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7.B. - Page 28 of 54 William Kostura, Historic Resource Evaluation of the Redwood City Woman Club The Redwood City Woman's Club is has been in continuous existence since 1909 and has occupied this building since 1911. This is a very long history compared to other women's clubs in the state and is unrivaled in its longevity in Redwood City. Today only one other women's club survives from Redwood City's early years; of the two, the Redwood City Woman's Club is the only one to have built and owned its own clubhouse. Besides longevity, the Club represents a time when women in California were organizing among themselves to a far greater degree than ever before, and establishing a social life independent of their husbands. The Club had a wide array of programming, one that greatly expanded the social activities that were available to its members compared to what had been available during the 19th century. The only buildings in Redwood City that represent this history are the Redwood City Woman's Club, the Odd Fellows Hall, and Foresters' Hall. Of the three, the Redwood City Woman's Club is by far the best example because it was built and solely occupied by a women's group, whereas the other two buildings were occupied mainly by men's organizations. For these reasons, the subject building appears to be eligible for the California Register at the local level under Criterion 1, for its history as a women's club. If a historical context on women's club buildings in California is developed, the subject building would very likely possess significance at the state level as well. The Period of Significance is difficult to state because the a history of the club's later history has not been studied. It should be at least from 1911, when the building was built, to 1949, when the membership reached nearly 300. Evaluation under Criterion 2 of the California Register: Resources that are associated with the lives of persons important to local, California, or national history. Many women contributed to the founding of the club, to raising money for the construction of the club building, and to organizing the club's activities, especially during its early years. It is not clear that these women were otherwise prominent in Redwood City's history. However, in regard to this club, they were dynamic. The same could be said for the founders of many social organizations in Redwood City. The founders of the Redwood City Woman's Club, however, have special historical significance because of the importance of this club in Redwood City's history, especially its women's history. Two women were especially important: Mrs. C. E. Cumberson and Aileen Finkler. Whether Mrs. Cumberson's residence still stands is unknown, but Aileen Finkler's does not. At any rate, the subject building is the building where the club activities for which they are notable occurred. Thus, it appears to be eligible for the 21 536