Many thanks to Sarah Lewis, Archivist, Lemon Grove Historical Society.

The Forward Club of Lemon Grove originated as a pioneer country club in late 1912 or early 1913 when a group of 12 women began meeting in homes as a study group of literature and current events. The first meeting was held in the home of Mrs. C. M. Schellbach (who became the first president) on the corner of Pacific and Buena Vista Streets. Their object was to promote the intellectual, artistic, economic, and moral interests of the community.” They named their club “Forward Club” as that expressed their spirt and purpose and to denote the progress they hoped to make.

The Club joined the County Federation in 1915, the State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1917 and was incorporated January 3rd, 1921. During World War I the club contributed to the war effort, particularly by sewing and knitting for the Red Cross and by the purchase of Liberty Bonds.

They opened their own clubhouse in 1922, with famous horticulturalist Kate Sessions designing the surrounding gardens. The first meeting in the building was held on May 12th, 1922 - and for many decades the clubhouse was the social center of Lemon Grove - hosting club activities, along with concerts, dances, weddings, graduations and more. In 1951 the Forward Club changed their name to Lemon Grove Womans' Club, Inc.

By the 1990s the club had dwindled in numbers and they held their last meeting on May 8th, 1998. The California Federation of Women's Clubs honored their 85 years as a club.

On May 12th, 2022 the Lemon Grove Historical Society hosted a celebration of the 100th Birthday of the Lemon Grove Women's Club Building – on the exact anniversary of the first meeting in the redwood clubhouse. The celebration included a presentation by the historical society's archivist Sarah Lewis, photographs, and memorabilia from the historical society archives. Residents of Lemon Grove shared memories.

Lemon Grove Forward Club reincorporated in 2022 - We are now Lemon Grove Forward Club, reborn and reimagined!