Women's University Club of Seattle: A Legacy of Empowerment
The Women's University Club of Seattle stands as a testament to the ambition and community spirit of women in the early 20th century. Founded in 1914 by Edith Backus, the club emerged during a pivotal era of social change, providing a dedicated space for women to pursue intellectual and professional growth.
The Women's Club Movement
The establishment of the club was part of the broader women's club movement, a social phenomenon that began in the 1860s in Boston and New York City before spreading across the United States. These organizations served as vital outlets for educated women—primarily white women of the era—to engage in political, educational, and professional pursuits while contributing meaningfully to their local communities.
From Humble Beginnings to Architectural Ambition
The club launched with an initial membership of 276 women. Its first home was a one-story building located at 1250 Fifth Avenue, situated directly next to the College Club, which was exclusive to men.
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By 1920, a shift in urban development led to the eviction of both the Women's University Club and the College Club. Their original structures were razed to clear land for the construction of what is now the Olympic Hotel.
A Unique Architectural Collaboration
To build their new headquarters, the club commissioned two prominent local architects: Abraham H. Albertson and Édouard Frère Champney. This project marked the only time the two architects collaborated. Both had personal ties to the organization; Albertson's wife, Clare, was a member, and Albertson himself had designed the club's original building. Champney's mother was also a longtime member of the club.
The members' dedication to their new space extended beyond the architecture. To personalize the interior, members hand-crafted many of the club's projects, including braiding the rugs and embroidering the linens and napkins used in the dining room.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1914 by Edith Backus.
- Initial Membership: 276 members.
- Architects: Abraham H. Albertson and Édouard Frère Champney.
- Notable Member: Bertha Knight Landes, the first woman mayor of a major U.S. city (served 1926–1928).
- Original Location: 1250 Fifth Avenue (now the site of the Olympic Hotel).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Edith Backus |
| Movement Origin | 1860s (NYC and Boston) |
| Architectural Partners | Albertson and Champney |
| First Major City Female Mayor Member | Bertha Knight Landes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Women's University Club of Seattle?
The club was founded in 1914 by Edith Backus.
What was the purpose of the women's club movement?
The movement provided educated women an opportunity to engage in their communities and pursue professional, political, and educational goals.
Where was the club's original building located?
The original one-story building was located at 1250 Fifth Avenue, a site that now houses the Olympic Hotel.
Who were the architects of the second building?
The second building was designed by Abraham H. Albertson and Édouard Frère Champney, marking their only professional collaboration.
Which notable political figure was a charter member?
Bertha Knight Landes, who served as the Mayor of Seattle from 1926 to 1928 and was the first woman mayor of any major U.S. city, was a charter member.