Members of the Twentieth Century Club, a women's group founded in 1894, have voted to keep the Oakland building's doors open.
Dolly Ellenberg, the club's president, said the club has run a deficit for the past year. At a Sept. 26 meeting, members voted to sustain the club financially. The private club has 180 members and 12 employees.
Members have been invited to make an equity investment in the club by buying a subvention certificate, which is sold in $1,000 increments.
"The initial offering will close this month," said Fay Mosle, the club's treasurer, adding that "We've been pleased with the results."
A turnaround committee was formed to attract new members and host events that will draw a larger audience. The club is made up of professional working women, active volunteers and retirees, many of whom attend Monday morning lectures.
Lecture topics have included architecture, business, gardening, education and political cartoons. Museum curators and members of the White House staff, including a former chief usher and chef, have spoken at the club.
"If you come to the lectures, you've got a well-rounded picture of not only what's happening in the city but in the world," Ms. Ellenberg said.
Located in an elegant building at 4201 Bigelow Blvd., the Twentieth Century Club has a stunning art deco-style ballroom, the venue for countless wedding receptions. The club has been rated by The Knot magazine as one of the best places to host a wedding reception in Pittsburgh. The venue can be rented for private receptions and lectures.
Built in 1910, the Twentieth Century Club was doubled in size in 1930 and given an Italian Renaissance makeover by famed architect Benno Janssen, who also designed the nearby Pittsburgh Athletic Association.
"It's like all clubs -- You have your ups and downs," Ms. Ellenberg said. "I've been so impressed with the women in this club. We can't let it die. It's too beautiful a building. It's got a rich history."
First Published: October 15, 2011, 8:00 a.m.
