AWC FOUNDED
With a legacy rooted in 1895, The Atlanta Woman’s Club stands as one of the city’s most enduring women-led nonprofits–a testament to over a century of unwavering service and impact.
The story of the Atlanta Woman’s Club began in the autumn of 1895, amid the energy of the Cotton States Exposition in Piedmont Park. Inspired by a landmark gathering of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, our visionary founder, Mrs. Rebecca Douglas Lowe, saw an opportunity to unite the women of Atlanta for a higher purpose. That November, she opened her home to a group of trailblazing women, sparking a movement of service and leadership that has defined our city’s civic landscape for over 130 years.
Though our journey through the heart of Atlanta began in the parlor of Mrs. Lowe’s home, as our influence grew, so did our footprint. From the cultural halls of the McGhee Opera House to our 1910 acquisition of the historic Christian Science building on West Baker Street, the Club has always been a steward of the city’s landmarks. In a true act of preservation, our early members worked tirelessly to restore the West Baker colonial home, creating a sanctuary for service that remained our headquarters until we transitioned to our permanent home in 1920, the The Wimbish House.
For over a century, the Atlanta Woman’s Club has served as a silent architect of the city’s progress. Our influence is perhaps best captured by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who noted in A Light on Peachtree that Atlanta’s trajectory would be unrecognizable without our intervention. From pioneering the advocacy that sparked the inception of the Atlanta Airport to funding critical civic infrastructure, our history is not just a record of meetings, but a blueprint of the modern South.
Between 1900 and 1920, the AWC set the standard for visionary leadership in Georgia. Our charter members didn’t just advocate for change–they funded and founded it. From education to infrastructure, the following milestones represent the enduring impact of the AWC in the dawn of the 20th century:
A FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION // AWC provided both financial backing and legislative advocacy to integrate kindergarten into Atlanta’s public school system—setting a precedent for early childhood education across the city.
BRINGING BOOKS BEYOND CITY LIMITS // In partnership with the Southern Railway Company, AWC helped deliver a traveling lending library to rural communities, extending access to education and literacy far beyond Atlanta’s borders.
EDUCATING GENERATIONS IN APPALACHIA // Founded by AWC in 1909, Tallulah Falls School brought transformative educational opportunities to Appalachian children. The Club proudly continues its support of the school today.
CULTIVATING THE ARTS IN ATLANTA // Housed in the historic Wimbish House, AWC established Atlanta’s first art gallery—introducing fine art as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity.
SUPPORTING FARMERS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY // Now known as Atlanta’s Municipal Market, this enduring institution was created to connect local farmers with urban residents. Nearly 75 years later, it remains a beloved and thriving part of the city.
ELEVATING PERFORMANCE AND CULTURE // AWC spearheaded the creation of a technically advanced, acoustically superior auditorium that hosted operas, plays, concerts, and recitals—significantly enriching Atlanta’s cultural life for decades before the Woodruff Arts Center was built.
BEAUTIFYING A GROWING CITY // The Club led the planting of 1,000 flowering peach trees along Peachtree Street, stretching from the Wimbish House at 14th Street to Oglethorpe University—an enduring symbol of civic pride and beauty.
HONORING CIVIC LEADERSHIP // Located in Piedmont Park, this living memorial honors every mayor of Atlanta. The grove still stands today, offering both shade and reflection to park visitors.
LAUNCHING ATLANTA FORWARDS // AWC played a pivotal role in planning and developing Atlanta’s first airport—now Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest in the world. Regular air service began at Candler Field in May 1928, cementing Atlanta’s future as a global transportation hub.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT // While long recognized as a center of civic and social life, AWC’s true legacy lies in its members’ unwavering commitment to improving lives—locally and globally—through vision, service, and lasting impact.
The Wimbish House—affectionately known as the “Old Lady of Peachtree”—stands as the proud headquarters of the Atlanta Woman’s Club and one of Midtown’s most treasured landmarks. Designated at the national, state, and city levels, this historic mansion is admired throughout Georgia for its architectural distinction and enduring legacy. Within its storied walls, the Club hosts monthly membership and executive meetings, as well as an array of signature events that celebrate community, culture, and connection.
Beyond serving as a clubhouse, the Wimbish House offers an extraordinary setting for life’s most meaningful occasions. Its elegant interiors and historic charm provide a remarkable backdrop for weddings, bridal showers, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations. A significant portion of all rental proceeds directly supports the charitable initiatives of the Atlanta Woman’s Club, ensuring that every event held here contributes to the betterment of the community.
Commissioned in 1906 by prominent Atlanta attorney William A. Wimbish and his wife, Susie Lenora Wimbish (née Dickinson), the home was conceived as a residence worthy of their social standing. The vision for the house originated with Mrs. Wimbish, inspired by the château-style homes she encountered in southern France shortly after the couple’s marriage. To bring this vision to life, Mr. Wimbish enlisted the talents of architect Walter T. Downing, then a rising star who had gained acclaim for winning the design competition for the Fine Arts Building at the 1895 International Cotton States Exhibition in what is now Piedmont Park.
An eclectic and accomplished architect, Downing was known for his mastery of Romanesque, Gothic, Tudor, Renaissance Revival, Italian, and French styles. His notable works include buildings across college and university campuses such as Georgia Tech, Oglethorpe, and Shorter University; iconic Atlanta landmarks like the Healey Building; numerous historic churches and the Cherokee Town and Country Club.
The Wimbish House is one of the last remaining residences from Atlanta’s once-fashionable “Mansion Row” along Peachtree Street. The Wimbish family lived in the home until 1919, when it was purchased by the women of the Atlanta Woman’s Club for $47,500. The Club held its first meeting in the house in February 1920. Among its distinguished guests during the Roaring Twenties was Harry Houdini, who appeared in March 1924 as both magician and lecturer.
Today, this beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion stands in striking contrast to Midtown’s modern skyline of corporate towers, luxury hotels, acclaimed restaurants, and cultural arts destinations. Nestled at the intersection of 14th Street and Peachtree Street, the Wimbish House remains a rare and elegant reminder of Atlanta life at the turn of the twentieth century—offering a magical, timeless setting for unforgettable moments.