Woman's Department Club of Shreveport

With Give for Good, The Woman's Department Club is launching the Restoration Campaign to raise funds for painting and repairs to bring the building back to its original beauty for its 100 Year Anniversary Celebration in 2019.

The Woman's Department Club supports, promotes and attempts to bring about an environment where all women regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age or physical condition will have equal opportunity.

The Woman's Department Club was initially established in 1919 by a group of ladies influenced by the Hypatia Literary Club. As a result, five departments evolved: literature, art, eduction, garden and music. Today we offer four departments: art, education, entertainment and home enhancement.

The WDC building at 802 Margaret Place was completed in 1925 with plans drawn by architect Clarence King. Through fundraisers and donations enough money was raised to pay all cost of construction in full. The structure is a chartered institution and the club is on the National Register of Historic Places.

During WWII, the women sold war bonds and bought two airplanes. They cut up their mink coats to make hats to keep the pilots warm.

Today, the WDC actively participates in several community based programs. For example, we recently adopted Creswell Elementary and are honoring the teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Throughout the year our members contribute to a food drive for local pantries. We have stuffed Christmas stockings and Easter baskets for Salvation Army and Providence House. In addition, our schedule features local artists and authors each month in our Gallery and Programs.

Testimonials

I love historic places and have a special connection to the Woman's Department Club having had my wedding reception here. It is a special place, the site of so many memorable events like Katherine Hepburn having performed and Eleanor Roosevelt having spoken.

Rick Rowe
KTBS

As Captain of the Krewe of Centaur, I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Woman's Department Club's Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch. Our King and Queen joined me, along with royalty of several area Krewes, in sharing information about our organizations. We also staged a Second Line Parade, tossing beads and encouraging everyone to join us. The Jazz band was awesome, decorations exquisite, food phenomenal, and the hospitality of the group exceptional. It was one of the highlights of my year as Captain.
Susan Shofner

I was so delighted when I was invited by the Woman's Department Club to be their guest "Artist of the Month". I had been looking for venues that might show my graphite portraits, but I wasn't expecting the red carpet treatment I received from this group of women! They opened the door for some overwhelming exposure with a lovely cocktail reception last week and are continuing to host my art through May 18. This venue is not only a historical landmark in the city of Shreveport; it's a gem of elegance from days past to be celebrated for generations to come. My mother would be proud to know the Club to which she once held membership was now so generously giving me an opportunity to become an established artist in our community. 
JANET MAINES | PORTRAITS
www.janetmaines.com
t.318.868.8391
Member Portrait Society of America

The Woman's Department Club is the perfect venue for a dinner. I recently had to host a dinner for my social organization with about 40 invitees. The Department Club's large dining room easily accommodated everyone. The spacious kitchen is adjacent to the dining room which made the caterer's job much easier. The club provides all the dinner ware, glasses and silverware. The atmosphere is second to none as the house is stately and elegant. I received lots of praise from the members of my group!
Greg Zerrahn