Download the Join Brochure
​

The BEST KEPT SECRET in Los Altos Hills

​Liz Wilson   |   2023
​The BEST KEPT SECRET IN Los Altos Hills is the existence of the Los Altos Hills Club, an outstanding women’s organization founded 65 years ago.

In 1958, a small group of women joined arms together to form the Los Altos Hills Club. The Los Altos Hills Club was founded to provide a way to meet neighbors, promote social contacts, and develop friendships in a relatively small town. Another goal of the club was to organize culturally enriching activities for its members who were accustomed to the vibrant culture of large city life. In those early years, many of those families were transplants from the East Coast — men and women sought new opportunities with the leading innovative companies of the time — Philco/Ford, Fairchild, or Hewlett Packard. 

These young mothers looked forward to meeting one another and spending time together. One of the early members of the club, Nina Steiner, reflected on her memories of those years: “My back-door neighbor invited me to a meeting. I was 38 years old and very involved with my kids in their activities. I was thrilled to be with women who talked of things other than little kids. Many programs were flower arranging, crafts, mystery trips, and delightful lunches in different restaurants. It was always an interesting and friendly group of ladies.” 

Flash forward to 2020— the club is still thriving after 62 years. Although much has changed in that time, one thing has not changed: the town is still a rural community (houses are separated by large lots and there are no community centers or shopping areas) which makes it difficult for new residents to meet their neighbors. 

The Los Altos Hills Club’s mission is as vital today as it was back in the 1950s. The women in today’s club are a diverse group that includes young mothers, professional women and retired seniors; they range in age from 30 to 80 years old. Members of the club meet on the second Tuesday of alternate months for lunch. During the lunches, members visit with one another, learn about town and community events and issues, and listen to relevant guest speakers. Presentations cover a wide range of topics (examples include an annual report about the town, current global concerns, elder fraud and abuse, and local authors). 

The club also sponsors holiday parties, an occasional field trip, book clubs, bridge groups, and a traveler’s group. Current club member, Nancy Voorhees Traficanti, a resident of the town since 1949 talks about the benefits of membership in the club: “The ladies in the club are people you can always turn to for help when you need it, or simply sharing family issues.”  
Once an exclusive group of ladies in white gloves and spring hats who quietly limited  the membership to 150, the Los Altos Hills Club now includes members from throughout the community. Membership is open to women with a Los Altos Hills mailing address. For more information please contact membership chair, Michelle Wu at [email protected]