"THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS"
A HISTORY of the LA JOLLA WOMAN'S CLUB 1894-1919

The early 1890's were an interesting time for the women in San Diego. In 1892 the San Diego Woman's Club was organized and other communities were actively engaged in this pursuit. In 1892, seven members in La Jolla met and a current events club was formed - the object of the Club shall be "mutual advancement in Literary Work". Miss Estelle Longworthy, a member of the Woman's Club presented these facts at the first State Federation meeting, held in Los Angeles on January 17, 1900.

The first name for this group was, "Woman's Literary Club of La Jolla". At its annual meeting, held on March 27, 1894, at the home of Mrs. E.F. Mills (first President) nine members were present. It was primarily a "reading circle". The dues were 10 cents and the group met at the La Jolla Hotel.

An example of programs is the meeting of April 11, 1894. Seven members were present and the guest speaker was Lucy Stone, a prominent leader of woman suffrage. The minute's state: She spoke fearless and bold and right to the point. A few points being:

1st. We are taxed and we have no representation.
2nd. No wife has any legal right to or control of her children.
3rd. Justice claims the right to fine, imprison and hang. We have no voice in the matter.
4th. We are governed without our consent.

WE IN THE LA JOLLA WOMAN'S CLUB CAN BE PROUD OF OUR BEGINNINGS!

In November, 1896, the name was changed to "Current Events Club" and the group met at private homes. No dues were assessed but each member was to buy a magazine and circulate it through the group. The magazines were, "Review of Reviews", "Cosmopolitan", "Self Culture", "Ladies Home Journal", etc. Subjects such as psychology, biographies of literary people and current politics were discussed. Serious studies of subjects such as -whether Lord Bacon was the true writer of Shakespeare, etc. took place. A fine of 5 cents was levied on any member who neglected to bring something of current events each week. Dues increased to 25 cents.

In 1898, Miss Florence Sawyer erected a 3 room building on the corner of Wall & Girard Streets that she dedicated to the use of a Public Library, a social club and the La Jolla Club. Our Club donated a lamp to the reading room where the general meetings were then held. (This building was moved to 7590 Draper Avenue in 1921 and is privately owned).

In September, 1898, a committee was formed to revise the "Constitution" as "It does not meet the needs of the Club" as stated in the minutes.

An eventful meeting took place in March, 1899. The name of the Club was changed to, "La Jolla Woman's Club". Bylaws were formed, officers elected were President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. An executive committee was appointed by the President to prepare programs for the succeeding year. The group met weekly except for the summer months with speakers or literary reviews each time. It was suggested that the Club take up subjects of national interest from time to time, such as the Monroe Doctrine, the tariff, etc. At the annual meeting the secretary's minutes read: "Through a series of failures and triumphs, we are a body and we think individually and have taken a step forward. Our sincere desire for improvement on right lines seems to argue for this Club a future of helpfulness and dignity. The members through the year now past have been faithful to the highest interest of the Club and we trust as time goes on we may grow-in unity and strength".

It was obvious that there were strong differences of opinion but dedication to the Club prevailed.

Ellen Browning Scripps joined the Club in November, 1898, and soon became very active. Three months after joining, she gave the first of many programs, entitled, "The Future of La Jolla". Do you suppose she ever envisioned a community of 28,000 residents and one of the most exclusive resorts in California? From the beginning the influence of Ellen Browning Scripps was evident in the Club. She was a leader for Women's Rights and never hesitated to express her opinion on this subject.

Decisions, large and small, were ever present. In 1899, for instance, the Club voted to buy a 5-gallon can of kerosene to keep the street lamp lighted in front of the "Reading Room". (Public Library). A fund was needed to handle miscellaneous expenses and he members voted to contribute 5 cents on a voluntary basis for this need.

Good literature and women's issues became some of the main interests of the Club. Miss Virginia Scripps, Ellen's sister, gave an interesting talk on 1900 on, "Some of the Interesting Women Writers of this Century''. A newspaper in San Francisco ran an article stating that the California Clubs were trying to induce the State Supervisors to have a woman physician in one of the hospitals to serve as assistant physician. The Club voted to send it to the County Federation of Clubs (we belonged to this organization at that time) asking them to take some action on it.

A successful program in 1900 was given by a resident of Pacific Beach entitled, "Digestion". The Club voted to pay her carfare of 25 cents.

A variety of programs was offered at the general meetings but for the most part intellectual pursuits were the norm. Members gave readings of literature by Shakespeare, Emerson, Tennyson and Whittier among many others. Biographical sketches such as that of reverence was evident in so many ways. Notables like Longfellow and Edgar Allen Poe were honored at birthday anniversaries. Monthly projects such as Tennyson's "Holy Grail" were planned. There were also debates on current events, all by member participation at meetings.

By 1901 there were 17 members. Dues had been raised to 50 cents. Ellen Browning Scripps was elected President. The La Jolla Woman's Club had been a members of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the California Federation was very active in promoting women's rights. Our Club had been the first member of the California Federation of Women's Clubs.

This affiliation aided the members in their knowledge of political events and gave our Club an opportunity to help change laws -its participation in supporting "Child Welfare"; promotion of the "Milk Bill" (for the pasteurization of milk); the "Susan B Anthony Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; endorsement of the Congressional policy of preserving National Parks; the "Save the California Redwoods"; interest in promoting good public schools and urging special classes to be funded by the State for the deaf children and crippled children ("handicapped" description is more recent). These projects were on a National and State level. Locally, the Club insisted on the appointment of women to the Board of Education. They took a stand against birds being shot along the beach, with the Game Warden promising cooperation; the paving of roads; and the insistence of decent bathing attire at beaches. A monthly meeting was organized for the study of California laws relating to women and children, forestry preservation and projects regarding the environment.

THE LA JOLLA WOMAN'S CLUB WAS THE "HUB" OF LA JOLLA. Its voice was heard on the important issues of the day and its influence MADE A DIFFERENCE!

The Club membership continued to grow and by the fall of 1913, the first meeting of the year took place at the home of Ellen Browning Scripps because of the need to find a new meeting place that would take a larger audience. Ellen had retained Irving Gill, a renowned architect here in San Diego, to draw up plans for a new Clubhouse to be given by her to the La Jolla Woman's Club. The Cornerstone was laid on December 2, 1913 and the building was completed in the summer of 1914. Meetings had been temporarily held at the Presbyterian Church at $5.00 rental a meeting.

A couple was hired as caretakers to care for the building and gardens at a salary of $50.00 per month, including rent and gas and electricity.

On October 5, 1914, the first meeting was held at the new Clubhouse. The treasury was just $37 .85, but dues were still to be collected. Ellen Browning Scripps spoke before the membership forecasting a policy for the Club of "Opportunity for Service to the Community" ... "Love and Service being Prominent!"

One of the problems of the community was addressed by the Club members. The subject was "tramps" and this was discussed at length at one of the meetings. It was voted to cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce to eliminate or restrict begging and ask for the protection of the police.

On January 4, 1915, the formal opening of the Clubhouse took place with afternoon and evening meetings. The afternoon meeting consisted of music, speeches by representative of other Clubs, etc. and the presentation of the deed to the Club by Ellen Browning Scripps. The evening meeting consisted of music and the memorial tablet was placed at the left of the entrance of the Clubhouse. Dancing and refreshments followed. Between 700 and 800 people attended functions.

Demands were made on additional costs of the building. $600.00 was earmarked for the Club's share of the paving of the alley between Silverado and Kline streets.

A Music section was formed and music became a part of every program. In the next several months many other sections were established. They were "Drama & Literature"; "Arts and Crafts"; "Civics"; and "Art and Architecture". With our own building offering an auditorium and stage facilities, great excitement and enthusiasm were demonstrated with ideas from all directions.

This was a "Coming of Age" for San Diego in 1915. The Exposition in Balboa Park brought people to town from all walks of life. The La Jolla Woman's Club made the best of this, inviting popular speakers to give programs while they were in San Diego on other business or holiday. The Museum of Man was a big attraction at the Exposition and our programs reflected this. Subjects addressed were "Understanding the American Indian" (referred to as "our primitive people''); "Having an Appreciation of the Art of the American Indian"; 1'The Mexican Indian and the Preservation of their Art and Heritage", etc. Our weekly attendance was over 100 members plus guests at this time.

Ellen Browning Scripps was a strong leader and inspired the Club women. Our Club, in March, 1915, took a strong stand on, "Why We Want Women on the School Board!" They investigated subjects such as, ''The Value of Scientific Education". The members became activists for women's and children's rights. They took a stand on ''The Necessity of Securing a Federal Law Forbidding Interstate Commerce of Child Labor-Made Goods". At the January 24, 1916 meeting the poem ''The Factories" by Margaret Widdemer was read.

''The golf course stood so near the mill
That almost every day
The laboring children could look out
And see the men at play"

Our Club membership at this time had grown to 261.

On February 22, 1916, the portrait of Ellen Browning Scripps was presented to the Club by Mrs. Charles P. Filson, wife of the artist. Both Mr. & Mrs. Filson were in attendance and were honored. 250 people attended this affair. This portrait now hangs in the North Parlor. It was restored in 1990.

On March 6, 1916 the Club endorsed the "Resolution of the Inspection of Dairy Products". On May 8, 1916 The Club became a contributing member of the Child Labor Committee. At the same meeting another resolution was passed, "Resolved that all members of the Club remove their hats where view of speaker is obstructed".

The Club membership was involved in many community concerns. One particular problem that concerned all was "whether bathers should be made to have more suitable clothing going to and from the beach". Our members were very much in favor of this.

At the October 1916 meeting a program was scheduled that met with success. It was entitled, "Reciprocity Day". Members of Women's Clubs from National City, Pacific Beach and Pt. Loma attended. The Arts and Crafts Section was responsible for the program and it consisted of an exhibit of handcraft including rare articles made in the past. There was a sample of mummy wrappings, a missal on parchment (the official, liturgical book containing the prayers used in celebrating Mass throughout the year), an illuminated Psalter made by a nun, and Indian pottery made during the Colonial era.

While World War 1 was "overseas", food shortages were a concern. Sugar was so difficult and expensive to obtain that it was suggested that raisins would be served as a sweetener at the general meeting teas.

In January, 1917, the members were asked to donate clothing for British War Relief. In February, they were asked to contribute money for Belgian Relief. On April 6, 1917, the United States entered into the war and the main purpose of the Club was to help our Country in every way possible.

By November, 1917 the Liberty National Bond Campaign resulted in 97 subscribers from the La Jolla Woman's Club, netting $56,200. Indicating the strong patriotism of these women. The Club women participated as workers in the Red Cross Surgical Dressings Dept. and became avid knitters, as well - the wool was supplied by the Red Cross Society.

At the time prohibition was strongly urged by the California voters to make California one of the 36 states needed. It was felt that this would make San Diego more safe for the soldiers and sailors in the nearby camps.

Mrs. William E. Ritter was president of the La Jolla Woman's Club during this period, serving for four years in this capacity. She was also "Dr. Ritter", State Chairman of Public Health of California, and had great influence with the Club members. The Club continued to be interested in the issues of the day. It endorsed a petition for one delivery only per day from all grocery stores in La Jolla to conserve manpower and gasoline -as a war measure -as requested by the San Diego County Council of National Defense.

Ellen Browning Scripps called the attention to U.S. President Wilson's proclamation on conservation of food. It read, in part:

All bread made of mixed flour.
Two wheat less days per week -Monday & Wednesday
One wheat less meal per day.
One meatless day-Tuesday
One meatless meal each day.
Two pork less days-Tuesday & Saturday

The Club went on record as endorsing this proclamation. By this time raisins were substituted for sugar and rice cakes were served instead of "biscuits" to conserve sugar and wheat at the Club meetings.

Our Club formed a "War Emergency Service Committee". Its report in February, 1918, stated that an amount of $250. Per month was collected from members for the Red Cross and that they hoped to double this.

Every two weeks, on a Saturday night, The Club held a dance for army military officers. A military band supplies the music.

On April 22, 1918, a member of our Club, Mrs. Eleanor B. Parkes, suggested that a "Victory Bell" should be rung daily at a certain hour as a signal for a short prayer for our soldiers at the front. This idea was presented to the Governor of California. The State Convention of Women's Clubs endorsed and passed a resolution that this be a State movement - looking towards a Federal Movement - ''The ringing of the Victory Bell seven strokes at noon daily for a few moments of prayer for our boys at the Front" - and for victory for our cause. April 26 was declared a national Day of Prayer by President Wilson and that day was chosen as the first ringing of the Victory Bell in La Jolla. Rev. Bedford-Jones gladly consented that the bell of the "little church of St. James by the Sea" should be so used. Mrs. Parkes received a telegram and letter from the White House commending her idea of the Victory Bell -"It will start in La Jolla and let it be contagious"!

By May 6, 1918, the third issue of Liberty Bonds subscribed in La Jolla was $100,600. - The emphasis on war work and civic interest -entertainment was secondary! Of course, continues interest in La Jolla was always considered. On April 22, 1918, a petition that a permanent lifeguard be appointed for our bathing beach.

The May, 1918 annual reports included information that $193.23 was collected for Armenian & Syrian Relief; $315. for Italian Relief and $200. for a war victory Fund - to fund American House Centers in South France for American Soldiers on furlough.

Our total membership at this time was 198. The Arts & Crafts work of the Club was devoted to knitting for the war effort. This group completed 51 pairs of socks, 11 helmets, 3 scarves and 23 sweaters. At this time they decided to merge with the Red Cross Dept. for the duration of the war.

In February 1919, the Club voted to endorse a resolution favoring the formation of a League of Nations to pursue peace. Camp Kearney and base hospital in La Jolla, with soldiers and sailors in hospital needing loving attention, our members served in many volunteer capacities. They helped landscape grounds to make them more attractive, they baked pies and cakes for the men and entertained the convalescent soldiers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00 pm. at the Clubhouse for these occasions.

Never forgetting community needs the Club women helped to finance the establishment of a branch of Girl Scouts in San Diego. They also sent letters urging an increase in public funds for the San Diego Public Library. As a member of the California Federation of Women's Clubs, we participated in the urging of a resolution to be passed requesting the Governor to sign bills relating to Community Property; An Industrial Home for Delinquent Women: and a "Increase in an Elementary School Fund of the State" . These bills had been passed by the legislature but were in danger of not receiving the Governor's signature.

On May 19, 1919, the La Jolla Woman's Club members voted that the Club colors should be White and Yellow.

On October 6, 1919, the Club sent a resolution to the Governor to ratify the Susan B. Anthony Amendment. And, on November 11, 1919, a "Community Sing" was held at our Clubhouse from 11:00 to 12:00 noon, to celebrate Armistice Day!!!

At the 25th Anniversary of the La Jolla Woman's Club, a history of La Jolla was given by Ellen Browning Scripps. Her topic was, "La Jolla Then and Now", describing La Jolla in 1890, as a "slight though charming break in the surrounding wilderness". She mentioned that the village had five families at the time.

We have come a long way!

"The First Twenty-Five Years"
Completed October 9, 1993.
By Myrtle G. Gordon

Re-copied by Pat McGill
House Director
July, 2014