Club History
October 1921
Soroptimist International was founded in Oakland, California and is the world’s largest classified service organization for professional and business women. Violet Richardson Ward was the founding President – a physical education teacher and coach at U.C. Berkeley who fought for parity for women educators. Soon after the founding of that first club, several other clubs were formed in California – San Francisco in 1922, Los Angeles 1922, Sacramento in 1923, Long Beach in 1924, San Jose in 1924 and in 1928 Stockton, and Berkeley. The San Jose Club chartered the Watsonville Club, the 28th club in the Federation. Clubs were formed in England, Scotland, France, Italy and Holland.
November 3, 1928
Watsonville’s official chartering was held during an exquisite dinner party at the Resetar Hotel. A total of 28 charter members were inducted and Pearl McFarlane was installed as Charter President. Lorraine Scott, for whom our largest scholarship is named, served that year as Corresponding Secretary. She served as Club President in 1940.
January 1929
The Club’s first Bulletin, President Pearl congratulated the members who had decorated and lighted the city plaza fountain for the holidays under the leadership of First Vice President Edith Stanovich.
1930’s
Soroptimists helped finance a rescue truck for the fire department and started the youth scholarship tradition that was financed by the annual barn dance. The club established a friendship link with the Hamilton, Scotland club in 1932.
Soroptimist International of Watsonville
invites you to network with other business and professional women in our community!
Club Meetings are on Mondays at 12:15 pm
Valley Heights
925 Freedom Blvd.
Watsonville, CA 95076