WELCOME
The Napa Women’s Club (NWC) is a family of organizations committed to the empowerment of women and to the development of strong local communities. The First Edition, Evening Edition and Executive Board are distinctly woven club entities that generally meet and operate independently; they collaborate on mutual benefit endeavors and assets management.
The First Edition is steeped in the historic functions and traditional values of the club. The membership meets monthly around a luncheon format for women with mid-day schedule flexibility.
The Evening Edition is progressive and contemporary in adapting club values to modern-day living. The membership meets monthly around a potluck/dinner format for women with evening schedule availability.
The Executive Board provides governance and operational oversight for the clubhouse, website and other mutual benefit assets. The board meets monthly at the clubhouse.
Women visitors who are interested in joining the Napa Women’s Club are the pipeline of the organization for sustainability and growth; bringing renewed potential, life, energy and resources to advance the club’s strategic pursuits of community service engagement and charitable endeavors.
Business leaders, community partners and the general public are invited to support women empowerment initiatives, to help advance community strengthening efforts and/or to rent the Clubhouse for community functions and special events.
TIMELINE: CLUB ORIGINS AND CLUBHOUSE
1875
The building that would later become the Napa Women’s Club Clubhouse was originally constructed as a one-room schoolhouse. It was later expanded into a three-room educational facility and today stands as a classic and historic Craftsman-style structure in the City of Napa.
1887
The Friday Afternoon Club was established, considered one of the early precursors to the Napa Women’s Club.
1901
The schoolhouse was formally expanded into a three-room facility known as South Primary School and Franklin Primary School.
1912
The Madrone Social and Improvement Club was formed, another precursor to the Napa Women’s Club. Initially focused on promoting better roads, the group quickly broadened its mission to include charitable efforts such as supporting those with leprosy and tuberculosis, making bandages for the Red Cross, and assisting with cancer prevention initiatives.
1913
On November 8, the Club was officially federated by the State of California.
1930s
After serving as a school, the building was repurposed as a house of worship. Over the years, it also hosted a preschool, music school, and children’s theater group.
1935
On April 2, the Madrone Social and Improvement Club voted to hold meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month—a tradition that continues today.
1948
The Napa Women’s Club formally incorporated with the California Secretary of State and purchased the Clubhouse. Since then, the Club has retained sole ownership of the building, which has remained a hub for meetings, social gatherings, community engagement, and collaborative pursuits. At the time, meetings were held during the day.
2003
The Napa Register published an article noting the decline of daytime membership. In response, member Kathleen Dressen Reynolds organized a new group of civic- and service-minded women, launching the “Evening Edition” of the Napa Women’s Club. This chapter continues to meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month and now has more than 40 members. The original “First Edition” daytime group still meets on the second Tuesday of each month for luncheon-style gatherings.
2003–2006
The Clubhouse underwent extensive remodeling. In 2006, it received an Award of Merit from Napa County Landmarks for preservation and restoration efforts.
2025
On May 27, the City of Napa recognized the Napa Women’s Club with a certificate commemorating its 75th anniversary (delayed from 2023 due to COVID-19). Local dignitaries presented the certificate during a celebratory event at the Clubhouse.
