THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES and HOBBY FAIR TO RAISE FUNDS

             In order to keep the settlement house afloat financially, College Club presented an imported production of Hansel and Gretel and gathered pledges, and also held children’s parties, lectures, art exhibits, rummage sales, and plays to promote their work. Many of these were organized and presided over by Sarah Hickenlooper (Mrs. John Withrow). College Club published one issue of its own magazine, The Bauble. This publication was available at Mr. James’ Book Store and Mr. Mullane’s Candy Store. One copy, which belonged to foundress Miss Elizabeth Kellogg, remains in our archives.

A debt of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) was incurred during the operation of the settlement house. Funds were raised by “The Plays” to defray this indebtedness and support its endeavor.

(Below Photos Plays #1,2,5,6) Among these productions was a memorable English comedy, “Ralph Roister Doister,” as well as “The Way of the World” and “Twelfth Night.”

(Below Photos Twelfth Night #3 and 4) This photo portrays the drinking scene from the College Club’s presentation of “Twelfth Night” tomorrow afternoon and evening at the auditorium. The club is already assured of $1,000 clear profits, and the Social Settlement House will consequently be freed from debt and will be started on a new basis. The “Twelfth Night” cast represents the following colleges: Wellesley, Vassar, Bryn Mawr, Cincinnati University, and Oberlin. The Manager of the play, Miss McFadden, was chairman of the Committee at Smith, when the seniors put on “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which generated such favorable comments that it was given in New York with equal success. A string quartet will play between acts.

There was also the annual Christmas Play and other productions created by College Club members to showcase the talents of our membership. Miss Mary Louise McMillan became College Club’s resident playwright. Many of her plays were originally performed by College Club members but went on to be performed by small drama and art groups across the country. Through the 1970’s, College Club had its own theater group and produced plays. Today, we typically enjoy a play by the CWC Players as part of our annual season of programs. 

(Below Photo #7 Barbour 1939) Mrs. George B. Barbour is Chairman of the unique and highly anticipated Hobby Fair, which the College Club of Cincinnati is giving on Saturday, October 14, 1934 at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club. 

This event, which was originated by Mrs. Barbour, has evolved such widespread enthusiasm among this membership, that over 180 members are entering exhibits in this fascinating display. 

Members are reminded that they may bring only one guest, the regulation against guests having been altered by Mrs. Orville Crane, the President of the club, after she had received an unusually large number of requests.

Tea will be a delightful aftermath to the exhibit, this affair taking place in the spacious tea room of the Cincinnati Woman’s Club.

Following the fulfillment of the members’ involvement with the Settlement House, College Club began to organize its meeting for the “refreshment and enlightenment of its members since so many of them were involved with other civic activities,” according to a reference in College Club archives on March 16, 1930. At this time, the club developed a format similar to that which we enjoy today with a luncheon followed by a program reflecting the arts as well as civic concerns and historical programs.