The Fairmont Woman’s Club was organized in January 1916 and joined the Federation in March of that year. The object of the club was "Mutual Improvement and Civic Betterment". Membership was 63, with Dr. Nellie G. C. Deffenbaugh being president.

The first project was to acquire a clubroom. A building was found and the club ladies spent a lot of time, energy, and money getting it ready to use. Club meetings were held in this room during the first year.

A library fund was started the first year with the proceeds from a banquet served for the Community Club and a minstrel show. A library and public restrooms were two things the club felt the town needed.

During the second year the club met in member’s homes, working in departments, with one general meeting each month. The departments were literature and art, mothers and home economics, and civics. These departments held as many meetings as they desired.

By 1917 the need of Red Cross work became urgent. From then until the end of the war most of the club time was given to Red Cross fund raising or sewing surgical dressings. Few programs were given during that period, meetings being devoted to business or work.

After the armistice, November 1918, the club had a period of reorganization. The constitution and by-laws were revised and adopted in February 1919. Departmental work was given up and programs were given at regular meetings. Women's Clubs over the state were interested in two bills then pending in the state legislature in regard to child welfare (later past) and state censorship of moving pictures (later defeated).

In 1920 the departmental work was started again so there was only one general meeting a month. The club began helping the campfire girls sponsoring a mother and daughter banquet, which was an annual event from 1920 to 1927. In 1922 definite steps towards establishing a library were taken. A committee to investigate prospects regarding the library and then a ways and means committee were appointed. April 1922 a library association was formed. In October 1922 the Fairmont Public Library was opened in the city hall.

Outstanding project during the years 1923, 24, and 25 were a baby conference clinic. 15 to 25 babies were examined at each conference. Membership in 1926 -27 shows 37 names. The club continued to assist the library, which by 1940 contained some 4500 volumes, with funds and books.

From 1940 to 1945 the club members made band uniforms for the school band and dresses for war orphans, sent letters, gifts, and books to the service men, helped with war fund drives, planted victory gardens, and helped at the library. Public restrooms were provided, as the members wanted so many years ago.

Late 40's and the 50's were devoted to local subjects and home life. Fine arts became a high priority. Members and students took part in craft, music, and art contests.

1960's brought the Viet Nam War and the need for Red Cross ditty bags, and letter and books to the service men.

The club joined in the Community Improvement Program, helping the Chamber of Commerce with projects, a grill, flagpole, and trees were donated for the city park by the Women's Club. They also helped get out the vote for the new library [which was the Woman’s Club's special project from the time of chartering), new swimming pool, new Lo cost housing for the seniors, and in 1973 the Fairview Manor Nursing Home.

The annual Kidnap Coffee is the thing most remember by the members and the community alike. People in town were kidnapped by club members who were dressed in cowboy outfits and carried toy guns. They were then taken to the Library meeting room, where after purchasing rolls and coffee they were released. This was the club's main moneymaker in the 1970's. In 1980's this activity was dropped in favor of bake sales.

Also in 1980's the club members supported the passing of a bill for a new school building, worked with the city council to place street signs on the corners in Fairmont, and supported the senior citizens in their establishment of a senior center.

In the 1990’s the club emphasis was on education. Many members worked with ABE [helping adults get their GED). The club sponsored students to Hoby, music camp, and Sophomore Pilgrimage. Students and members participated in music, art, public speaking, poetry, and short story contests at local, district, and state level.

In the past few years the club continues to participate in the GFWC programs working on a local, state and national level to improve our lives and the lives of others. The library has remained an important part of the club's responsibility. The club helps support the summer reading program.

Through the years the club as a group has accepted the responsibility to educate ourselves and to help solve community problems. The club's unity has helped promote the progress in our community. The object of the GFWC Fairmont Women's Club is the same today as when it was chartered 90 years ago in 1916, "Mutual improvement and Civic Betterment".