The Club

The Sippican Woman’s Club was established when two Marion ladies’ groups combined efforts. One was a discussion group founded by Mrs. John Allen in the late 1890s, the other was organized in 1904 by Mrs. E.O. Rundell for “social and intellectual improvement”. Eventually, fifteen women drew up a constitution and bylaws. As the club grew, the meetings moved to the Marion Music Hall on Front Street.

By 1914, the Club was holding fairs and rummage sales to benefit public health and a nursing association. The Tavern housed a clinic and living quarters for the town nurse. The women also sponsored dental clinics for the children, and, during the winter months, served hot soup and cocoa.

When the women purchased Handy’s Tavern in 1923, the cost to maintain and preserve this asset was apparent. Early on, 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 and an adjacent commercial unit.

In 1947, the Club began awarding scholarships to Marion students. Ever since then, providing financial support to deserving high school graduates and continuing-education students has been the philanthropic focus of the women. SWC also supports other community needs.

Scholarship funds are raised through annual Club events such as the annual the Holiday House Tour which attracts visitors from around the state. Beautiful Marion homes are decorated and open to the public.

The SWC did not go unscathed by the Covid 19 pandemic. The house tours were put on hold. But, creativity and determination resulted in maintaining the promise of financial help to the youth of our community. In 2021, the Club held a very successful fundraiser: Illuminate to Educate. In 2020, Dollars for Scholars saw great community support. Plans to return to the favorite Holiday Tour are in the works for 2023.

The Tavern

In 1812 Captain Caleb Handy built an inn and tavern as a stagecoach stop on the Plymouth -New Bedford route. It became a gathering spot for mariners at the end of the day, and a place to celebrate a successful voyage. By the mid-1800s, the faster railroads effectively ended operations at Handy’s Tavern. It then became a private residence for many decades.

In 1923 the Sippican Woman’s Club purchased the former Handy’s Tavern, outbuildings and land for $7,800.00. Major repairs required a mortgage, loans, and rental income to defray expenses. At the time of the purchase, and again in 1930, parcels of the real estate were sold off for needed cash. The Club has maintained what continues to be known as Handy’s Tavern, making upgrades to meet current electrical, fire, and safety codes as well as major renovations to ensure the integrity of this historic building.

The Memorial Garden