Woman's Press Club of New York City facts for kids

The Woman's Press Club of New York City (WPCNYC) was a special group for women journalists and writers in the United States. It was located in Manhattan, New York City. The club was started by Jane Cunningham Croly in November 1889. It officially became a corporation in 1919 and closed down on March 8, 1980.

History of the Club

The Woman's Press Club of New York City began on November 19, 1889. About 40 women from New York City newspapers joined at the start. The club's main goal was to help women in journalism and writing work together. They wanted to support each other and share ideas.

The club focused on many activities. These included community projects and offering scholarships for journalism students. They also held lectures, literary events, and social gatherings for their members. The club officially became a corporation in New York in 1919. Important people like Kate M. Bostwick and Julia Linthicum were trustees. The club stopped operating in 1980. Records from the club, like meeting notes and letters, are now kept at Columbia University Libraries.

Who Could Join?

Not all members worked for big city newspapers. However, everyone who joined had achieved some success in writing or a similar field. Jane Cunningham Croly, who founded the club, was its president until she passed away in 1901. Sara Jane Lippincott was the club's first vice-president.

The club started with 40 members in 1889. By 1893, it had grown to over 100 members. Many famous women writers and journalists were members. Some of these included Eliza Archard Conner and Florence Finch Kelly. Members wore a special purple and gold circlet to show they belonged to the club.

Club Meetings

A Valentine's menu from a club event in 1906

The club held regular meetings twice a month. These meetings usually happened on the second and last Saturdays. They did not meet in July, August, or September. The first meeting of the month was for business. The second meeting was for social activities and literary discussions.

The club rooms were open to members at other times too. Members could visit for a friendly chat. They could also use the space to work on articles for newspapers or magazines.

The Club's Headquarters

The club's main location was at 126 East 23rd Street in Manhattan. When they first moved in, they only had tables and light chairs for meetings. Over time, members donated furniture, dishes, and silver. The space had four rooms and a bathroom.

The main front room was a parlor. It had terra cotta walls and a colorful ceiling. The floor was made of beautiful wood. A cherry wood fireplace was on one side. On the opposite wall was the president's special chair. This chair was a gift from Miriam Leslie. An etching by Kruseman Van Etten hung above it. A large oak table, given by the executive committee, was in front of the chair. Members also donated rugs, bookcases, and tea tables. The back room had grayish-blue walls. A large Japanese screen was a gift from Jane Cunningham Croly. Many members also gave china cups and saucers for the club's cupboard.

Notable Members

Many talented women were part of the Woman's Press Club. Here are some of them:

• Eleanor Maria Easterbrook Ames (also known as Eleanor Kirk)
• Emma Beckwith
• Kate M. Bostwick
• Eliza Archard Conner
• Jane Cunningham Croly
• Annie Kershaw DeMontaigue (also known as Countess Annie de Montaigu)
• Miss E. G. Gordon
• Florence Carpenter Ives
• Florence Finch Kelly
• Calrica La Favre
• Miriam Leslie
• Sara Jane Lippincott
• Marguerite Moore
• Eliza J. Nicholson
• Elita Proctor Otis
• Mrs. A. M. Palmer
• Hester Martha Poole
• Jennie Holtzmeyer Posenfeld
• Mary Foot Seymour

Club Publications

The Woman's Press Club also created some important documents and publications. These include:

• 1892, Entertainment of the Woman's Press Club of New York : Tuesday afternoon, February ninth, 1892, at the Casino
• 1897, Woman's Press Club of New York City, organized 1889 : constitution and by-laws
• 1904, Memories of Jane Cunningham Croly, "Jenny June"
• 1925–53, A collection of printed material issued by or pertaining to the Woman's Press Club of New York City