Woman's Exchange Has Served St. Louis' Needy for 130 Years

Yesterday, Patch readers got to hear from Candace Williams, president of the St. Louis Woman’s Exchange who talked about the pending historic move to the Colonial MarketPlace in Ladue.

On June 17, the organization will move into their expansive new space, increasing everything by one-third. They will be better able to serve the public and the consignment artists who provide all their rich, wonderful original work.

Time to look back

This is a good time to glance back at their 130 years of service.

The Woman’s Exchange was born out of a need to find work for women post Civil War. Many young women either lost their husbands or fathers to this brutal four-year war of succession.

In those days, women had few if any options especially those destitute.

In September, 1883, the Woman’s Exchange opened its doors at 214 North 6th
Street in downtown St. Louis. This location served as a market place to earn a living through the sale of their handmade goods. Mrs. Ariadne Lawnin, a prominent St. Louisan gathered the support for this cause. She was greatly concerned for women much less fortunate than her.

The exchange quickly became a destination for shoppers seeking high quality merchandise and a place to enjoy a meal in the tea room, and the tradition was born.

A meal for four cents a day

Women were served an inexpensive and nourishing meal for four cents a day.

Eventually, the exchange moved to two more downtown locations, then two locations in the Central West End before winding up in Ladue at the Clay Price Center in 1974.

Since then, thousands of women have volunteered countless hours of service and helped the needy sell their wears through consignment, with almost all the profits going back to the needy. Altogether, 70-100 percent of the profits go back to those who created the work.

Immigrant Training Program

In 2006, the exchange announced its new Immigrant Training Program, assisting new arrivals to the country from Bosnia, Mexico, and other Central and South American countries. These new arrivals learned basic kitchen skills and eventually have moved onto employment in dining establishments throughout St. Louis.

The mission began as women helping women. Today, according to President Candace Williams “The mission of the Woman’s Exchange is now people helping people.” Children of both genders get the help from the exchange.

The move to the Colonial MarketPlace is estimated at $450,000. All told, the exchange is having its second capital campaign in 130 years, trying to raise at least $700,000. Donors and interested parties should contact the exchange by going to their website.

Tomorrow, Patch will have an extended interview with their president, Candace Williams.