On Thursday afternoon, June 16, 1927 a small group of women at the home of Mrs. N.R. Williams, who became the club’s first president. All the women worked “in-service” as domestics in white homes and hotels around Miami. Many of these women lived on premises with their employers during the week.

For most of them, Thursday was their only day off. It was their only time to rest, take care of their own families and prepare for another week’ work. The group decided that in spite of their very busy schedules, they would lay aside all business and domestic cares on each Thursday afternoon for one of social chat, sewing or any simple pleasures they might like. The name of the club, the Idle Hour Art and Social Club, was suggested by Miss Ruth Crowell, explaining that the name was just what they wanted to do.

As the years passed, the club became well known for its social gatherings, its racial pride and its support of community services. The club incorporated in 1938.

At the club meetings members would dress formally and use their expert culinary and party planning skills to entertain themselves royally. Many of the members were known for their charm, grace and appetizingly decorated tables. As time went by, the ten cents dues began to accumulate into an increasing treasury. The group decided to use the funds for charitable donations. After the group began contributing to charitable ventures, many of the members sought other ways to increase the treasury in additions to the dues.

One such method was to host parties, teas and other activities. The group was acknowledged for contributing to the Empty Stocking Fund, the Y.W.C.A., the Christians Women’s Association, Christian Hospital, the Florida Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, The Red Cross, the State War Bond Drive, the Tuberculosis Association and The Community Chest. The group also donated to several churches and nay individuals in sickness, death and need.

The members were so enthused by their social and financial success that they expanded their services. They branched out into literary ventures, providing entertaining programs in churches and clubs throughout the city. In keeping with the literary activities, each member was requested to memorized poems or prose to recite at the meetings.

  Pictured above at one of its 1930s meetings are from left to right standing: Mittie Butler, Lucy Burley, Maude Ross, Lula Miller, Mary Berrien Outlaw, Gertrude Williams, Caurie Cantrell Moor, Illinois Holmes, Celia Mack, Georgia Rollins, and Julia Anderson; seated are Ann Allen and Josephine Foster.