Punta Gorda Woman’s Club c.1926:

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Judge William Fenmore Cooper of Cook County, Illinois, generously donated the land that enabled the Punta Gorda Woman's Club to construct this building in 1926. The architectural features—including the Spanish mission-style parapet, refined tiled loggia, and triple-arch entrance—exhibit a clear resemblance to the design of the Punta Gorda Train Depot; both structures were erected within a few years of each other. Precursors to the Federated Woman's Club of Punta Gorda (established in 1925) included the Fortnightly Literary Society (1896), the Married Ladies Social Club, and the Women's Civic Improvement Association (1911).

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For over three decades, this location served as the Punta Gorda Library. During World War II, the facility operated as a USO center and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A beautiful "Hidden Garden" on the building's north side was developed and is maintained by the Punta Gorda Garden Club.

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In 2000, the Punta Gorda Woman's Club transferred ownership of the property to the Punta Gorda Historical Society. Following the change of ownership, the Punta Gorda Historical Society has been responsible for maintaining and preserving the building. Since 2022, three major hurricanes have severely impacted the building. Hurricane Ian badly damaged the roof, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought in unprecedented flooding in the Fall of 2024. The building has a sturdy new metal roof, and much-needed upgrades have been made to the interior. A small core group of volunteers worked tirelessly to restore the hardwood floor in the main room and to provide much-needed improvements throughout the building. Three local companies provided the electrical, air-conditioning and plumbing upgrades. The Punta Gorda Woman’s Club Building will celebrate its 100th birthday in 1927, and the pride in ownership by the Punta Gorda Historical Society is reflected in how it looks today.

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