A Legacy of Education and Advocacy
The Woman’s Reading Club of Stillwater, Minnesota, was founded in 1886, with its initial meeting hosted by Helen McCluer, who was elected its first president. McCluer would go on to serve in this role for 46 years, shaping the club’s direction and success. Though originally centered on literature and intellectual discussions, the club quickly became a significant force in the community, blending education with civic action.
One of the club’s most notable contributions to Stillwater was its instrumental role in establishing the town’s free public library. The Woman’s Reading Club passionately advocated for a space where education could be accessible to all residents, helping to ensure the library would be a valuable community resource for generations.
Beyond reading and education, the club also became a supporter of women’s suffrage in Minnesota. While meetings held at members’ homes were not places for formal political action, many club members became active in the suffrage movement, attending rallies and advocating for women’s right to vote. Their involvement helped build the momentum that led to Minnesota becoming the 15th state to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1919. The amendment, which granted women the right to vote, was ratified nationwide in 1920, marking a historic victory in the fight for gender equality.
The Woman’s Reading Club continued to thrive over the years, maintaining its role as a pillar of civic engagement and intellectual discourse. In 2018, the club celebrated its 132nd year and was featured in an article in the Pioneer Press, calling for new members to carry on its mission. Today, the Woman’s Reading Club is still holding meetings on the first Monday of each month at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stillwater.
Picture of Helen McCluer is a photograph of an undated newspaper clipping found in the Helen McClure file in the library’s St. Croix Collection Room.