La Jolla Woman’s Club is celebrating the 110th anniversary of its iconic masterpiece clubhouse designed by renowned historic architect Irving Gill on Oct. 4.
This milestone event, being held from 6-9 p.m. at the LJWC clubhouse at 7791 Draper Ave., will honor the rich history and architectural significance of the clubhouse, which was constructed in 1914. Guests will enjoy an evening of elegance and nostalgia, both inside and outside the building, with music and gourmet food. A special toast will commemorate over a century of cultural and social contributions to the La Jolla community.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 110 years of this beautiful and historically significant clubhouse,” said Tona Macken, LJWC president. “Irving Gill’s innovative design has not only stood the test of time but continues to inspire and influence architectural styles today. This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor our past while looking forward to many more years of community and cultural enrichment.”
Macken said LJWC is proud to continue the legacy of Ellen Browning Scripps, whom she noted was “our benefactress.” Scripps served two stints as club president from 1901-1904 and again in 1909-10.
“Our mission is to serve the community and give women a place where they can discuss their lives and how to make the world, and La Jolla, a better place,” noted Macken, adding the mission of the club remains the same as when Scripps gifted the property, which is “to assist the women of La Jolla along that road to full and responsible citizenship.”
LJWC’s current roster of 143 members, which pays $75 in annual dues, remains open to all women throughout San Diego County. Macken pointed out the club is not a fundraising organization, but rather serves a social and educational function, holding monthly luncheons with guest speakers addressing topics from science and medicine to art, music, and literature.
“A lot of our speakers have been people who can help women with their physical and emotional health and well-being – that’s been a focus,” said Macken adding the club also supports Mission Bay High School’s band. “They perform for us once a year,” noted Macken, adding she’s in her fourth and final term, making her the longest-serving president in the club’s history. “I’m the 66th president of the club,” she said.
Regarding the club’s 110th anniversary party, Macken noted it will include a gourmet, three-course, sit-down dinner, a DJ, dancing, and a silent auction. The Friday night event will be cocktail attire.
Event tickets are available, and the community is encouraged to join in this special celebration. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lajollawomansclub.org and or call the club at 858-454-2354.
LA JOLLA WOMAN’S CLUB
What: The 110th anniversary celebration will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 4 at 7791 Draper Ave.
History: Organized in 1894, La Jolla Woman’s Club was incorporated in 1914 by La Jolla philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps as a social club. Members met every Wednesday between September and June gathering in a variety of places from members’ homes, to the La Jolla Hotel, and the library’s Reading Room. There was no public space dedicated then for women to gather. Early La Jolla Woman’s Club members discussed what they were reading by writing papers and giving talks about authors, books, and poems to each other. They also discussed current events such as women’s suffrage.
Scripps supported the women’s suffrage movement and gave speeches at the club. Her message was that with the vote, women could “regenerate society.” Her role in shaping the ethos of the club became more apparent when she donated the land and contracted famed early architect Irving J. Gill to build the clubhouse. Scripps embraced many of the ideals of Gill’s design, which promoted health and well-being, putting him at the forefront of the modernist movement in architecture. When the club met its new home in October 1914, Scripps read a heartfelt speech in which she imagined the clubhouse would house “the true spirit of democracy, human justice, and perfect comradeship.” In 1926, Scripps made the cover of Time magazine where she was featured as philanthropist of the year.
Annual club membership is $75 and includes a monthly luncheon with entertainment and educational speakers. The La Jolla Woman’s Club today remains dedicated to fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment. Its board continues this mission along with maintaining the historic masterpiece clubhouse at 7791 Draper Ave.
