About

What is Chilhowee Club?

Founded in 1891, Chilhowee Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), and international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

With more than 60,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries, GFWC's Chilhowee Club is part of this strong network of nonprofit service organizations. Members work to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding here in Blount County.

Under the umbrella of GFWC, Chilhowee Club is a member of the Smoky Mountain District (SMD), in the Tennessee Federation of Women's Clubs (TFWC), within the Southeast Region (SER).

Our Mission is to stimulate mental growth, moral development, and interest in community service activities; and to strengthen individual efforts through the organization.

The Club shall be a member of the Tennessee Federation of Women's Clubs and the General Federation of Women's Club.

Our History

The Chilhowee Club has a strong history of notable contributions to our community and state. The second oldest federated women's club in Tennessee, 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 Club meets on a Tuesday. Meetings are held at the Chilhowee Clubhouse located on Clarion Avenue in Maryville's historic College Hill neighborhood. The Clubhouse and property were gifted to the club by Susan Cooper Walker (who also built Morningside, now RT Lodge, on Maryville College campus). The first meeting was held in the clubhouse on February 7, 1940.

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 Public 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.

2025 Board of Directors & Chairs

Executive Board

Co-Presidents

Cynthia Spilter & Nancy Noël

VP Membership

Debbie Henry

Co-Treasurers

Amy Conroy & Pam McNealy

Recording Secretary

Beth Lazar

Corresponding Secretary

Diane Pezick

Parliamentarian

Susan Bihl

Immediate Past Co-Presidents

Sharon Anglim & Susan Bihl

Committee Chairs

Education & Libraries

Susan Bihl

Poetry

Kathy Reiss

One Book Blitz

Barbara Jenkins

Women & Children

Sharon Anglim

Wreaths Across America

Cynthia Spitler

Christmas Party