COLLEGE CLUB OF CLEVELAND - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

The COLLEGE CLUB OF CLEVELAND, located at 2348 Overlook Road in CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, was founded in 1898 as a social, civic, educational, and philanthropic organization of and for women who had graduated from accredited colleges. An official organizational meeting, held on January 15, 1898 at the Hotel Stillman on EUCLID AVE., elected Louise Pope (later Mrs. Homer H. Johnson) president and Carolyn Shipman secretary. The original group consisted of eighty-eight charter members representing seventeen colleges.

In 1900, a suite of rooms in the Wedge Building on Euclid Avenue near Erie (East 9th) Street became the club headquarters. Later, the club moved to the Bangor Building, the CAXTON BUILDING,and Channing Hall in the Unitarian Church. The club incorporated on January 15, 1908 as the College Club Company, and in 1913 purchased the stable and coachman's quarters attached to the Charles William Wason property at 1958 East 93rd Street, which was their home for thirty-eight years.

During World War I and World War II, members volunteered in many war-relief organizations. The club established a scholarship program in 1922. In January 1948, the club reorganized and became the College Club of Cleveland, a nonprofit organization. In March 1951, it purchased its present (2007) clubhouse, the William D.B. Alexander house, which was designated a Cleveland Heights landmark on October 9, 1978.

Now open to men and to any individual who has completed two full years of college credits, the club sponsors varied programs, including classes, lectures, and meetings, as well as social activities. It continues to raise funds for college scholarships and sponsors a Community Outreach Fund that contributes to local charitable organizations.

Related Article(s)

• WOMEN AND WOMEN'S ISSUES

Related Link(s)

• The College Club of Cleveland