Club elects 125th member on 125th birthday

Marlene Erven, President of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, with 125th Member
Kathy Kesler and Nancy Boggio showing “125”

Members of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove unanimously elected Kathy Kesler as its 125th Club member at its December 1 membership meeting. “We are so pleased to welcome Kathy as our 125th member during this memorable 125th anniversary year,” said Woman's Club President Marlene Erven. 

“The club has also reached what is thought to be its highest number of member in its history with 127 members,” she said.

Kathy, a resident of Coconut Grove, is the founder and President of Interspace Design Group in Coconut Grove specializing in Hotel Interior Design. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce and is the Public Relation Director of the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove. 

The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove was established in 1891, five years before Miami became a city by Flora McFarlane and the pioneer women of Coconut Grove.  It is the oldest community service organization in South Florida and its clubhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Interestingly enough, the Peacock family, who owned the Peacock Inn, across the street from the club gave a few acres of land to Commodore Ralph Munroe when he arrived in 1891, Ralph gave part of the land to the library and the other part to the Woman's Club, which was called the Coconut Grove Housekeeper's Club at the time. Commodore Munroe of course ended up at The Barnacle site where he built his home.

For more information on the Woman’s Club, email info@coconutgrovewomansclub.com or call 305-216-0626.