Our History.
Our Proud Woman’s Club of Indio Trailblazers in 1925!
The Woman’s Club of Indio in 2025, proudly continuing the rich tradition of service!
Our Story
Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work. What began as a literacy club has evolved into something more.
Founded in 1912, the GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio (WCI) has been shaking things up in the desert for more than a century. It all began when ten determined women formed the Altrurian Literary Club (meaning “selflessness in service to others”) in a town where women leading change was about as rare as a paved road. Meeting by the full moon so their horses could get them home safely, these trailblazers turned grit and good ideas into action, opening Indio’s first circulating library in 1916, joining the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and even improving road safety statewide when member Dr. June McCarroll championed painted highway centerlines.
More than 114 years later, WCI is still at it, supporting scholarships, literacy, historical preservation, and health and wellness initiatives, protecting the environment (and much more!), proving that a little courage, creativity, and desert determination can go a very long way. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.
What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
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The Altrurian Literary Club began as a social club. Soon after, it evolved into an organization dedicated to improving the community through volunteerism.
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The Club changed its name to Woman's Club of Indio (WCI). WCI became affiliated with the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC).
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The Woman's Club of Indio clubhouse was completed on the corner of Miles Avenue and King Street. The clubhouse is still in use today as a church.
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Woman's Club member Dr. June McCarroll proposed painting a center line on state highways. The California Highway Commission adopted the measure.
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For environmental and health reasons, the Gnat Abatement District was successfully created through lobbying and the support of The Woman's Club of Indio.
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The WCI clubhouse was used as a USO club for soldiers stationed in nearby bases in World War II. GFWC Woman's Club of Indio also created a High School Scholarship Program for qualifying Indio high school students.
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Members worked in hospitals and doctors’ offices counting polio shot registration cards for county records. They established a county record of 5,200 cards counted in two days.
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The Woman's Club sold its clubhouse due to the rising costs of maintenance and property taxes.
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GFWC Woman's Club of Indio adopted the Coachella Valley History Museum to preserve the history of the Woman's Club and the Coachella Valley. In 2007, the Woman's Club adopted the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and to this day helps by serving meals and filling the pantry.
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WCI celebrated 100 years of service to the community. A Woman's Club of Indio Centennial Exhibition opened at the Coachella Valley History Museum in 2011 and ran until June of 2012.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, WCI members made over 4,000 no-sew masks for Eisenhower Hospital and 2,400 washable masks for the National Guard, grocery store workers, foster children, animal hospital workers, nursing home workers and residents, and urgent care workers. WCI also provided an appreciation lunch for JFK Hospital staff and National Guardsmen.
Driven by passion
We don't follow trends—we create lasting impact. Guided by creativity, strategy, heart, and joy, we bring ideas to life that inspire, connect, and strengthen our communities. Purpose and passion drive us every day.