club has approximately 115 active members, including professionals from diverse backgrounds such as retired educators, architects, lawyers, accountants, business leaders and nurses. New members pay a $50 initiation fee and $150 annual dues.

The club’s programs continue to highlight educational and cultural opportunities in the district. Turner emphasizes that the work of members actively working to uplift women and children remains as important as it was in 1924.

Mary Qualls, a long-time member and president of the Fine Arts Awards, reflected on the club’s impact.

“Our programs align with our original mission to improve life in San Luis Obispo through civic engagement, education and culture. The Fine Arts Awards tick all those boxes,” said Qualls.

The club’s centennial celebration featured a 1920s-themed gala, complete with vintage clothing, live jazz and Charleston dance lessons. The event also premiered Smith’s documentary charting the development of the club. Members brought the Roaring Twenties to life by wearing period costumes and paid tribute to the club’s deep-rooted history.

Member and physician Brooke Meek shared her pride in the club’s legacy, recalling her career as an emergency room nurse and her experience practicing medicine at Hearst Castle.

“I graduated in 1980. Back then, when the doctor entered the room, I had to stand up and leave my seat. Not so long ago, women were not highly valued. Now, as a doctor, I said to the club president: ‘I want to give tours wearing 1920s and 1930s clothes so visitors can feel what it was like.’”

Looking to the future, the Monday Club faces the challenge of preserving its historic building, which requires ongoing management. Turner notes: “Any organization that remains vital for 100 years is important. This beautiful building founded and maintained by women, coupled with a wonderful group of like-minded women, is something to be treasured. Friends often ask, ‘Who owns the building?’ he asks. ‘We’re doing it’ I say. This is our non-profit organization. We are doing it.”

An equivalent donation from the Miossi Charitable Trust supported the club’s efforts, doubling individual donations for building preservation. As the Monday Club enters its second century, members are keen to expand its programs and encourage younger generations to join.

For more information about Monday Club, its initiatives or how to become a member, visit themondayclubslo.org.