The second oldest Federated Women’s Club in Tennessee, the Chilhowee Club was founded in 1891 by six women connected with Maryville College. In 1894, ladies from another area of Maryville organized the Tuesday Club. The two clubs united in 1939 under the Chilhowee Club name. This is why, even today, the Chilhowee Cub meets on a Tuesday.
In 1931, before the two clubs joined, they collaborated on efforts to open Blount County’s first public library in Maryville. Over the years, club members have supported many community initiatives including the Blount County Library, Clayton Center for the Arts and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Chilhowee and Jr. Chilhowee members worked collaboratively with others to open Haven House, a safe haven for victims of domestic violence in need of transitional housing.
Susan Cooper Wallace (builder of Morningside in the Woods, now RT Lodge) donated three lots on the corner of Cates and Elm (changed to Clarion). Here is where the Clubhouse was completed in 1940 and is considered an architectural treasure. It is a charming venue that offers a piano and sound system and is now used for multiple types of events such as banquets or as a stage for performing arts.