Our History
Serving Strongsville since 1958
Strongsville Women’s League, founded in 1958, is a vibrant and diverse group of women brought together by a shared passion for service, leadership, friendship, and giving back. From the beginning, our mission has been simple but meaningful: to undertake projects and provide funding for services that enrich our community and enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.
We are proud to be a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), the oldest and largest nonpartisan, nondenominational international organization of volunteer women in the world. Through this affiliation, we are part of a long-standing tradition of women making a difference in their communities through compassion, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
What makes Strongsville Women’s League special is that we are more than just an organization — we are a network of women who genuinely care about one another and about our community. We believe friendship and service go hand in hand. Whether someone is looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities, new friendships, personal growth, or simply a way to make a positive impact, our League offers a place to belong.
Major Milestones & Community Impact
Over the decades, Strongsville Women’s League has played a key role in shaping and strengthening our community. Some of our most significant initiatives include:
Saving the Historic Pomeroy House
Our first major project was the preservation of the historic Pomeroy House, once part of the Underground Railroad. League members cleaned, restored, and decorated the home over several years. When the community rallied to find a buyer and tenant, SWL members traveled to Columbus to secure a liquor license — paving the way for the Pomeroy House restaurant to open in 1980.
Launching Safety Town Registration
In partnership with the Strongsville Police Department, SWL initiated the original Safety Town Registration program, helping generations of children learn essential safety skills.
Supporting the Strongsville Library & Old Town Hall
SWL was instrumental in passing the Library Bond Issues that enabled the library to relocate from Old Town Hall to Pearl Road. We later raised funds to renovate Old Town Hall, transforming it into a welcoming space for community meetings and events.
Enhancing Community Spaces
We purchased historic lights for the Commons ($36,000), contributed to the gazebo ($30,000), provided start-up funds for the Community Band, and donated $9,000 to launch the Backyard Preserve. We also helped formulate an After School Child Care Program for latchkey children in partnership with the YMCA
Castle Playground (1991)
One of our most iconic projects, Castle Playground, was organized, designed, and funded by SWL. Over five days, 3,483 volunteers — including 784 children — worked together to build a community playground valued at $450,000. The effort united civic groups, city government, businesses, schools, and residents in an extraordinary display of community spirit.