Cleveland Press

The City Club of Cleveland was established in 1912 to provide a platform for the discussion of issues of contemporary interest. The first board of directors included Edward Baker, Dr. Robert Bishop, Arthur Baldwin, Starr Cadwallader, Walter Flory, Rabbi Moses Gries, Amasa Mather, Daniel Morgan and Reverend Worth Tippy. Morgan served as the club's first president, while Edward Baker and Amasa Mather were selected as vice-president and treasurer respectively. Mayo Fesler, instrumental in helping establish the club, served as secretary. Fesler would later serve as secretary for the Citizens League. Membership in the club was initially open to men only. Women were admitted in 1972.

The City Club has met in various locations. Between 1913 and 1916, it used several rooms above Weber's Restaurant on Superior Avenue. In 1916, it moved to the Hollenden Hotel, which served as its home until 1929, when it moved to 712 Vincent Avenue. In 1986, the City Club was located at 850 Euclid Avenue.

The principal activity of the City Club has been its forum which convenes once a week after lunch and features an address and discussion of a local, national or international topic. A question and answer session follows each forum address.

The Anvil Revue has been another important activity of the City Club. Beginning as an in club skit it evolved into an elaborate public production consisting of humorous conversations, songs and dances lampooning contemporary political leaders. The first Anvil Revue was presented in 1913 during the City Club's first annual meeting. The show ran continuously until 1976, when it was abandoned due to declining attendance. The Anvil Revue returned in June 1979 in the format of a radio show. As of 1986, the Anvil Revue was still broadcast on radio.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for the City Club of Cleveland

From the guide to the City Club of Cleveland Photographs, 1929-1968, (Western Reserve Historical Society)