Club Highlights: Chronological List
Researched and Written by Jeanne H. Schmedlen, 2011
Additions 2012-17 by Beth L. Cornell
William R. Fleming, who built the clubhouse, was one of the founders of the international engineering firm of Gannet, Fleming, Corddry and Carpenter. Two of the firms founding partners’ wives participated in club activities. Mrs. W. Howard Corddry was president in 1952- 1955 and Villa Carpenter took part in a musical presentation at the Diamond Jubilee of the club in 1973.
Highlights of club accomplishments and benchmarks through the years are listed below.
1898
Organized as a club with its object “to increase the public interest in all matters relating to good citizenship, and to promote a better social order.”
In its first year the club put sandboxes in several playgrounds.
1899
The club purchased 26 trash receptacles for downtown Harrisburg and urged City Council topass a resolution making littering an offense.
1900
Men were engaged by the club and sent to Philadelphia to be trained as “White Wings” to keep Harrisburg city streets in order.
Club founder Mira Lloyd Dock delivers “City Beautiful” speech.
1901
The club publishes “Wake Up Harrisburg” which focused on the proper maintenance of existing parks and public squares, the planting of trees and protection of birds.
1902
The club plants John Bartram Bed of Native Shrubs in Reservoir Park.
The club engages a police matron for the County Jail (and pays her salary for several years). Later, the club hired an assistant police matron.
1903
The club investigates conditions surrounding the public water supply and has a drinking fountain installed in the city center which was iced during hot weather.
1904
Club members visited the jail and almshouse regularly to keep them clean and the walls whitewashed.
1906
Club arranges for the removal of tollhouses from Front and Market streets to landscape the area and erect two columns from the Old Capitol building to beautify the approach to the city.
At the club’s urging, the dumping of trash and garbage on the river bank was prohibited by City Council and garbage collection was started.
1912-1920
The club mounted the following projects: early Christmas shopping, improved garbage collection, sewing implements given to poor women. The club also organized a Vigilance Committee to study entertainment and moving pictures, especially as they affect children.
During these years the club members knitted over 500 sweaters for the Clothing Center for needy citizens.
1913
Club member Mrs. Morganthaler founded the first P.T.A. in Harrisburg.
1914
The Civic Club of Harrisburg was bequeathed its permanent home.
The club waged a “War against the Fly.” The club realized that many diseases were spread by flies and so, to counter the numbers of flies in Harrisburg, advocated the killing of flies. It takes 7000 flies to make a pint of flies. The club paid 5 cents a pints for dead flies to protect the public. This year the club collected 800 pints of flies which were redeemed for the promised bounty.
1916
The second floor of the clubhouse was renovated into a grand ballroom and stage.
1914-1918
During World War I the club house was used daily for Red Cross work in rolling bandages for military hospitals and as a place for entertaining servicemen (USO), including on one occasion, 100 “Blue Devils” from France.
1923
First free kindergarten is established in Harrisburg with the club paying the teacher’s salary.
1928
The club urges that parking be prohibited on Front Street.
1941-1945
During World War II the club led a Community Canning Kitchen under the Council of Civil Defense. Club members also grew Victory Gardens and distributed seeds.
1947
The club chairs a Smoke Abatement Project, engaging a smoke engineer from St.. Louis, MO and presented a plan to lessen air pollution to City Council.
With author Pearl Buck and others, club founder Gabriella Cameron Gilbert (Mrs. Lyman D.) was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania by Governor James H. Duff.
The club supported a ban on comic books by supporting a resolution of the Harrisburg City Council of Parent-Teacher Associations.
1959
The club establishes awards programs for high school high-achieving senior students and women volunteers who make notable contributions to the Harrisburg community.
1962
The club establishes a Great Books reading program for members and guests.
1966
The club sponsors a Windowbox Project for the purpose of beautifying the city and increasing neighborhood pride.
1968
The club commits to campaign for a face life of the Market Street approach to the city.
1970
Billy Lee Hart, deputy director of the state Crime Commission, addressed the club members about the “Challenges of Crime.”
Club members toured the Penn State Campus in State College, had lunch at the Nittany Lion Inn and then visited the Columbus Chapel in Boalsburg. The trip was $7.50 all inclusive.
1972
As an Arbor Day project, the club began planting trees in Riverfront Park honoring club members and outstanding community volunteers.
1973
This year the club celebrated its 75th anniversary and honored past presidents at itsApril meeting. The club planted trees on Arbor Day near the club in River Part, honoring or memorializing all 25 past presidents.
1975
The club had a membership of 421 paid members.
1976
The club toured White Chimneys, a historic site at Gap (14 miles east of Lancaster), the only “museum in the country we know of that covers history of 200 years of one family in one spot.”
1977
The club sponsored presentations on “Gourds and Gourd Craft, and ” Crime Prevention.”
This year the club celebrated its 80th birthday. The Sunday Patriot-News reported in a retrospective feature that the club. In 1914 “possessed a teen-agers zest for a host of crusades and causes, and the house... echoes with lively discussions and debates about plans to further the beautification of the city and the education of its children.” The newspaper called the Club the “grande dame of Harrisburg women’s groups.”
In May, the club members were updated on the building of Strawberry Square and its proposed Shopping Mall.
1982
The October 4, 1982 the general meeting featured a presentation by Lenore Haas, director of the Methodist Neighborhood Center on Maclay Street. She spoke of her organization’s mission, including offering a day camp for youngsters, leadership development and working with inmates at the Dauphin County Prison.
1983
The club took a field trip to the Eisenhower Farm and had lunch at the Fairfield Inn. They also reviewed the novel, “almost Famous” by Camp Hill author David Small. Also, the club raised funds to help with the “Statue of Liberty” replica standing on a rock near the Dauphin Narrows section of the Susquehanna River.
1984
Students from Benjamin Franklin Elementary School third grade class recited Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address for members at a club meeting.
1992
The club gives five boxes of historic documents such as minutes, treasurer reports, newsletters, etc. to the Dauphin County Historical Society for safekeeping in its archives.
1993
The club had 193 paid members this year.
Members honored former president Mary Sheffer (1968-1971) with its Pioneer Award.
1994
Douglas Russell, son of member Marion Russell, made an offer to buy the club house property, put the proceeds into trust to support club activities and its mission. The board considered his altruistic offer, but declined.
1995
Club member Virginia Bear died leaving $25,000 to the club in her will.
Members organized a bus trip to see Neil Simon’s “Odd Couple” at the White Marsh Dinner Theatre in Baltimore.
Squirrels made a home in the club house but were removed after they chewed on parts of the air- conditioning system.
The Historic marker on N. Front Street near Reily Street dedicated to a club founding member, activist and environmentalist Mira Lloyd Dock.
The club had 130 paid members.
The club made donations to the following organizations: Central Pennsylvania Literacy Council, River Rescue, Greater Harrisburg Y.W.C.A., Y.M.C.A, Bethesda Mission, and, Harrisburg Fraternal Order of Police, among others.
1997
Some members considered disbanding the club for lack of membership and support but then reconsidered and decided to “continue into the second century.”
1998
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the club. Betty Barnes, as recording secretary, invited several state elected officials to the club’s celebration.
Officer Isabelle Cameron Smith wrote a brief history of the club for the 100th Anniversary Yearbook. She wrote, “many persons learned to dance, gave recitals, had their wedding receptions or parties, were entertained during WORLD War I and II and all the ‘ladies’ who have met and loved echo throughout its (the club’s) history.
Gladys Pedlow bequeathed $5,000 to the club.
The year the club had 139 members. The Historic Harrisburg Association designates the club asa “pillar” of the Harrisburg community.
1999
The club forms The Civic Club of Harrisburg Affiliates, a 501(c)3, a non-profit, fund raising arm of the club with both men and women members. Local prominent attorney Jonathan Vipond III provided legal advice pro bono, saving the club thousands of dollars to get a non-profit status.
The Affiliates mounted fund-raisers to help the club pay for utilities and restoration. Members piloted programs during Harrisburg’s Kipona and Artsfest Festivals. A very successful event was “A Good Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social” held during Artsfest.
The club receives $5,000 for allowing a portion of the film “Girl Interrupted” to be filmed at the clubhouse in late March. Select scenes were filmed at the club featuring well-known actors Winona Rider, Angelina Jolie and Whoopi Goldberg.
The club made donations to the following: Y.M.C.A., City of Harrisburg Parks and Recreation, City of Harrisburg Police and Fire and Capital Emergency Services.
Program presenters were given $25 this year.
2000
The club introduces “Manners Matter” an annual program for children between 7-12 to teach table manners and social skills to area youth. Several members provide scholarships for the program. Almost 90 children, members and volunteers participated in the inaugural program.
The club receives a $15,000 grant from The Kline Foundation.
The club reports 130 members with 50 of those listed as “inactive.”
The Affiliates host “Manners Matter” for the second year. Through the efforts of the Affiliates, the IBM Corporation donated a new computer to the club.
Member Pauline Nedwich donated an upright piano to the club and Kathryn Ellenberger bequeathed $5,000 to the club.
2002
Affiliates donate $25,000 for capital improvements. In May, the membership committee reports 101 paid members.
2003
New Inclinator is installed, a gift of the Affiliates.
2004
A large rendering of the club’s first floor parlor along with two blue prints of the building’s first floor were found in the parlor’s bookcase. The large print was framed and hung above the bookcase. Titled Cambridge Party R.H. 9/99, it was drawn by movie production designer Richard Hoover and was used during the filming of the Hollywood production, “Girl Interrupted.” In the lower right-hand corner of the picture is an impression of a stamp in purple and white that reads “Girl Interrupted.” The set title is Cambridge Party. Balance sheet reflects total assets of $235,290 vs. Liabilities of $235,290.
2005
The club reorganized the Civic Club of Harrisburg Affiliates, a move necessitated to preserve the 501 (c) 3 status of the Affiliates. The group must hold one meeting per year. New toilets were installed in the Powder and Men’s rooms. Member Mrs. Thomas Francis died at the age of 108. The Junior League of Harrisburg wants to meet at the club. The idea of having Junior League members join the club at age 40 as sustaining members of the Junior League and members of the club is discussed.
2006
The club installed storm windows in the building at a cost of almost $25,000. The club donated $30,000 to the City of Harrisburg for community programs. Rentals were almost $50,000 this year.
2007
Daughter of member Winifred Murray made a $5,000 gift in memory of her mother.
2008
Beth Cornell (President 2010-2013) made a gift to the club in honor of her mother, the late Laura Cornell, of a white Italian carrara marble table top for the entry way. Bill Cornell, sister of Beth and son of legacy club member Laura Cornell, made a September presentation on “The Pride of the Susquehanna.”
2009
The club sponsors trips for members and guests to the original Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA and The Union League in Philadelphia.
Col.Leo and Romayne Shay McMahon donated new standards and flags.
Floors are refinished on both floors.
Club Member, Barbara Mumma, on behalf of the Mumma grandchildren, donated a baby grand piano to honor her mother, a former club member..
The clubhouse is wired for wireless Internet access at the non-profit price of $10/month.
2010
The club’s Executive Committee adopts a three-year strategic plan for the club and the Affiliates.
A monthly club newsletter is produced and sent to members, led by President, Beth Cornell.
2011
The club gets bids on repairing the roof, changing the heat from steam to gas and other restoration projects. Members paint the flat wall surfaces and reupholster furniture in the Ladies Room on the second floor.
The club begins its Legacy Project by getting audio and written interviews from members to be put on the website along with their pictures.
The club hosts its first of a series of Civic Minded Breakfast for local Non-Profits for local leaders in the region. These Non-Profits determine their choice of topics and Affiliates’ member David Morrison volunteered to facilitate these discussions. The club members provide a breakfast at 7a.m.
Students from St. Stephens Elementary School join Club members for a program presentation byactress, Heather Jannetta, who re-enacted a play featuring artist Violet Oakley who painted 43 murals in the state Capitol during the first part of the 20th century.
The club hosted a bus trip to the Barnes Foundation and Union League site in Merion, PA.
2012
The club successfully secures the technology to webcast its programs at the club to senior centers and other locations. This major contribution (over $22,000 in equipment) allows the club to provide a significant service to seniors citizens at Homeland Center. In March, for example, the club’s program on “The Role of Women during the Civil War” was available “live” and free to clients living at Homeland.
The Board adopted a revised logo, by-line and mission from the communications committee, thanks to legacy member, Barbara Kauffman, a communication expert. The club communications committee creates and launches a website and focused on “branding” the club to increase membership and sponsorships.
Club hosted a bus trip to the “New” Barnes Foundation on the Parkway in Philadelphia, PA.
2013
The club’s free public lecture program featured a presentation by Dr. Susan Rimby on club charter member and community activist Mira Lloyd Dock. Rimby’s talk was based on her book “Mira Lloyd Dockand the Progressive Era Conservation Movement.” Dock founded Harrisburg’s City Beautiful Movement.
The club restores its interest in the City Beautiful Movement, 2.0 and hosts a series of public meeting on Harrisburg’s challenges facing debt and political issues.
State Representative Patty Kim presents a program to the membership on her role at the Capitol and leadership challenges.
The Civic Club of Harrisburg continues its Civic Minded Breakfast.
The club, with co-chairs of Karen Best and Jeanne Schmedlen held its first, successful fund-raising GALA, earning $35,000 for the club through a silent and public auction and ticket sales.
This was used for the match to the PA Historical Museum Commission grant to save the historic windows.
Club committee creates methods to move to a multi catering system.
2014
The Civic Club of Harrisburg was honored to be part of the Harrisburg Young Professionals Living Home and Garden Tour. Each year distinctive homes and businesses are showcased to attract and retain young professionals, families and other newcomers. Club membership was 115.
The Civic Club of Harrisburg continues the Civic Minded Breakfast.
Gala II was “Windows on the Susquehanna: Sunrise…Sunset” held in May and raised about $30K for the preservation and restoration of Overlook. The price was $125 per guest.
Member Tammy Relken donates a little red wagon to help the garden committee transport water to the Judge Genevieve Blatt historic marker garden which the club plants and maintains.
Civic Minded Breakfasts continue under Carol DiMartile’s leadership.
2015
The Civic Club hosts a joint fundraiser for one of its partner organizations, The PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC). with White House Chef John Moeller presented his stories and secrets of serving three first families. The proceeds were split between the TCCH and the PBCC.
The Civic Club of Harrisburg hosts Gala III: “A Great Gatsby Celebration” to preserve and maintain the Overlook. Tickets were $135 “clams.” $20K was raised.
The club continues and expands to six annually the Civic Minded Breakfasts for between 15 and 40 guests attending each event.
Club member and Historic Preservationist, Gina Douty, writes an extensive report on the electric challenges in the building. The board moves forward with four step contract to update all “Knob and Tube.”
Members cook and provide four home made meals to the men living at the YMCA located across from the club on Front Street.
The club hires it first part-time sales/promotions manager.
2016
The Civic Club of Harrisburg host Gala IV: “Great Gatsby’s Party, Celebration Continues: “Knock Three Times to Enter” to preserve and maintain the Overlook Mansion. Tickets were $135.
Chuck Wingate presented a program on Harrisburg’s Bethesda Mission and the Club members donated personal care items to the mission as its annual holiday project.
The 100th anniversary holiday brunch toasted and honored the eight living Presidents of the Club with roses and music.
The Civic Club of Harrisburg continues the Civic Minded Breakfasts.
2017
The catering kitchen is updated (due to a water leak) and a new gas stove is donated.
The club continues hosting five popular Civic Minded Breakfasts a service to area Non-Profits
Members and others volunteered at Hershey Park to raise funds for the Scholarship Fund.
Continued to provide dinner to the YMCA for 20 residents
2018
Electrical upgrade of from the old “knob and tube”, funded by a grant from the PA Historical Museam Commission
Fundraiser: “Wine, Chcolate and Jazz” is Co-Chaired by Judy and Jim Imler
Celebrated our highest number of facility rentals
Piloted four free films to the community
Awarded a two scholarships to local students in our community
2019
Maintained the Genevieve Blatt historical marker near Kunkel Plaza
Continued to provide dinner to the YMCA for 20 residents
Awarded a two scholarships to local students in our community
2020
Transitioned to Quickbooks
Transition to Gmail accounts for the leadership
Continued to provide dinner to the YMCA for 20 residents
Hosted Hershey Volunteers to attend the Holiday Luncheon and provided thank you certificates
Sources/Bibliography
Anderson, Irene, Recording Secretary, Board Meeting Minutes, 2000-2001.
Barnes, Betty C., Recording Secretary Pro-tem, Civic Club Board Meeting Minutes, 2000-2008.
Barnes, Betty C., Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg, personal letters dates October 7, 1998, to Governor Mark Schweitzer, First Lady Michele Ridge and U.S. Senator George Gekas.
Beers, Paul, et al “The Capital Greenbelt: Remaking a City Beautiful,” p.37.
Bradley, Mary O. The Harrisburg Patriot-News “Gilbert Worked Tirelessly for City” Cornerstone Article, June 28, 2005.
Bramson, Constance Y., The Evening News, February 4, 1970, “Civic Club Department Will Discuss Crime Monday,” p. 18.
Civic Club of Harrisburg Scrapbook, 1970-1980.
Erney, Thelma, Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Board Minutes, 1998-1999.
Newsletters from 2010-2017
Kelker, Luther Reily, History of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania with Genealogical Memoirs, Vols. 1-2, p.563.
Long, Emily, Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Executive Board Minutes, 2005- 2007.
Long, Emily, Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Executive Board Meeting Minutes, 2009-2010.
Minor, Margaret, Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Board Meeting Minutes, 1999- 2000.
News-USGenWeb Archives, website
Newsletters of the club.
Peace, Mrs. William, chairman of the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, letter to Mrs. Charles D. Wilson, Corresponding Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg, dated September 21, 1950.
Program, “One Hundredth Anniversary” Civic Club of Harrisburg, 1898-1998.
Quenzler, Mary K., Recording Secretary, Minutes of the Civic Club of Harrisburg Education Committee, 1982.
Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Board Meeting Minutes, 1997-1998. Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Executive Board Minutes, 1995-1996. Recording Secretary, Civic Club of Harrisburg Meeting Minutes, 1993-1995.
Smith, Isabelle Cameron, 100th Anniversary Yearbook, “The Civic Club of Harrisburg
Review,”October 18, 1998.
Stineman, George B., D.O., Chairman, Harrisburg Committee on Comic Publications, Resolution dated February 2, 1950.
Stone, Mrs. Ralph W. “The Civic Club of Harrisburg –A History,” pub.1948 (50th Club Anniversary) pp.4-11.
Unknown author, Seventy-fifth Anniversary Speech, “Salute to the Presidents: Civic Club of Harrisburg,” original draft, pp.7,8.
Unknown author, The Sunday Patriot-News, November 12, 1978, “Like House It Occupies, Civic Club is Unique,” p. E2.