Music is a vital component for our community. We have music teachers, music students, a music conservatory, festivals, performances and in the early 1930s there was a music club.

The Lethbridge Women’s Musical Club was organized by women who had an interest in music and wanted to expose the public to it. At the organizational meeting held in the Young Men’s Christian Association, interested members of the public learned about the music club’s goals, and purpose.

It was also the time when the club’s officers were elected. Mrs. W.J. [Kate] Nelson was elected President, Mrs. Gladstone Virtue Vice-President, Miss Evelyn Shillington Secretary and Mrs. G. W. O’Meara Treasurer themselves music teachers and choir directors.

The club’s purpose was to stimulate and encourage interest in music at the local level by way of concerts. The public attended the very first concert held October 26, 1932 in the Marquis Hotel. The club was active for seven years. However by 1939 interest remained low and the fledgling club folded.

The club was reorganized in 1951 with a new name - Women’s Musical Club of Lethbridge. Honorary President was Kate Nelson, the President was Mrs S.A. Heron and the first vice-President was Margaret Nelson, Kate Nelson’s daughter-in-law. Their new objective to support young musicians to make a start and become established in the music field and to provide platform experience for them. The club’s organized annual concerts, held at the First Baptist Church and Southminster United Church, showcased a variety of local and later countrywide talent. The club changed its name to the Lethbridge Music Club in 1958 as the club wanted to include the men to assist to further the club’s work.

The club disbanded in 1970 due to low attendance at concerts.

For more interesting Lethbridge history, visit www.galtmuseum.com and search the online Archives.