History
839 S. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60304
Open Daily
(708) 848-4693
The Artisans & Crafters Unique Boutique
of the Oak Park Women’s Exchange
History of The Exchange
The history of the Women’s Exchange movement in America is an interesting one. In 1833 a Philadelphia matron opened the first exchange in this country as a place where “gentlewomen in reduced circumstances” could supplement their family incomes. Women would deposit their goods identified only by a code number, through an opening in a wall, to protect their anonymity. By the turn of the century the Exchanges accepted high-quality work from any needy woman, regardless of her background. Today there are 38 Exchanges in 16 states which belong to the Federation of Women’s Exchanges.
Women’s Exchanges have kept pace with the times. They each operate like any other business in this fast-paced world; but they’ve been able to retain a certain charm and provide high-quality, hand-made items frequently unobtainable anywhere else.
Starting as a “self-help” women’s group to exchange ideas and opinions in the field of arts and crafts – the Oak Park Women’s Exchange has traveled a fascinating road from its humble beginnings in two converted wooden coal sheds to it’s present quarters…a bright, charming shop in south Oak Park.
Coal dust clung to the brick walls of the old basement at 237 South Boulevard and had to be wire brushed off. A wall, door and lock were installed to separate the shop quarters from an area used by the buildings tenants. Linoleum was ripped up, floors sanded and varnished, and walls were painted with donations from many quarters. A gallon of paint, time offered, material donated, suggestions made – all were accepted gratefully by the artists eager to “get it all together.”
The grand opening was held on June 4, 1974.
In less than 2 years, it became evident that a move was necessary. Better exposure plus more space to display was needed desperately. By April 2, 1976 another all-out effort had been made to locate, renovate and move into more spacious quarters at 810 Harrison Street.
When a new location at 831 South Oak Park Avenue became available in the fall of 1980, the exchange decided to move “round the corner.” Being “on-the-avenue” proved a real boost to sales as well as membership.
After less than a year, another…larger…more desirable location surfaced; only two doors down, tripling the display space.
Again, the members made the necessary collective effort to effect what could be the Oak Park Women’s Exchange final move – at least for a while! Who can predict how far a truly dedicated, determined cooperative can go?
The continuing success of the O.P.W.E. gift shop has been due to the many hours of behind the scene effort put forth by the Board of Directors, Committees, and volunteers as well as the day-to-day operation of shop by the general membership. An annual Craft Fair has proved a distinct financial asset in support of The Exchange and has become a necessity to maintain the shop year round.
The purpose….to help people help themselves intellectually, creatively, culturally, socially, and financially, and in so doing contribute to the community…can only be accomplished through the cooperation of every member.
