Women's Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock

Our Story

The Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock was organized 1903; Incorporated 1907; California State Federation of Women’s Clubs Affiliation 1908; General Federation of Women’s Clubs Affiliation 1924; County Federation of Women’s Clubs Affiliation 1931; Los Angeles Cultural Monument 1991; National Register of Historic Places 2013

Our beautiful Craftsman Clubhouse was constructed in 1914. This "Grand Lady" retains her charm and continues to provide a welcoming environment. The Clubhouse is available to rent for filming, meetings, lectures, concerts, weddings and other special events.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING
On February 25, 1903, a small group of women in the Eagle Rock Valley met at the home of Mrs. Phillip W. Parker. These women, like their contemporaries in cities and towns across America, were inspired to create a club for self-improvement, public service and the mutual support of ambitions that reached far beyond their immediate households. The women’s club movement of America marked the entry of women into public life. Planning for a clubhouse began in 1904; the first fundraiser netted $31.25 and a building fund was established. Through donations and fundraising, the land for the Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock was purchased in 1912. A groundbreaking ceremony was held and the building was constructed in 1914. The formal dedication ceremony was February 25, 1915. The first meeting at the Clubhouse was held one month later.

In 1910 WTCC members led the petition for women’s suffrage to the California legislature. In 1913 they secured a grant of $7,500 from the Carnegie Corporation for a public library, which opened in 1915 (now the Center for the Arts.) They petitioned Occidental College to accept women when the college moved to Eagle Rock and in 1922 they established a scholarship fund to help women students. Diligent fundraising enabled the Club to purchase the lot north of the clubhouse and the caretaker’s cottage was built there in 1922.Club members opened their clubhouse doors to the community for lectures and cultural events, meetings by other organizations and fundraising projects. During World War I and II the Women’s Twentieth Century Club organized the Red Cross Auxiliary, held Liberty Bond drives and established two nurses’ scholarships. In 1926 members opened a “well-baby clinic” that was maintained for 35 years. Working with the community, WTCC members mobilized the renovation of Colorado Boulevard and fought to improve street drainage.

By the mid 20th century, the Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock had earned the coveted Josephine Seamons Civic Award from the Federation of Women’s Clubs. Club members founded the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society and provided funding for the Eagle Rock Bowl (now the Occidental College amphitheater.) They started a memorial fund for the preservation of the Charles Lummis home and successfully prevented the routing of a freeway next to Eagle Rock High School. In 1972 the Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock received 21 Community Achievement awards from the Verdugo District of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs. The clubhouse was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Monument in 1991.

The clubhouse survived the 1994 Northridge earthquake with minor damage, but there was a growing concern about the structural integrity of the building. Decreased rental income, along with diminishing membership, had severely impacted funding and outreach programs. Despite these difficulties, the Women’s Twentieth Century Club continued its philanthropic activities. In 2001, President Edna Shelton began an enormously successful campaign to revitalize club membership and conduct some necessary safety improvements to the clubhouse itself.

Through the efforts of many community members and groups, an out-pouring of caring and help has allowed us to prevent the destruction of this beloved historical building. Once again, the Clubhouse is a focal point of community activity. In 2013, the clubhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. We have a viable membership of energetic and talented women who are dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock. In 2014, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of the clubhouse, we are embarking on a centennial capital campaign to raise funds necessary to provide the Clubhouse with the care and attention, preservation and improvement it needs to continue the club’s proud legacy of service into many future generations. We hope you will join us in this historic endeavor.

RENTAL INFORMATION:
How to Book Space:
1. Email our Rental Coordinator at [email protected] to check on date availability. For ease of communication, please
provide your cell or home phone number, the best time to reach you, the type of event and your preferred rental date.

For filming rental, please contact Unreel Locations at 323-953-6189.
Additional Clubhouse photos are available on their website:
unreellocations.com/locDisp.php?loc_id=429

2. Arrange a site visit.

3. Sign a Rental Agreement and pay security deposit to secure the date.

What you need to know about renting the Clubhouse:

1. The Clubhouse is available as an event venue seven days a week; Monday to Thursday from 9:00am-11:00pm and Friday to Sunday from 9:00am-12 midnight.

2. Maximum occupancy is 160 for a banquet event and 180 for auditorium style seating.

3. Our Rental Coordinator will provide you with rental rates for your event. For most weekend events, your rental includes time the
afternoon before your event, plus three hours to decorate on the day of your event.

4. Facility rental includes use of ballroom, dining room, kitchen, garden, stage, 8’ banquet tables (20ct), and chairs.

5. In addition, we also have a projection screen, wi-fi access and interior/exterior lighting as options to add to your rental.

6. We require special event insurance. This may be available through your homeowner’s insurance provider or we can assist you to obtain it.

7. Beer and wine are allowed, but must be served by a licensed provider.

8. Dancing and music are allowed, but music must cease at 11pm on Friday and Saturday and at 10pm for events held on Sunday through Thursday evenings.

9. Parking is available on the street.