Our Story
More Than 100 Years of Women Making a Difference
The Woman’s Club of Clayton has been part of the Clayton community since 1918, when 18 local mothers gathered at the home of Mrs. I.D. Hinson to form the Twentieth Century Mother’s Club. Two years later, the organization became The Woman’s Club of Clayton and joined the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs.
From the beginning, our members believed that women working together could make a meaningful difference. Their early efforts focused on schools, children, civic improvement, education, culture, and the welfare of their community.
A Clubhouse with a Story
As membership grew, so did the dream of having a clubhouse. In the 1920s, the Club purchased an old school building, moved it to its present location, and transformed it using plans by noted North Carolina architect Douglas Ellington.
Today, that historic clubhouse remains an important part of the Club’s identity. Originally erected in 1904, the building was moved to its current location in 1923 and was placed on the North Carolina State Historic Register in 2013.
A Tradition of Service
For more than a century, Woman’s Club members have responded to the needs of their community.
Over the years, members have:
- Helped establish and support the local library
- Created scholarship funds to help young people pursue higher education
- Supported schools and literacy programs
- Provided food, clothing, and assistance to families in need
- Supported veterans, seniors, children, and families
- Raised funds for local nonprofits and community projects
- Volunteered thousands of hours throughout Johnston County
- Partnered with other civic organizations to address community needs
During the Great Depression and World War II, members provided food, supplies, and assistance to families and servicemen. In later decades, their projects expanded to include organizations such as Harbor House, Backpack Buddies, Christmas Kids, House of Hope, Friends of the Library, and many others.
A Century of Giving Back
In 2018, the Club celebrated its 100th anniversary—a milestone that reflected a century of friendship, service, and commitment to Clayton.
The tradition of giving has continued. In 2021–2022, the Club donated more than $37,000 to organizations throughout Johnston County, the largest amount of charitable giving in the Club’s 104-year history at that time.
In 2023, members completed 92 projects, volunteered more than 8,400 hours, and contributed more than $16,000 in donations. Fundraising and in-kind contributions brought the Club’s total community support to more than $79,000 that year.
Recent years have brought even more accomplishments. The Club raised more than $27,000 through Taste of Carolina in 2024 and more than $35,000 in 2025. In 2025, The Woman’s Club of Clayton was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by Johnston Now Magazine.
Looking Ahead
Today, The Woman’s Club of Clayton continues the work begun by those 18 women in 1918.
In 2026, the Club awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, supported community improvements, contributed $6,000 to Isaiah 117 House, funded benches throughout Clayton, and continued providing financial support to local nonprofit organizations.
More than a century later, our purpose remains remarkably simple:
Women coming together.
Neighbors helping neighbors.
A community growing stronger.
That is the legacy of The Woman’s Club of Clayton – and a tradition we are proud to carry forward.
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