[2] In 1914 Sarasota was incorporated as a city[3] and after two years of club activities, the cornerstone was laid at their new clubhouse at the corner of Cocoanut and Palm on January 1, 1915.

[7] Mrs. Halton, wife of a well-respected local doctor,[8] was among the first to act in the space that is now the main stage of the Florida Studio Theatre in a play called “Sunbonnets.” “Sunbonnets” was performed first at the clubhouse (the general public could get in for $0.25 and members’ admission was free) and then transferred to the Hover Arcade Theatre for a repeat performance.

[11] In response to the newly founded Woman’s Club, the Sarasota Sun conducted a poll asking a few “prominent citizens” their opinion of the new organization.

More attention given to their orders issued than to those of any other body.” Other government officials reacted differently, with Marshall Hodge reported to have said, “The Woman’s Club is all right; but I have troubles of my own,” with City Clerk Houle adding, “It’s a terror to the men.”[12] In the same Sarasota Sun article, the husband of president of the club Mrs. Alice Gunther said, “A great institution for the town, but hard on the individual in my case, as I expect to be buttonless, sockless and half-fed for the next year.” In a similar vein, Sarasota resident Walter P. Bryan offered his opinion, “I have been married so recently I dare not say what I think.”[12] On the whole, the foundation of the Woman’s Club was seen as a good thing for the community.

The Woman’s Club always takes the advance position in civics and so forth.” J.J. Merrill added, “Of invaluable assistance to the city, morally and physically.” W.T.

They also created a community work day “during which businesses were closed by order of the mayor and more than 200 men with teams and wagons created a park along the bay front between Main Street and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad (now Ringling Boulevard).”[17] The following year, they initiated a census and birth registration and planted 250 cocoanut trees along the shore.

Today, the Woman’s Club supports the following state and national projects: Canine Companions for Independence, Special Olympics, R.O.C.K.

[23] In 1921 they held a round table discussion entitled “The Censorship of the Movies.” [24] In 1924 Princess Cantacuzene addressed club members and visitors in a speech responding to Admiral Bradley A. Fiske’s statement that “of all existing matters, the one women understood the least, is war.” She used the club as a positive example of effective social change by women.

[28] The 1959/1960 season’s themes were “Investment in Understanding” and “Through wisdom is an (sic) house builded (sic) and by understanding is it established.” The series opened on November 2, 1959 with a lecture by Dr. Alfred P. Haake, a businessman, titled “America Unlimited.” The season continued with book reviews, a demonstration by cartoonist Six Hix of Chicago, a performance of the Christmas play The Gift Supreme, talks, lectures, an art history presentation, and a seminar on business tips for women.

A meeting ground, For those whose purpose, great and broad and strong, Whose aim is like the star: who ever long To make the patient, hastening world resound With sweeter music, freer tones.

Where wealth of brain for poverty atones: Where hand grasps hand: and soul finds touch with soul: Where victors in the race for fame and power Look back in their triumphant hour To beckon others to the shining goal, This is a woman’s club—a heaven fair, Where toilers drop—an hour—their load of care.

[33] Today, the Sarasota Woman’s Club continues to host seasonal events to benefit a variety of local and national charities.

[34] Florida Studio Theatre (FST) now operates out of the old clubhouse at 1241 North Palm Avenue, as well as adjacent buildings.

Patron of the arts Marian McKenna, whose fond memories of the clubhouse included receiving her first kiss on the premises, purchased the old building from Boomhauer Realty and sold it to FST at a greatly reduced price.

Under the ownership of FST, the clubhouse has undergone extensive renovation and beautification, while still maintaining the exterior look and structure of the original building.

Today, the Sarasota Women’s Club building features the fully operational 173-seat Keating Theatre, one of FST's two Mainstage performance spaces.