Archives West Finding Aid

In 1892 seven faculty wives met in the home of Mrs. Franklin Gault, wife of the university's first president, to form a book review club. President Gault joined them in the living room later, and when he learned they did not have a name, he suggested "The Pleiades Club," comparing the seven ladies to the seven stars in the constellation. The group adopted its formal constitution in 1894 and joined the Idaho State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1895, as one of the first federated clubs in the state. The first yearbook was printed in 1897.

The first project of the Pleiades was the "gold and silver book," which it had made for Idaho's exhibit at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Mrs. Gault suggested the idea; Miss Annette Bowman, a faculty member, designed the box; and the Gorham Company made the item from Idaho gold, silver, and semi-precious stones. The "book," rescued from the 1906 Administration Building fire, is now in the office of the University President.

Members of the Pleiades also helped to organize the Historical Club, and in 1901, these two clubs began to raise money for a public library in Moscow. The members started correspondence with the Carnegie Foundation, and in 1904, the Foundation granted the clubs $10,000 toward construction of a building. The library opened in 1906.

The Pleiades Club maintains a membership of 15 or 16 and continues to meet in the homes of its members. For the first 40 years, Shakespeare's plays formed a part of its program and roll call was answered with a Shakespearean quotation. Programs now include literature, music, and current events. The Club continues its active participation in civic and charitable projects.