Women's City Club of Boston.

The Women's City Club of Boston (hereafter referred to as the Club) was formed to promote solidarity among women interested in the welfare of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; maintain a clubhouse for informal meetings; and provide a forum for public officials, civic leaders, noted authors, and others to discuss contemporary topics. In 1912, founding members, who included Josephine A. Bruorton, Helen Osborne Storrow, and Frances Greely Curtis, met to discuss organizing a club for women. Adopting the slogan "Three to Three Hundred: What's Your Number?" their recruitment campaign called for each member to bring in 10 more. On May 15, 1913, the first 30 members met, and subsequently became the nucleus of the executive committee, chaired by Storrow. The Club soon attracted a charter membership of 300 individuals who adopted a constitution and by-laws, confirmed the appointment of officers and committees, and established financial planning goals. The Club was incorporated in Massachusetts on December 29, 1913, with more than 1,000 members.

In 1914 the Club's membership reached 3,000. Coincidentally, a Federal-style townhouse at 40 Beacon Street became available and was purchased by the Forty Beacon Street Associates. The building was leased to the Club on May 1, 1914, and after extensive renovations, opened in the fall of the same year. The Club purchased the building for $135,000 in 1919 and retired the mortgage in 1927.

In its formative period, the Club's activities, which included lectures, annual dinners, dances, war-time relief efforts, and public events, contributed to a growing membership. The Club also formed strong ties with affiliate organizations across the country. Men were permitted to use its dining room and other facilities, but had no voting or property rights. The Club was also noted for its active role in civic affairs, including fundraisers for victims of the 1914 Salem fire.

In 1939, the Club purchased the adjacent building at 39 Beacon Street, which was formerly known as the Nathan Appleton House, built ca.1818 and remembered for the wedding of Henry Wadsworth and Fannie Appleton. The Club also owned other properties, including 5 Walnut Street, purchased by Helen Osborne Storrow and rented to the club for its lending library, public events, and sewing circles.

From a peak membership of 5,000, reached shortly before the Great Depression, the Club continued to thrive through the 1950s. It took a downturn in the 1960s when operating costs exceeded its revenue, and, like many women's clubs, it had difficulty attracting new members. Although 39 Beacon Street was designated a national historic landmark in 1979, the Club's continued financial losses necessitated its sale in 1984. Despite these challenges, Club members continued to hold meetings and events at their other buildings. In 1991, with approximately 150 members, the Club filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A year later, 40 Beacon Street was offered for sale. Suffolk University attempted to purchase the property, and would have allowed club members continued use. However, conflicts developed over the University's intended use of the building, and the sale fell through. An associate of the Union Club in Boston in 2010, the Women's City Club of Boston has approximately 20 members who regularly meet to conduct Club business.

From the guide to the Records of the Women's City Club of Boston, 1913-1992, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)