In 1929, Mrs. Ella L. Jordan founded the City of Pensacola’s Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. She was a devoted club worker, community leader, educator, political activist,& a dedicated woman who worked for the betterment of the Pensacola community. 

Mrs. Jordan dedicated her life to the Club’s works and community activities. Initially the group met in member’s homes or local schools and churches until the property at 423 North “C” Street was purchased in 1951. Mrs. Jordan and her contemporaries were following the trend of starting women's clubs that, by the 1920's, had been growing for decades. The women of Pensacola also embraced this trend, organizing numerous clubs and associations. 

For African-American women in segregated Pensacola, clubs provided a way to identify and meet the needs of their community. Funding for enrichment programs, extra tutoring, and vocational training, never abundant for white citizens, was non-existent for African Americans. As the Great Depression deepened and World War II exerted greater stress on the African American community, the ladies of the Pensacola Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs expanded their services. Food banks, medical help, and hosting African American servicemen were added in the 1930’s and maintained through the 1960’s. In the years after Mrs. Jordan passed away, the house remained a cultural, social and political haven and was named in her honor in 1959.

 
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The Ella L. Jordan home was constructed circa 1890 by Raymond Waters, a livestock dealer of European heritage. The home is a one story, Queen Anne cottage with coastal influences demonstrated by the wide porch fronting the entire house. In 1907 Thomas McMillan, a peddler, purchased the home. Mr. McMillan was described as “mulatto,” meaning he was bi-racial. He lived in the home with his family from 1907 to 1931. By 1940, the Ella L. Jordan home was owned by Nancy Martin. Ms. Martin was African-American, single and worked as a laundress. By 1946, the home was owned by Willie Kyles, who was also of African heritage. Mr. Kyles worked for Newport Industries in Pensacola.

The home was purchased in 1951 by the Pensacola Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. The Federation was an umbrella group that included four major clubs: the Mary Mcleod Bethune Federated Club, Book Lovers Club, Idea and Art Study Club, and the Barnett Club. The Federation also included several other clubs including: The Royal 16, Les Amies des Amies, Sisters of Soul Federation, Elite Madames, and Ladies of Distinction. The YWCA and VFW also held meetings in the home. The Ella L. Jordan home hosted many social activities in the black community throughout the decades it was occupied by the Pensacola Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Wedding receptions, teas, and Mardi Gras parties all were part of the active life of the Ella L. Jordan home.

The home is a shining example of a middle-class African-American home at the dawn of the 20th century. It is also the location of decades of meaningful social, educational, and cultural activities for Pensacola’s African-American community. 

Our
Restoration

The Ella L Jordan Home was badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and was subsequently condemned and set to be torn down by the City. Private donors, smaller grants, and countless volunteers helped save the home and as of early 2020, the construction and renovations were completed. Now, the mission changes from saving the home, to outfitting it with the necessary equipment, furniture, and resources that will transform it from a historical home to its former glory as a community center and educational museum.

City of Pensacola’s Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. Past Presidents

  • Mrs. Ella Jordan

    Founder 1929

  • Ms. Lillie James Frazier

    President 1943 - 1947

  • Ms. Sadye E. Pryor

    President 1953 - 1957

  • Ms. Eulice S. Lowe

    President 1957 - 1959

  • Ms. Marietta Shelby

    President 1964 - 1967

  • Ms. Mattie D. Eagan

    President 1967 - 1971

  • Ms. Maudette T. James

    President 1971 - 1975

  • Dr. Ruby Gainer

    President 1975 - 1980

  • Ms. Masue Nix Lewis

    President 1980 - 2002