The Topaz Circle began in Tacoma in November 1901 as a local branch of the Women of Woodcraft. It was named after the November birthstone. [1] The Women of Woodcraft was a women's auxiliary of the national Woodmen of the World fraternal organization founded in 1890. [2] The Topaz Circle organized various social and educational programs for its members including lectures, dances, readings, and performances. The organization continued to host gatherings in Tacoma through the 1980s. [3] The Woodmen of the World has is now WoodmenLife, a not-for-profit, privately held insurance company for organization members. [2]