Welcome to the Saratoga Foothill Club!
About us — Our membership represents a multi-generational group of intelligent, friendly, involved women. Founded in 1907 as a women’s study group, the Foothill Club has deep roots in the Saratoga, California community.
History — In January, 1907, a group of twelve women who were early settlers of Saratoga, California, decided to gather together regularly to form the Foothill Study Club. As isolated rural residents living on family orchards and farms, they longed for community and intellectual stimulation. Study club meetings were initially held in member’s homes, where they shared reports on topics of interest. As the club steadily grew, attendees were often relegated to sitting on fruit boxes topped with pillows. In May, 1914, President Lyra Mills decided something had to be done. A parcel of land in downtown Saratoga on Park Place was gifted to the club by two founding members. The Foothill Study Club voted to build a clubhouse for their meetings on the lot at a cost of $5000. This is where the Foothill Clubhouse stands today.
Foothill Clubhouse Architect Julia Morgan — One of our original club members, Mrs. Grace Richards, was a University of California Berkeley alumnus and a Theta sorority sister of architect Julia Morgan. Morgan was the first woman architect licensed in the state of California and the chief architect of Hearst Castle. The club met with Morgan and chose her to design the new Foothill Clubhouse. She completed the project’s plans and specifications for a reduced price offered specifically to women’s clubs. Construction began September 27, 1915, and the redwood, moderately scaled bungalow-style clubhouse building was dedicated on January 1, 1916.
Becoming the Saratoga Foothill Club — In 1914, the Foothill Study Club changed its name and incorporated as the Saratoga Foothill Club. The organization quickly became an integral part of the community. As Saratoga evolved from an agricultural economy in the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” to a suburban neighborhood for Silicon Valley tech workers, the Foothill Club continued to adjust and grow with the times.
Today — For over 100 years, the Saratoga Foothill Club has honored the objectives of the founders to serve the community while providing a rich source of activities and enjoyment for its members. Today’s club members are committed to the ongoing stewardship and preservation of the historic clubhouse through the Saratoga Foothill Club Historic Landmark Foundation. In addition to maintaining the iconic clubhouse and grounds, the Foothill Club offers its award-winning, beautiful building as a venue available for rental to the community.
Quick Links
- To learn more about our 100+ year-old women’s club, click here
- For venue/clubhouse rental information, click here.
- To purchase our Public Events Series tickets online, click here.
- To schedule a tour of our historic clubhouse, email info@saratogafoothillclub.org.
- For club website inquiries, email saratogafoothillclub.webmaster@gmail.com.
Public Events Series 2024-25
Coming up
Purchase Foothill Club Public Events Series tickets online at Eventbrite.
For more information about upcoming Foothill Club Public Events, visit our Public Events page.