Whitewater Federation of Women's Clubs (WFWC) consists of two clubs:  Emerson and Florence Bassett. Both clubs are currently recruiting new members. See the pages for each club at the top of the website. Contact any member or email bassetthousewhitewater@gmail.com for more information on joining. 

Mission Statement: The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs shall be a means of communication to provide for the betterment of our city, educational enrichment of our membership, and preservation of Bassett House. 

History of Bassett House and the Bassett Family

The Bassetts came to Whitewater from New York state. Thomas owned and operated the Boot and Shoe Store which was located just west of the grist mill built on the creek in the 1830's. Mr. Bassett sold groceries, provisions and garden seeds in addition to boots and shoes.

Built in 1858 for Thomas and Bessie Vilas Bassett and daughter, Florence.  Thomas lived in his lovely new home for only seven years before selling his store and moving for health reasons. Florence and her mother joined him in Denver, CO for three years then returned to Whitewater and continued to live in the house for the remainder of both of their lives. 

Florence had been a member of one of the Federation clubs and treasured the friendships she had formed. The home was bequeathed to the Whitewater Federation of Women's Clubs by Florence Bassett in 1926. 

Architecture: The house was built in the transitional Greek Revival style with Italianate features. The house remains essentially as built, although a two-story addition was made to the west side of the house in 1878 and several downstairs walls were removed on the first floor in order to form a large meeting room.