New Century Club of Philadelphia

124 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA

1891-92 | Women’s Club | Demolished 1973

“It is now an assured fact that the New Century Club, 1520 Chestnut street, will, at a not distant date, have a home of its own. A company has been formed by members of the Club, to be known as the New Century Company, whose purpose is to erect a club-house for the use of the Club. There will be a large assembly room, which will be rented by the Club for musical, dramatic and social purposes. A charter will be applied for in a short time. A number of properties have been visited with a view of selecting a site, but as yet none has been selected.” (January 14, 1891)

“J.E. and A.L. Pennock contractors and builders, 305 Walnut street, Philada., have received the contract to erect the new club house for the New Century Club, located at 124-26 South Twelfth street. Minerva Parker…who drew the plans, will supervise the erection.” (April 22, 1891)

“The New Century club…is finely appointed and contains an auditorium, seating 700; drawing rooms, parlor, library and offices…the building’s architect was Mrs. Minerva Parker Nichols and its fresco artist Miss Gabrielle Clements…” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 13, 1894)

“In March 1891, the property on which our clubhouse is built was purchased for $40,000. Floor plans were prepared, and submitted to the board, and an architect of experience and ability, Mrs. Minerva Parker Nichols, was selected; and under her supervision and direction the clubhouse was built.” (Kansas City Journal, March 20, 1898)

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This was one of the highest-profile projects in Minerva’s entire portfolio, and it was linked to several other commissions she completed for individual members, etc. The building was featured and described in publications nationwide, celebrating the achievements of the New Century Club’s Philadelphia chapter in raising its own funds, securing its own site, hiring its own designer, and commissioning its own clubhouse.

Minerva supervised construction on all of her projects; for this commission in particular, she postponed her honeymoon in December 1891 in order to supervise its completion.