UPLANDERS CLUB HISTORY
Established 1969

While serving as Welcome Wagon hostess in 1965, Elinor Hamilton enjoyed going to the Welcome Wagon
newcomer’s luncheons. After a while, Elinor thought how nice it would be for the City of Upland to have a Newcomer’s organization. This idea did not materialize until Elinor met Ruth Strueve, who had just recently moved to Upland.

Both women, knowing the lost feeling of moving into a strange area, realized there must also be other newcomers in the same position. They felt it would be fun to get together with others to form new bridge groups and attend friend making luncheons. So, with a nucleus of three, memberships were solicited through word of mouth and newspaper advertisements.

The first organizational coffee met on February 16, 1965, at Elinor Hamilton’s home. Those attending were Ruth and Elinor, Pattie Hummel, Dorothy Miller, Kathleen Schnur, Margarette Boetcher, Betty Schmit and Birdie Wylen. The founders of this Club knew and felt the loneliness of moving into a strange city. They knew there were others like themselves and that there would be more newcomers to come.

On September 10, 1969, the group voted to drop its affiliation with Welcome Wagon. It then became an independent social club for new people in the Upland area and the club became known as the New Uplanders Club. 

The idea of a social club with a philanthropic project was the foundation upon which the New Uplanders club was built.  The many comments on the warmth and friendliness of its members have been instrumental in its growth. May it never fail to carry out its original purpose of extending a friendly hand to all “strangers” who came to the area.

In 1999, the members voted to change the name of the club to Uplanders Club. In 2003, the Governing Bylaws were changed to offer open membership not only to all residents of Upland, but also to the surrounding communities.

Uplanders Club is a social club, 501(c)(7), choosing to assist the Uplanders Club Charitable Organization, 501(c)(3) with various fundraisers with proceeds benefitting a chosen non-profit charity from the local communities. The UCCO manages the fundraisers.

1969 Founders