2010
 I’ll never forget the year my family moved to Lido Isle. After 2 years of house hunting, we finally found the perfect Lido home. Jack was seven years old – he quickly met his “best friends for life,” and they disappeared down the street, scootering around the island in PJs. Our peninsula home was just five minutes away, but my instincts told me we had landed in a world of its own.

 

An active realtor, I had sold multiple homes on Lido – helping clients navigate pricing, nuances, and always highlighting the amenities. In my mind, the lifestyle was unlike any other. I made the decision that when I moved to Lido, I would experience it all.

 

A couple of months after moving in, a neighbor called and asked if I’d like to be Vice President of the women’s club. ” VP is responsible for all social activities, including children’s events and women’s social events.” I chuckled and replied it was a huge undertaking; is there another position? She was smooth and convincing. I accepted the position with the caveat that Claudia Morehead, my new friend, would join me as Co-VP. That was back in 2011… by the end of the term, we had served two years as Co-VP, and one year as Co-President.

 

Looking back, I’m grateful and proud to have served on LIWC’s board for three years. I had planted roots on Lido, made lifelong friends, and gained a true appreciation of our HOA, as well as the residents who serve the community. 

The history of Lido Isle is fascinating… In the late 1920s, developers turned a sandbar into 114 acres of buildable land – then pushed it upward, raising the ground level to 11 feet above the high tide level…Lido Isle was born!

 

“After World War II, social life took hold. The Yacht Club officially incorporated in 1947 and soon after, the Women’s Club became the largest and most influential organizations on the island. During ‘The Fabulous Fifties’, Lido Isle was on a trajectory, catering to permanent residents vs vacationers …and was home to several celebrities including Shirley Temple, Jane Wyman, Natalie Wood, Joan Crawford, Johnny Mercer, and Joey Bishop. Lido Isle Women’s Club epitomized the Lido lifestyle with home tours, island beautification projects, fundraisers, and cultural events and parties…a large proportion included stay-at-home wives and mothers with enough time to devote to the events.” (Courtesy of Lenard Davis, “Lido Isle – An Illustrated History” – a must read!)
 
 In 1955, the Women’s Club became the Chartered organization for Troop 37, proudly sponsoring Lido’s Boy Scout Troop for seven decades. Troop 37 was known for its tight leadership and smaller membership, mentoring roughly 100 scouts who achieved Eagle Scout status.

LIWC was honored and proud to sponsor Troop 37 over the years. While times have changed and many of the Scouts have moved on to other troops, the friendships, traditions, and memories created will always be cherished in our Lido community.

 

2025-2026
LIWC Co-Presidents again! After 11 years, we were excited to rejoin and honored to be a part!

 

For over 75 years, Lido women have come together to build friendships and make a lasting impact on our community. Serving on the Women’s Club board, I can’t help but notice LIWC’s strength is built on the women who have come before us. New themes and events are presented each year by inspired board members who give their time, creativity, and heart to women’s club…and we hold on tight to our traditions, special events that not only define LIWC’s history – they continue to be cherished favorites and are typically sold-out events.

 

If you’re interested in joining LIWC or would like more information, please reach out. Membership applications will be out soon, and we welcome new members throughout the year.
 
Leslie Thompson 
Phone: 949-945-8176