History

MacDowell Music Club's history in Janesville began on January 19, 1903, when a group of pianists organized the Pianists' Club. At its fourth meeting on March 16, 1903, the membership voted to change the name to the Schumann Club. At that time, the club met in members' homes. Concerts and operas w

ere presented in Library Hall and Myers Grand Opera House. In 1912, the Schumann Club was renamed the MacDowell Club in honor of Edward MacDowell, then considered to be the country's foremost composer.

Membership in the Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs was voted in 1913. Mrs. MacDowell visited in 1914 and spoke about the MacDowell Colony. She urged the group to help federate the MacDowell Clubs throughout the country. Membership in the National Federation of Music Clubs was voted in 1918. The MacDowell Music Club's first meetings were held at the Janesville Woman's Club in 1928 and it has been our "home" ever since.