We and Our Neighbors Clubhouse

We and Our Neighbors Clubhouse is a historic building located in the Cambrian area of San Jose, California. The Clubhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1978. The Clubhouse is historically significant due to its role in shaping the civic and cultural life of the San Jose community. Established in 1892, it stands among the oldest General Federation of Women's Clubs within the Loma Prieta District, encompassing Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.

History


In January of 1910, builder C.H. Wheeler secured the contract for $2,650 to build the Clubhouse. He began work in February 1910, and the Clubhouse was completed in June of 1910. The We and Our Neighbors Club stands as one of the five most longstanding organizations within the California Federation of Women's Clubs. The club's records can be accessed within the California Federation of Women's Clubs archives, spanning from 1892 to 1997.

The We and Our Neighbors Club began in June 1892 when a group of farmers' wives from the Union School District met for an afternoon tea at Ann Jane Cilker's home. The first official meeting took place at the Clubhouse on May 27, 1910, witnessing a significant turnout of Club members and community friends. Founded to foster social engagement within the community, the organization remains active and conducts regular monthly meetings at the Clubhouse. At present, six descendants of the charter members actively participate as members of the Club. The Clubhouse served as the central hub for social gatherings within the district, hosting annual Christmas and New Year's celebrations, as well as Harvest dinners in November, engaging the entire community. Fundraising events like parties and dances were organized to support causes such as the Red Cross, the Belgium Relief Fund, and various other charitable endeavors.

Amidst the Spanish-American War, club members contributed by dispatching books to troops stationed in the Philippines. Additionally, they gathered eggs, dried fruit, bandages, and reading materials for veterans receiving care in hospitals. In the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, club members contributed by providing food, bandages, clothing, and blankets. Additionally, they actively engaged in various other community initiatives and projects. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Clubhouse used a portion of the dining room as a branch of the San Jose County Library.

The land where the building stands was a segment of a 160 acre farm positioned at the intersection of Union Avenue and the Los Gatos-Almaden Road. This property has a rectangular shape, measuring 105 ft by one hundred 50 ft. The We and Our Neighbors Clubhouse was constructed on 0.333 acre of land provided by charter member and property owner Sophia La Montagne for one gold dollar. The funds used to erect the Clubhouse were donated by the Club's first president, Maria Schofield, who served in that role from 1892 until 1921.

Design


The We and Our Neighbors clubhouse, a one-story shingle cottage featuring American Craftsman-style elements, was constructed using redwood with redwood siding. Dedicated in May of 1910, it was built for hosting club meetings and community gatherings with the Union District. The structure measures 65 ft by 40 ft wide. Inside there's an entrance hall and ladies' room, both measuring 10 ft by 10 ft. The entrance hall leads to a parlor, a 20 ft by 22 ft, with a rock fireplace. Along the south side of this room, there are five windows, each with a custom-made window bench. The dining room, connected to the western side of the assembly room, spans 12 ft by 30 ft. It features five windows on the west side, complemented by built-in window seats underneath. Next to the dining room lies the kitchen, measuring 12 ft by 10 ft feet. The kitchen comprises two windows, cupboards flanking either side with a sink below, a stove chimney, an exterior door, and an entrance to the stage. The Club House has undergone minimal alterations, primarily focused on maintaining and modernizing the kitchen and ladies' room. Gas has been replaced by electricity, while gas floor furnaces have been introduced for heating purposes. In response to fire department recommendations, a fire door has been installed in the assembly room, and the folding doors have been removed to enhance safety measures.

Historically significant
The We and Our Neighbors clubhouse holds historical significance for the period 1900 to 1910, and in the realm of social history due to its role in molding the civic and cultural life of the San Jose community. Established in 1892, it stands as being the oldest club within the Loma Prieta District, encompassing Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. It is also one of the oldest General Federation of Women's Clubs. The clubhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1978.