*
The Charlotte Cushman Club occupied the building at the
Southwest corner
of 12th and Locust Streets from its founding in 1907 until it moved in 1920.
Traveling Actresses
It was estimated in 1909 that 300 actresses travel to Philadelphia weekly
to perform, according to a brochure published by the Charlotte Cushman club.
Given the unusual hours kept by women of the dramatic profession and the
fact that they often traveled unaccompanied, this club originated as an
experiment
to test the hypothesis that "there was a need of a comfortable boarding
house for the traveling women of the stage." (2nd Yearly Report**)
The Charlotte Cushman Club
Named after the famous actress, the club boasts that its sunny, tasteful
rooms combined with quality cooking and service are just the comforts traveling
women need. Service even included a light midnight supper after the show.
Friday Afternoon Tea
When special guests arrived in Philadelphia, tea was held at the
club on Friday afternoons. These events, which brought members,
players and managers together, was intended "to make the
Club of use in the profession." (5th Yearly Report)
The publication boasts that the club did a public service,
as these women added to the enjoyment of city life.
Cushman Club, Twelfth and Locust Streets, Philadelphia
Drawn by Vernon Howe Bailey from a photograph - 1909
-
From the Perkins Collection, HSP
In 1920, the Charlotte Cushman Club moved to a larger,
more central location at 1010 Spruce Street.
During the time that this intersection was home to the
club, a manufactuer of hotel cooking aparatus,
V Clad & Sons,
had come and gone in the site on the Southeast corner.