The Excelsior Club

In the late 1800's, women had limited opportunities to advance their education. That was the case with eleven women in E. St. Louis who met on January 29, 1885 to form a cultural literary club. Their purpose was not only to increase their knowledge, but also to bring service and culture to the community. The name, The Excelsior Club, came from a word on a beautiful leather-bound book that held the first recorded minutes. It is the oldest woman's literary club in the state of Illinois still holding regular meetings.

The Club grew to 20 members and has remained that number for over 100 years. The monthly meetings included readings of original poetry, study of famous artists, instrumental and vocal music, drama performances, book reviews, and other literary efforts. Parties and lavish events also highlighted the club's early history.

In addition to advancing their own knowledge, the group has a long history of community service. Early on, it formed an Art Society, which donated prints of famous artworks to the schools. It is responsible for the purchase and planting of the first public park in East St. Louis at Pennsylvania Avenue and Washington Place. The Club assisted the Longfellow Society, and the Visiting Nurses Association. These women actively participated in the "right of women to vote" campaigns and from the recorded minutes dated November 7, 1916: "On election day November 7, we cast our first votes for the president of the United States, and then met for our monthly meeting."

Knitting and sending Christmas boxes to soldiers, and their adoption of a Belgian war orphan during World War I showed their patriotic spirit. During World War II, they sold War Bonds, and supported the USO. They also shared their Thanksgiving dinner, and the hospitality of their homes to the men from Scott Air Force Base.

Perhaps the most notable accomplishment was the formation of the Junior Service Club. The accomplishments of this Club have far succeeded the highest expectations of the ladies who, in 1927, conceived the idea of a service club for young women.

Today's members of The Excelsior Club continue to uphold the traditions that were established so many years ago. Most meetings are held in a member's home. Each member presents a literary program, though most are not original works. The bond of friendship is very close in this small group as they try to "hold high the torch that was handed to them."