Name of Club | City* | Address | Contact | Year Founded-
Yrs Extant | Membership | Meeting schedule | Primary Activities |
Calliopean Literary Society Calliope=Gr Muse of epic poetry; Founded:
by William Irving? father of Washington Irving | NYC | ? | N/A | 1788-?1831 | Ballot box with white balls and black | Tues, wkly all year, 6 PM | Compositions; recitations; orations;
disputing science or literary. No controversial subjects in theology or politics; Archives: New York Historical Society Library
and Columbia University. |
Century Association (Century Club) evolved from "Sketch Club" founded 1829 by William Cullen Bryant
et al. | NYC | McKim Mead & White Beaux Arts Bld.
7 W. 43rd St Since 1891 Await response re original papers presented | Phone: 212 944 0090 | 1847-present In 1857 incorporated
by act of NY legislature. | ~50 founding members in 1847. By invitation 2,400 (2006); Men only till 1988 Supreme Ct. ruling
June 21, 1988 barring discrimination in orgs >400. Women now members. | ? | Original: arts and letters society. Today: venue for exhibition of
art of members; other |
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The Literary C lub (Cincinnati ) | Ci | 500 E Fourth St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202 2 story (Greek Revival house from
1820) | President:
Robert Dorsey ; website member accessible; phone: 513 621 6589 | 1849-present, except for 16 mo (1862-64) furlough during Civil
War, many members in War | Men; limit: 100; Three member categories: Regular: 100 Honorary :10 Associate: live
at distance & want to maintain ties to club. | Mon, 8PM Mid Sept-Mid June, ~ 35 meetings/yr | Readings of essays; poems: 30-45min; Also,
once/mo "budget" papers: 3 @15-20 min per; papers archived Cincinnati Historical Society. The Literary Club
of Cincinnati 1849-1999, 150th Anniversary Vol, (Lit Club of Cin, 2001) - an excellent history. |
Saturday Club | Bos | Meets at Somerset Club, 42-43
Beacon St., Boston; strongly aligned with Harvard as was Examiner Club. Ralph Waldo Emerson et al | Pres. Joan Goody | 1855-present | 25 or so members at typical meeting.
Drawn from academic, legal, medical, clerical, artistic and business. | Originally, every 4th Sat. | Disc of topics over lunch. No essays. Only
written record: bio at member’s death bound and archived. Saturday Club founded Atlantic Monthly (1857) as literary
and cultural commentary magazine James Russell Lowell, first editor. |
Minerva Aim: to bring young women together
for reading and literary work; the first "reading group" in Indiana. | NH | ? | Founder: Constance Fauntleroy; she left NH
and formed "The Bronte" in Madison, IN (1864-1874). Constance helped found the Woman’s Club of San Francisco | 1858-1864 | Young Women | ? | Reading and other literary activities |
Examiner Club | Bos | Meets at Union Club, 8 Park St.
across from Boston Commons; Founded by RW Emerson and contributors to the Unitarian organ, The Christian Examiner (Fuess et
al McMillian, 1947) | Pres. Judge Douglas Wooklock | 1863-present | 40 members; Men initially; now coed | 3rd Wed each mo. Oct to May | No essays; oral presentation &
discussion; written summary and minutes |
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Sorosis Club Founded by Jennie June Croly & Julia Ward
Howe; Oldest incorporated women’s club in New York; First Professional Women’s Club in U.S. Croly, a reporter,
was "churlishly snubbed" by men’s’ Press Club at time Charles Dickens visited NYC. Sorosis Club formed
and met with Dickens. | NYC | Sorosis Club NYC & Boston’s
New England Woman’s Club (both founded 1868) inspired formation of women’s clubs across America. Per Ashley
Carver, General Federation of Women’s clubs, Washington D.C., (Jan 10, 2009) Sorosis has "de-federated" their
membership in GFWC but GFWC international president visited their club last year to celebrate their anniversary, "so
I’m sure they still exist." | First President: Alice Cary (the poet of American women) Vice President: Jennie
C. Croly | 1868-present | Women; 83 members; professional
and literary women. | Originally: fortnightly, first & third Mondays; met at houses of members and other venues | Educational, social activities;
art literature; science "Sorosis" a botanical term –plants with a grouping of flowers that bore fruit.
Activities to "promote agreeable and useful relations among women." Involved in political reform; suffrage, prison
reform, temperance and peace and abolitionism. Archives: Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College: http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/sophiasmith/mnsss336.html
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The Fortnightly of Chicago. "The Fortnightly" or "the Society" not "the Club" The
Fortnightly of Chicago and Chicago LC are loosely related; spouses of Fortnightly join the CLC; At least one woman is member
of both orgs. Occasional joint programs; No formal relationship with other "Fortnightly" clubs in the U.S. | Chi | Society owns the Bryan Lathrop
House, a national landmark built in 1892. 120 E. Bellevue Place, Chicago, IL 60611 | Jean Perkins, President perkinsjean@aol.com Allison Johnson, Manager, ajohnson411@mcleodusa.net, 312 944 1330Website: www.fortnightlychicago.org | 1873-present | Women, though not stated as such
in by-laws; surviving spouses may be elected as associate members; Limit 400 members; Proposed by 2 members, approved by board
of directors. | 16 luncheon meetings fortnightly, Sept-June. Also 20-25 afternoon & eve meetings, special activities &
annual social events; closed July & Aug. | Papers and program presentations by members and outside speakers on topics: literature,
science, architecture, medicine, music, history, current events, etc. Members present 8 programs/year & outside speakers
the rest. Guests have included: Mark Twain; Henry James; Robert Frost; Isaac Stern; Laredo Taft and William Butler Yeats,
Frank McCourt, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mayor RM Daley, Richard Peck and Leo Melamed. Some papers deposited at Newberry Library,
Chicago |
Chit Chat Club | SF | Restaurant L’Olivier | Marc Cruciger, M.D.: co-secretary mcruciger@yahoo.com ; 3838 California Street, San Fran. 94118 | 1874-present | 25 Men limit | 2nd Mon PM each mo. (ex July/Aug) | Readings; papers archived at Stanford
Univ. Library |
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Chicago Literary Club | Ch | The Cliff Dwellers, 200 S. Michigan
Ave. Ed Quattrocchi,
CLC, PO Box 350, Kenilworth, IL 60043-0350 | Pres. Ed Quattrocchi Chicago.literary.club@gmail.com; www.chilit.org; Frank Lackner, Webmaster: Lackner@comcast.net | 1874-present | Men; since 1995 Limit:
250; current 140 members and 25 non-residents | Mon., dinner 6PM; meeting 7:45 PM; Early Oct-mid May | Readings of papers; papers archived
& published online. Selected papers published in small booklet. |
The Woman’s Club of Greencastle, Indiana Aim:
Intellectual, moral, social development of women. | G | ? | ? | 1874-? | Initially limit to 25 | ? | Focus on literature, science, history, art and music in various countries.
Club sent delegate to first convention (The General Federation of Women’s Clubs") of clubs in New York, 1889-the
oldest of the 10 Indiana clubs there. IN second only to Mass. (17) delegates. |
Indianapolis Woman’s Club (second oldest
in IN) An organized center for the mental and social culture, and improvement of domestic life. | In | Propylaeum | ? | 1875-present | Women; Originally limited to 75;
Limit 100 members; 3 membership levels: Active; Privileged; Corresponding | First & third Fridays, Oct-May | Literary, social, aesthetic programs.
Readings of papers (no discussions of religious or political topics permitted) Celebrated 130th anniversary in 2005; Papers
deposited in IN Historical Society archives. |
Chicago Woman’s Club No Longer exists: voted itself out
of existence May 1999. Club recognized by Smithsonian as historically significant with early members: Jane Addams, Julia Ward
Howe, Lady Aberdeen and Bertha Palmer. | Ch | Club donated its considerable resources to Roosevelt University, Shakespeare Theater, University
of Illinois and others. The Club created a Chicago City Woman’s Club Fund, a Trust that will support activities
in the future. | Louise Pavecka, Club VP was interviewed for Chi Tribune article in 1999. | 1876-1999 Chartered: 1885 | Women Prospective members
endorsed by 5 members who cannot propose another candidate that year. By 1898: 700 members Club had 2,000 members
at its peak (Chi Tribune: Woman’s Club gift keeps legacy alive by Margaret O’Brien, Nov 2, p. 2C, pp. 6, 1999). | Initially first & third Wednesdays
of the mo. | For first 7 years primarily a literary club: essays; discussions on selected subjects. Departments developed to
address "practical" work of interest to women: advocacy for women physicians; care of women patients; kindergarten,
education, etc. Largely responsible for creating first juvenile court in U.S. Various Associations organized under the CWC
auspices. Worked with other women’s clubs: The Hull House Woman’s Club; African American Women’s clubs.
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Indianapolis Literary Club Club founding inspired in part by Dr. Poole of The Literary Club (of Cincinnati) | In | Park Tudor School, Commons, Indianapolis | Pres. Tho A Hendrickson Secretary:
DG Vanderstel dgvanderstel@sbcglobal.net; www.literaryclub.org | 1877-present | Men; limit 150 Average
attendance at meetings= ~50 | 1st & 3rd Mon 8pm, except June-Sept, & Dec. | Readings of essays; Archived: IN Historical
Society; some published in scholarly journals Social activities: tea/coffee/water before & after presentation of
essays; Oct & May Ladies Night; Jan Holiday Collation/Dinner; May Annual Dinner Meeting |
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Madison Literary Club; Founded
by men and women--…"to carry its members away from the fretting cares of the day’s work and to place them
for a time in the society of the great masters of the world.." Birg EA, Madison Literary Club 25th Anniversary, 1877-1902,
Madison: Parsons Printing Co. 1904 | Ma | Meet at Attic Angel Community on Attic Angel Circle, Middleton, WI.
| President: Joseph (Jay) Raney: jar@dewittross.net. Annual book and mailing: Fran Wiley: fmwiley@michaelbest.com | 1877-present | Men and women; Limit 60 members | 2nd Mon of months during academic
year. | Readings:
papers and essays; Usually 45 min with 10-15 min discussion. Papers deposited in Archives Wisconsin Historical Society, some
are published in scholarly journals, or informal magazines of Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters. |
Ladies Literary Club of Salt Lake
City | SLC | 850 E. South Temple, 84102: "The
House that Women Build." Since 1913 & on Natal & State Historical Registries | Kmajor@q.com 801-364-3451; 801-359-3522 | 1877-present | Women; current about 55-60 members. Open to all women interested
in literary pursuits and development of mental culture. | 2 general meetings/mo. | Social; community service; Literature one
of on-going sections of Club. ?? essays read |
Causeries du Lundi (Monday Chatterings) One of the oldest literary societies
in America. "NYT 6/12/05: "extremely private & exclusive group.." | NYC | Meet in women’s homes | 2005
Pres (or convener) Elbrun Kimmelman; Club founded in 1880 by Elizabeth Hamilton Cullum, the 49 year old granddaughter
of Alexander Hamilton and wife of Civil War general George Cullum. | 1880-present | Women 23 active members (2005); Membership by invitation
only. No blackballing. | 1st Mon q mo. Nov-May | Read papers on history, art, travel. |
Warren (PA.) Shakespeare Club Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, wife of
the Hon. Rasselas Brown, is considered the "mother" of the Warren Shakespeare Club. | WA | Warren Women’s Club | Judge William F. Morgan at wfmorgan@warren-county.net Mary Grishaver,
Club Historian Website: http://wsc.memberlodge.org | 1884-present | Original membership limited to 40 (20 women & 20 men) Today (2009):
45 members. | Every Tues eve: first Tues after election day to middle of March. Exception: Christmas break. All meetings are
dinner meetings, and black tie | Readings from parts from Shakespeare plays: 3 plays each year (a comedy; a tragedy; a history).
Alternate Night: new members (not yet regular members) present amusing skits. Midwinter’s Night: Regular members present
usually amusing skits. Christmas party with children & grandchildren: songs, readings, short plays. Also have lectures
by members. |
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Fortnightly Literary Club, of
Indianapolis | In | Propylaeum | ? | 1885-present | Limited to 35, but no limit to membership in club constitution. Recently
dropped white and black ball ballot method; Dues waived for 50 yr members` | 3rd Tues of month Oct-May (no longer fortnightly!) | Writing and presentation of papers;
(20-40 min) and avoiding political and religious subjects and vacation travelogues; Focus on serious issues in literature,
art, science, political government, and social and domestic economics. Archives IN Historical Society |
The Shakespeare Club, Dallas. Oldest
literary club active in Dallas, one of the earliest in TX and the U.S. | Dal | No building; meet in member’s homes or other venues: historical
society; Dallas Public Library. | Member: Lynn Vogt: VogtL@att.net http://www.dallashistory.org/history/dallas/shakespeare_club.htm
| 1886-present | 40 ladies at first meeting Jan
28, 1886; now 55 members; typical attendance 40-45. | Every other Fri afternoon, Sept. to May | Member production of plays; selected members
give papers; occas. university prof. present; Endowed fund with annual grants ($15,000-20,000) to education, history, and
theater groups. Civic and charitable projects. Since 1949 materials donated to Dallas Historical Society |
Indianapolis Propylaeum; Indianapolis
Woman’s Club formed committee of 7 (Sewall Chair) to establish a central club home, "in a city famous for the number
& quality of its women’s clubs." | In | Originally on North between Meridian and Pennsylvania Since 1924: 1410 N.
Delaware St. | Pres. Patricia Lyster (2008-09) http://www.thepropylaeum.org/default.asp Propylaeum Historic Foundation: Linda Carlen:
317 638 7881 | 1888-present Founded by Mary Wright Sewall | Women of all ages, cultures, and
social groups | Monthly; some activities more frequent | Social and cultural center for Indianapolis women. Lectures, educational seminars;
music and dramatic presentations; social activities. Members of Propylaeum participate in outreach education, health programs
sponsored by Propylaeum. |
Indiana Union of Literary Clubs Suggested by members of Indianapolis Woman’s Club,
inspired by the convention of Sorosis, 1889. | R | Richmond, Indiana | First President: Mrs. Mary McGregory of Indianapolis; Mrs. Elizabeth
Nicholson of Indianapolis was second President. | 1890-? | Primarily women but men included. | ? | First meeting June 5 & 6 in Richmond: literary clubs of IN sent
50-60 delegates and ~300 members. 1893 annual meeting: 10 or 74 literary clubs had male delegates. Existence of Indianapolis
Literary Club (1877) may have inspired male involvement in the IN Union. ILC Secretary, Mr. Theodore L. Sewall was husband
of May Wright Sewall, a leader in women’s clubs. |
Over the Teacups; Prior to its formation it existed as a history
class | In | ? | President (ca. 1898) was Mrs.
Katherine S. Jones | 1890-? | Initial 25, but expanded | Alternate Fridays | Historic study & literary culture & conversations, seriously directed. Limited
social activities; No formal readings of papers |
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Fortnightly Literary Club; Founded
"for the purpose of intellectual and social culture..: (from 1895 Constitution) | FW | According to Allen County Public
Library December 14, 2008, the Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in April 1992. January 7, 2009 club sill active | Contacts: Shirley Jordan past
president provided update Jan 7, 2009 | 1892-present | Men and Women 20-25 members | 8:30 PM fortnightly Oct to April
(in 1921-22). Today 3rd Mon, Sept-Nov & Feb-April. | Readings of papers not to exceed 45 min followed by discussion. Guests
may attend. |
Hamilton Fortnightly Club (New York) | Ha | Public Conference Rooms in Hamilton, New York | ? | 1894-present | Women, not by official policy
but by convention. There has never been a male member. Membership by recommendation and majority vote. "Blackballing"
taken out of bylaws in 2000. | Fortnightly | Readings of papers by members and discussion |
The Caxton Club of Chicago. Founders desired
to support publication of fine books. Founders were collectors, publishers, designers and librarians. William Caxton was first
English printer. | Chi | Meet in First National Bank Bld., now Chase Tower | President: C. Steven Tomashefsky. The Caxton Club c/o The Newberry
Library, 60 West Walton St., Chi., Ill, 60610 Phone: 312 255 3710 caxtonclub@newberry.org | 1895-present | Originally men; women elected
in 1976; Membership exceeds 300 with 20% women. Current members include: accountants, authors, bankers, scholars, editors,
doctors, librarians, and clergy. | Mo. Wed. dinner meet. 3rd Wed Sept-June with guest speakers; 2nd Friday mo. noon luncheons- Club
members speakers: Sept-June. | Since founding Caxton Club has published 61 formal publications and 58 other printed pieces. |
Houston Heights Literary Club
changed to Houston Women’s Club (1912) | Ho | 1846 Harvard St. | Anne Sloan 713 869-8281 | 1900-present | Women; 130 | Monthly | Literature; music; civic; art.
Separate groups; various activities; ?? essays read |
Franklin Inn Club | Ph | The Franklin Inn Club, 205 South Camac St; | 215-732-0334; www.franklininn.org | 1902-present | Men until 1970’s when women
invited; Limit: 120 because of building limitation | Daily, wkly, monthly | Wide array: lunch with argument; round table disc; eve speaker (Club
member) at Club dinner. No requirement to present but encouraged. ?? archived |
Cheyenne Young Men’s Literary Club | Ch | Cheyenne Artists Guild | Mr. Tucker Fagan, President tuckerfagan@hotmail.com No website | 1902-present | Men: limit-30 | Tues. eve. from Sept-May | Discuss topics for hour; then formal essay
20 min & discussion. Issues discussed & essays archived: Wyoming State Archives. |
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Utopian LC Founded by African-American
women having similar interests in literature, art, sculpture & painting; encourage and promote fellowship conducive to
mental growth. | At | ? | Dr. Miriam Shropshire, President | 1916- Present Celebrated 80th anniversary in March 1996 | Limit to 25 active women | 3rd Thur each mo. Sept-May | Club hosts literary programs,
invited speakers, plays. Members present papers. The Club supports charitable organizations & publishes a year book. Archives
at Emory University, Atlanta (Club Records, 1927-2004); in 1996 records donated to Atlanta Auburn Ave Research Library on
African-American Culture and History |
Boswell Club (& Johnson Teaers) In rebellion, the club has no by-laws
or charter. Membership pin shape of Phi Beta Kappa key with a magnum of champagne and an open book. Aim: "..to study
Johnsoniana and Boswelliana with a slightly modern slant." | Chi | Union League of Chicago Archives: limited information and no knowledge
whether the club exists today. According to Paul T. Ruxin, Governor of the Dr. Johnson House: Boswell Club no longer
extant. ` | Union League Club archivist believes the club no longer exists; it met into the early 1970s. | August 21, 1942 at the Union League
Club, Chicago to early 1970s. Founded by authors, educators, and publishers | Men; ~80 members ca. 1965 | Monthly; | Patterned after "The Club"
of S. Johnson and Boswell’s 18th c England. Archives: Union League Club, Chicago. ? some material at Newberry Library,
Chicago. Activities: Recitations; assumed aliases of Samuel Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, etc.; donned robes and wigs and granted
whimsical degrees: "Doctor of Frustration and Doctor of Worldly Wisdom." |
"The Club" Founded by
lawyers/profs at Berkeley | SF | No permanent address | Philip Bowles, member 505 Sansome Street, #1945, San Fran, CA | 1951-present | 12 members; Men | Meet 2nd Mon each mo. at a member’s
home | Readings
of essays; Essays archived at Berkeley’s Bancroft Library. |
White Rock Literary Review Club—name changed to Dallas LC (1960) | Da | Await infor | ? | 1954-present | Women | ? | ? |
Cedar Literary Club | CR | Cedar Rapids Country Club | Treasurer: Mr. Seidl: 319-377-5619 | 1974-present | All persons; No limit; Present:
55 | Monthly
dinner meetings; last Tues of mo., Sept-May, except Dec. | Readings: original papers, any topic. Note: Tragic June ’09
Cedar Rapids flood destroyed 14 bound vol. of Club papers. ? Archived |
