Chilhowee Club

Chilhowee Club was founded in 1891, making us the second oldest Federated women's club in the state. Our club services the Blount County community. OUR SERVICES HAVE TOUCHED THOUSANDS OF LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR 120 YEARS! Our history is filled with notable contributions to our community and state. Chilhowee Club was founded in 1891 by six women, all of whom were connected with Maryville College. It is the second oldest Federated Women's Club in Tennessee. In 1894, six ladies from another area of Maryville, organized the Tuesday Club. On May 6, 1939, the two clubs united taking the name Chilhowee Club. The Chilhowee Club has always continued to meet on a Tuesday. The Clubhouse was completed in 1940, and is considered an architectural treasure. In 1931, before the two clubs joined, they collaborated efforts to open the first public library in Maryville. Club members have since led the campaign to build our current Blount Co. Public Library. Club members were activists in stimulating civic and funding support for the Clayton Center for the Arts, and are major contributors to the development of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. The Club donated a hand-sewn quilt to display there showing the Smoky Mountain wild flowers. Junior Chilhowee Club members were collaborative members of Haven House, a safe haven for victims of domestic violence in need of transitional housing.