Sippican Woman's Club History

The Sippican Woman's Club, with a rich history of Sippican, was established when two Marion ladies' groups combined efforts. One was a discussion group founded by Mrs. John Allen in the late 1890s, while the other was organized in 1904 by Mrs. E.O. Rundell for 'social and intellectual improvement.' Eventually, fifteen women drafted a constitution and bylaws, and as the club grew, meetings transitioned to the Marion Music Hall on Front Street.

By 1914, the Club was actively engaged in community support, holding fairs and rummage sales to benefit public health and a nursing association. Handy's Tavern housed a clinic and living quarters for the town nurse, and the women also sponsored dental clinics for children, providing hot soup and cocoa during the winter months.

In 1923, when the women purchased Handy's Tavern, the cost to maintain and preserve this asset became evident. Initially, apartments were rented to the town nurse and schoolteachers. During WWII, the Red Cross utilized the space to support the war effort. Today, there are two small residential units above the meeting rooms, along with an adjacent commercial unit.

In 1947, the Club began awarding scholarships to deserving Marion students, making financial support for high school graduates and continuing-education students a philanthropic focus of the Sippican Woman's Club. The Club also addresses various community needs.

Scholarship funds are raised through annual events, such as the Holiday House Tour, which attracts visitors from around the state to view beautifully decorated Marion homes.

The Sippican Woman's Club faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, as house tours were put on hold. However, their creativity and determination allowed them to maintain their commitment to community support. In 2021, the Club held a successful fundraiser called Illuminate to Educate, and in 2020, the Dollars for Scholars program received great community support.

In 1812, Captain Caleb Handy established Handy's Tavern as an inn and tavern serving as a stagecoach stop on the Plymouth-New Bedford route. This location quickly became a beloved gathering spot for mariners at the end of their day, celebrating successful voyages and fostering a sense of community support. However, by the mid-1800s, the rise of faster railroads led to the decline of operations at Handy's Tavern, which then became a private residence for several decades.

In 1923, the Sippican Woman's Club purchased the historic Handy's Tavern, along with its outbuildings and land, for $7,800.00. Major repairs necessitated a mortgage, loans, and rental income to cover expenses. During this time, and again in 1930, parcels of the real estate were sold off to secure the needed cash. Since then, the Sippican Woman's Club has diligently maintained what is still known as Handy's Tavern, making upgrades to comply with current electrical, fire, and safety codes, along with major renovations to preserve the integrity of this important landmark in the history of Sippican. The club also supports the community through scholarships and other initiatives.