The Louisiana Exposition of 1904, often called the Saint Louis World's Fair of 1904, inspired the creation of The Saint Louis Woman's Club in 1903. The Exposition's Directors wanted a venue that would provide gracious hospitality to the wives of the heads of state and royalty from all over the world while visiting Saint Louis.

Mrs. James L. Blair, Mrs. William Hardaway and Mrs. Julius Walsh called a meeting with 13 other wives whose husbands were the Fair's planners, to consider the feasibility of establishing a woman's club in St. Louis. Meeting in April 1903, this group subsequently submitted lists of nominees for the charter membership of 100. Mrs. Blair became the first president of the newly formed Saint Louis Woman's Club, while also serving as president of the Fair's Board of Lady Managers. Mrs. Blair combined her interest as president of the Morning Music Choral, a group needing rooms for performance, to include a performance hall and ballroom in the plan for The Club.

The women who signed the original Articles of Agreement, filed with the state of Missouri in 1903, were as follows: Apolline M. Blair, Jane Perry Francis, Josie D. Walsh, Lucy Page Hardaway, Lucy Hall Hodgman, Julia Lewis Knapp, Adelaide W. Barnett, E. A. W. Clymer, Mary H. Gregg, Agnes B. Houser, Mildred Wear Kotany, Jane Mallinckrodt, Adele S. Morrison, Hennie Johnson Niedringhaus, Julia Semple Scott, Florence P. Thornburgh, Mary G. VanBlarcom, Louise K.M. Whitmore, Emma C. Copelin, Martha Ellis Fischel, Mary Jewett Wilson, Mary W. Foster, Mary H.L. Shields, May S. Little, Laura S. Harrison, Mina W. Shapleigh, Sue McClure Clark, Anita Glasgow O'Fallon, and Mary E. Perry.

The home of Augustus Frederick Shapleigh at 3611 Washington, next to the very fashionable Vandeventer Place in what is now called Grand Center, became the first Clubhouse. In 1912, The Saint Louis Woman's Club moved to its present location, 4600 Lindell Boulevard, built by William R. Donaldson in 1985. In 1912, the members added a new dining room, ballroom, grand staircase, elevator and kitchen.

In the current membership, personal growth and friendship are the goals of all events. Many stimulating programs are held at The Club, where members can enjoy the ambience of the historic Clubhouse and excellent cuisine. Excursions to explore art, architecture, dance or music are not uncommon. Traditions such as trimming the house at Christmas, candlelight dinners, holiday parties, dinner dances and theme parties encourage camaraderie and fun. In addition to the card club and the book club, committees diligently plan programs, create floral arrangements, organize fashion shows, and lovingly maintain our elegant home. 

Now in our second century, The Club serves women well as a classroom, dining room, meeting place, theater, ballroom and center of family and social activity. A tour of our beautiful Clubhouse reveals the love, generosity, integrity, wisdom, and vision of past generations, as well as the true spirit of Saint Louis.