In its youngest years of development, the village of Peebles became a seeker and provider of the good life for those who chose to make their homes there. Businesses were started and grew quickly to meet the needs and wants of the citizens. Leisure time activities were included, particularly when it came to the ladies of the village, and society grew. The first notable clubs in the village included a group of twelve women calling themselves the “Martha Washingtons” and another group dedicated to following the latest printed literature called the “Chautauqua Circle.” In 1886, “The Magazine Club” was organized and later was responsible for the establishment of the Peebles Public Library. Another group of women formed a literary society and began meeting as “The Shakespeare Club.” Other sisterhoods were formed over the years to focus, expand and share one's knowledge and dedication to a wide variety of activities and issues including hiking and biking, home improvement, politics, card playing, flowers and gardening, health matters, moral matters, education and the arts.

One of the notable associations that was established in the mid 1930's was the Peebles Music Club. It was created in response to the growing popularity of symphonic and operatic classics and the ongoing development of related musical styles. A meeting was held in April, 1936, at the home of Mrs. Theodore Gatchell. According to a written report, she was apparently one of the organizers and a main leader of the group and was selected as chair. She was called upon to explain to those in attendance the regulations that would govern the membership. Those who answered roll call at the first meeting in 1936 included: Mrs. Paul (Lola) Yankie, Mrs. Harold (Mary) Fleming, Mrs. J.R.B. (Kate) Kessler, Mrs. Truman (Iona) Markins, Mrs. A.N. (Bertie) Duvall, Mrs. Theo (Floy) Giffin, Mrs. C.A. Watts, Mrs. O.J. (Charlotte) Crawford, Mrs. Frank (Nova) Heckman, Mrs. Joe Yankie, Mrs. D.C. (Mildred) Syphers, Mrs. Carlos (Leah) Thoroman, Mrs. R. B. (Clarine) Ellison, Mrs. L.D. (Eva) Smith, Mrs. John (Martha) Blair, Mrs. Theodore (Nancy) Gatchell, Mrs. Richard White, Mrs. O.E. Campbell, Miss Mary Allen, Miss Alice Dick, Mrs. Eleanor Rice, Miss Doris Bresleau and Miss Eunice Fitch.

The club usually met on a monthly basis, rotating among the members' homes. Attendees and their guests would take part in the presentations on the subject of a particular composer, artist or musical work. The gathering would also feature musical selections performed by club members or their invited guests. The program for that first meeting in 1936, lists “The Story of Gounod's Life” by Mrs. Campbell, a trombone solo by Mrs. Ellison, “Story of Faust” by Mrs. Blair, a vocal solo by Mrs. Syphers, a vocal solo by Mrs. Gatchell, a piano duet by Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Ellison and a closing Easter song by the entire group.

There was occasionally a published account of the women's meetings that informed the reader of what composer or piece of music was highlighted and which member made the presentation. The names of those attending the meeting or a club event would appear in the report as well as recognition of the group's guests and their performances as part of the program. Often there were details of special activities such as the group's visit to a Cincinnati Symphony concert that was held at the Cincinnati Zoo, hosting an event highlighting the Peebles High School Band and Chorus, or bringing in a group, such as the Atomic Area Operetta Guild whose forty singers and dancers performed “The Red Mill,” a Victor Herbert musical. The public was invited to attend.

The women were taken aback by the unexpected death of Mrs. Gatchell in September, 1939. In her honor, at the meeting held in November, 1940, the club was renamed the Nancy Gatchell Music Club.

A celebration of the group's 35^th anniversary was held on February 22, 1972, at the Olde Wayside Inn in West Union. Following a patriotic theme in honor of Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays, the ladies sang several appropriate songs including: “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Beautiful Ohio.” A photo from the Adams County News shows: front left to right; secretary-treasurer Burneda Bailey, president Mabel Chenoweth, vice president and charter member Virginia Webb. Those standing, from left to right, are charter members Nova Heckman, Doris Garvin, Leah Thoroman and the only living founder member in 1972, Mildred Syphers.