Location:
Dougherty County
1012 N Van Buren Street
Albany GA 31701
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 31° 34' 42.6252'' N
Longitude: 84° 9' 20.6676'' W
Historical Significance:
The Clubhouse was constructed in 1941 after the membership of the four women's clubs the women's federation outgrew their original clubhouse and parking. It had been a gift in 1925 by Mr. and Mrs. F. F. (Mary Ella) Putney. The sale provided $12,500 for the purchase of the new lot ($1,000), the house plans, construction, and equipment. The club's growth reflected the growth of Albany as the commercial and cultural center of Southwest Georgia, the increased participation of women in service and business organizations, and the availability of automobiles. The move from downtown reflected the national trend toward the suburbs, which some members objected to, calling it "a move to the country." The landscaping is typical of mid-20th century design with its open front yard, a scattering of trees near the street, and a variety of shrubs around the building. The Clubhouse is a cultural asset to the historic neighborhood in which it is located.
Historical Designations:
- State - County Historical Commission
- Local - City Landmark
Historic Marker:
- Marker Date: 1925 and 1941
- State of Marker Organization: Georgia
- Marker Organization: Clubhouse - local markers, property of the Clubhouse located inside.
- Marker Text:
An Expression of Appreciation / by the / Federated Clubs of Albany / of the generosity of / Mary Ella Putney / The Donor of this House / January 1925
Federated Women's Club House / Albany, Georgia / Erected 1941 / Board of Directors / Mrs. Whitfield Gunnels, Chairman / Albany Woman's Club / Miss Elizabeth Jordan, Sec'y / Pilot Club of Albany / Mrs. Clara Conroy, Treas. / Albany Business and Professional Women's Club / Mrs. H. S. Cobey / Thronateeska, D.A.R.
Funding:
Maintenance funding is provided by Thronateeska Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Albany Woman's Club, the remaining active clubs of the original four. Funds come from donations from club's membership, fundraisers, local grants, and clubhouse rentals.
Physical Condition:
- Property - Rehabilitate
Tourism:
- Open to Public: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Hours/Days: By appointment
- Admission Fees: None
- Lodging: No
Acknowledgement (What are the Daughters doing with the property today?):
The chapter holds regular monthly meetings in the clubhouse and regularly hosts joint meetings with other DAR chapters in the area. The clubhouse is also used for special projects/occasions by the chapter. Historic Rawson Circle Neighborhood, in which the clubhouse is located, recently chose it as the site of their 100th year birthday celebration with some DAR members in attendance.
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