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Our History

"Celebrating their 124th anniversary, the Lockport Woman's Club has the distinction of longevity but also of quietly transforming its community. The Club was founded during the Progressive Era in American history, at the turn of the 20th century, when people founded associations that they believed would better society."

- Dennis H. Cremin, Ph.D., Professor of History, Lewis University


The Lockport Woman’s Club held its first meeting in October 1902. Its constitution set forth a clear purpose: to offer mutual sympathy and counsel, and to unite in improving ourselves, our homes, and the community in which we live. Club work was organized into four departments—Home, Education, Philanthropy, and Reform and Physical Culture. Annual dues were 25 cents. By 1907, membership had grown to 106 women, and dues increased to $1.


Founding of the Lockport Library

On October 27, 1921, Mrs. Anna Bruce, Chairman of the Library Committee, presented the idea of establishing a local library and outlined the steps already taken. Mrs. Bernice Frazer moved, and it was seconded, that a special meeting be held on November 18, 1921, to formally consider the proposal. At that meeting, members voted to pay $5 in rent to secure a space for the library. The Lockport Library officially opened on January 26, 1922.


A Legacy of Service

As the Lockport Woman’s Club entered its 13th decade, it continued its steadfast commitment to education, community engagement, and philanthropic service—values that have guided the club since its earliest days..


Documenting Our Story

With Charity For All… is a comprehensive history book chronicling the club’s remarkable journey from 1902 to 2022. This insightful volume is available at the Lockport Branch of the White Oak Library.


Organized

1902


Incorporated

September 2, 1919


Illinois Federation

1905


Eleventh District Federation

1909


General Federation

1923 


Club Color

Red and White


Club Motto - Traditional

"With malice toward none, with charity of all"


Club Emblem - Traditional

Toleration Justice Fidelity Fraternity Cooperation


Club Emblem - 21st Century

Proud Legacy ~ Promising Future

Empowering women through friendship and service



Volunteer Hands

Our Mission

 

The Lockport Woman’s Club is dedicated to inspiring lifelong learning, encouraging cultural and intellectual growth, and strengthening our community through education, philanthropy, and meaningful service.


LWC Officer, 23-24

Our 2025 - 2026 Officers

President
Kathy McDermott

1st Vice President
Christine Kosek

2nd Vice President
Josie Rivera

Recording Secretary
Gerri Eck
Corresponding Secretary
Cathy Brewer

Treasurer
Jane Vescovi

Assistant Treasurer
Corrine Koepel

Collage 2023

Our Community Service Projects

Education
Lockport Woman's Club continues its unwavering commitment to advancing educational programs, fostering community connections, and supporting philanthropic endeavors. Since October 2023, the LWC has collaborated with Lockport Township High School to introduce Sewing Initiatives for young adults at LTHS Career & Community Connection (CCC). LWC volunteers gather with adult students once a week to provide instruction in fundamental sewing skills and guide them in creating practical and useful items. In addition, on a weekly basis, LWC volunteers extend their support to LTHS students by imparting essential lessons in Financial Literacy Initiative, covering topics such as spending, saving, budgeting, and investing.

Community Food Distribution

In December 2024, the Lockport Woman's Club collaborated with the Lockport Rotary Club, donating $1,750.00 to support food distribution for families identified by social workers from local schools. LWC member volunteers, along with the Lockport Township High School Interact Club, participated in this initiative. In the spring of 2025, the Lockport Woman's Club distributed $80.00 gift cards from a local grocery store to assist 20 families in need.


Book Club

The Book Club has been a staple of the LWC. This year, the book club met on four occasions.

Goodwill

Birthdays, anniversaries, new babies and grandbabies, family losses, and illnesses, are dutifully remembered by the LWC Goodwill representatives who faithfully send cards, emails, and make phone calls.

Monthly Projects

At each meeting, cash and in-kind collections are taken to support the Lockport Food Pantry. Items are also collected for a recycling program sponsored by the Dragon Master Foundation in support of brain cancer research. At different times of the year, other collections are taken for specific needs, such as school supplies for children in SOS Children's Village or gift cards for Lockport Township High School’s graduation lock-in, Senior Late Night.

 

In addition to its own activities, the LWC provides regular financial support to other worthy local organizations in accordance with the LWC's mission statement.

Communications & Public Relations

The LWC, in addition to promoting the club and its events through Facebook and its websites, maintains separate websites and Facebook accounts for the Christmas Crossroads and Artisan Market @ Old Canal Days fundraisers. In 2022, a marketing specialist was also contracted to boost the visibility of these events.  In addition to these platforms, the members have represented and promoted the club through participation in community events, such as the Old Canal Days parade, Young Hearts for Life, Trunk or Treat, Wreaths Across America at Lincoln Cemetery, and Christmas in the Square.


Scholarship

Our Scholarships

 

The Lockport Woman's Club extends annual scholarships to our community, covering a range of educational pursuits. These scholarships encompass various categories, including support for high school students attending Summer Camp for the Arts, individuals pursuing a two-year program at a community college or vocational/technical/trade school, those seeking a four-year university education, and adult women who are returning to school and reside or work in Lockport. In addition, LWC Continuing Education Fund awards $1,000 to one member from each graduating class for their sophomore, junior, and senior college year.

In the year 2024-25, the Lockport Woman's Club distributed a generous sum of over $38,000 in scholarship funds. The financial resources for these scholarships are obtained through the Lockport Woman's Club's fundraising endeavors.

To obtain essential information regarding the LWC Scholarship, such as eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the application process, please refer to our Scholarships Page.

Lockport Sign

Our Community


Lockport is a city in Will County, Illinois, United States, located 30 miles southwest of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 26,094. The city was incorporated in 1853. It is situated along the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal, and was the headquarters of the canal when the canal was operating. A section of the canal runs through Lockport, including the remains of the canal's Lock No. 1 from which the town received its name. The canal right-of-way is now the Illinois and Michigan National Heritage Corridor.

Downtown Lockport contains four museums, all within walking distance of one another, as well as other historic places: Gaylord Building, Illinois and Michigan Canal Museum, The Lockport Gallery, The Gladys Fox Museum and Lincoln LandingWikipedia