A BRIEF HISTORY

The Twentieth Century Club was founded in 1894.

Early that year, during a visit to Philadelphia, Julia Harding had enjoyed visiting the New Century Club, a women’s organization where members gave lectures instead of using outside speakers. Upon her return, Miss Harding met with Ann M. Phillips, Kate Cassatt McKnight and Mrs. William R. Thompson, to rally support for a similar organization in Pittsburgh. Invitations to join were sent to numerous women and the response was such that a new club was formed.

The original charter was dedicated to the purpose of creating an organized center for women’s work, thought and action and the advancement of her interests and the promotion of science, literature and art.?

A uniquely Pittsburgh institution, The Twentieth Century Club occupies a distinguished position in the rich cultural history of Pittsburgh. It’s motto: "non nobis solum, sed toti mundo"—"not for ourselves, but for the whole world"—reflects its continuing commitment to women’s intellectual and social well being and service. In that tradition, it served as a chapter of the Red Cross as well as sold War Bonds during World War II.

The Twentieth Century Club's Monday morning lecture program is the core around which other activities and classes revolve—a book discussion group, a stock and investment club, a theatre appreciation group, concerts, bridge parties and lessons and varied day, national and international trips.

In the beginning, the club rented space in downtown Pittsburgh. In 1910, members purchased land at 4201 Bigelow Boulevard in Oakland and erected the first phase of their club, a brick and terra cotta building designed by local architect George H. Schwan.

Twenty years later in 1930, Benno Janssen, an eclectic architect well versed in the academic styles in Pittsburgh, and a principal in the foremost architectural firm in the city, Janssen and Cocken, was hired to redesign the club to include an addition which would double its size.

A new limestone facade enveloped the original building as well as the new expansion, reflecting the architectural style of sixteenth century Italian Renaissance Revival, inspired by Michaelangelo’s Palazzode Senatore in Rome. The interior, designed by Marian Geen of Chicago and New York, included a Ballroom which exhibits one of the best examples of Art Deco design remaining in the United States today. Above the front door, the club motto and the carving of Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom, can be seen.