This collection contains papers of the Wednesday Club, a women’s club operating in San Diego, from the late 1890s to the early 2000s.

The Wednesday Club is a women’s club formed in San Diego in 1893 to discuss literature and art. On June 4, 1895 ladies Arndt, Hamilton, Horton, Ingle, Luce, McDonald and Woodward reformed it as a literary club and on June 11 Mrs. A.E. Horton was elected president. The first literary discussion was about Oliver Wendell Holmes. His works were presented and discussed. Several days later a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The goal of the club was artistic and literary culture, but in 1913 the members added, “and the study of the problems of our time.” Initially the membership was limited to 50 and the initiation fee was $3.00 with the yearly dues costing $2.00. In 1899 when Andrew Carnegie was donating money to build public libraries, Mrs. Horton obtained money for a public library for San Diego and she became the first honorary member. In December of 1899, a lot on 6th St. was purchased for the Wednesday Club House and in June of 1900 the Club House was built. Among other projects, $500.00 was raised for the Park Improvement Fund.

0.75 Linear feet (2 boxes)

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

This collection is open for research.