The College Club

In 1890, a group of nineteen forward-thinking women gathered in Boston’s Back Bay. They envisioned a space where educated women could connect, share ideas, and foster friendships. This vision became a reality with the founding of The College Club of Boston, the first women’s college club in the United States. The College Club initially resided at 76 Marlborough Street. In 1905, they moved to a grander location at 40 Commonwealth Avenue. This clubhouse boasted an Old English drawing room and seven uniquely decorated bedrooms. Each room reflected the colors of a different women’s college: crimson for Radcliffe, blue for Wellesley, and pristine white for Smith. The College Club’s current home at 44 Commonwealth Avenue is a High Victorian brownstone built in 1864. Originally the home of Royal E. Robbins, a prominent figure in the Waltham Watch Company, the building was acquired by The College Club in 1924. This elegant brownstone, with its French-style slate mansard roof, has hosted countless gatherings, lectures, and events. Over the years, The College Club of Boston has welcomed notable figures like Mark Twain, actress Julia Marlowe, and feminist Lucy Stone. More recently, it has hosted prominent figures like Cokie Roberts and Stephen Puleo. The College Club continues to be a vibrant hub for women. It offers a diverse range of activities, including afternoon teas, author lectures, book clubs, and networking events. The College Club also has a philanthropic arm. The College Club Scholarship Fund, established in 1985, provides financial assistance to deserving high school seniors from Boston Public Schools. The College Club isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of connection and intellectual curiosity.