Coral Gables Woman's Club

Material Information

Scope and Content:: Coral Gables Woman's Club, constructed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration, the building was designed by H. George Fink and William Merriam. President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration, often known as the WPA, during the Great Depression of 1929 to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The clubhouse was built of oolitic limestone donated by the city on an entire block of land also donated by the city. Artisans working for the WPA created relief carvings featuring fish, birds, and animals. They also painted the interior murals in one of the two grand halls. The Coral Gables library, founded by the club, moved with its members to the new building. Originally, the members met in the cathedral room of the Douglas entrance in space provided by George Merrick, developer of Coral Gables. The Coral Gables Women's Club was established in 1923 and is part of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs and the General Federation of Women's Clubs. It's located at 1001 East Ponce De Leon Boulevard.
General Note:: Audio from the Coral Gables Virtual Tour describing the history of the Coral Gables Woman's Club.