The San Francisco call., 1897-02-07

associates the San francisco of the pres
ent time, that prophet would have been,
indeed, without honor in his own coun-
try since no one would have believed
him.
That the growth of our City in material
way has been phenomenal all ackDowl-
edge, but the facts concerning its growth
in other directions are not so well known.
1t has been rather of fad with some OF
our Eastern friends, and, indeed, with
some Of our own people, to speak some
what slightingly of our attainments IN
artistic, literary and musical lines; but
those who are in touch with the inner lie
of our best circles know that this Is un-
merited.
In no way is our City's progress mofe
clearly shown than by glance at the lis'
of our women's clubs. There IS certalniy
no City in the world of San Francisco
size which surpasses us IN the mum DER
variety and efficiency of our women's or
.anizations. since. not including the
church, religious and purely social So
cieties. there are over hundred literary,
artistic, musical, patriotic, political, be-
nevolent and educational associations
which have recognized positions and do
excellent work in their several lines.
OF the literary clubs the Century, Soro-
ais Laurel Hall and Philomath are the
largest and most widely known. The
Laurel Hall bears the palm of seniority
SIS it was organized eleven years ago. 1t
has present membership OF 100, is dis
t:nciIy literary in it's aims and counts
among its mem bers, past and present,
many of the most talented and accom-
plished of our San Francisco ladies.
Mrs I. Lowenberg. president of the So
ciety for the past two years, has by her
gentle rule specially endeared herself to
her fellow bers, while she has done
much to advance their interests. Mrs.
Lowenberg is a native OF Mobile, Ala, and
was educated at a convent at Cape Girar-
deau. Coming to San Francisco with her
parents while still a young girl, she made
an early and very happy marriage and for
some time was absorbed in home and So
cial life, giving little time to anything
e Sc save the charitable work in which she
has always been vitally interested and
contributing special articles to the Ingle-
side, Progress, California Magazine and
other publications.
Three years ago Mrs. Lowen berg founded
the Philomath, which is noted as being
one OF the wealthiest, most exclusive and
most successful of our women's organiz "a
tions, and which expends its ample funds
most literally il securing eminent
speakers, writer's, musicians and arusts to
add to the interest of those meetings
which are not devoted solely to SELL
development.
Mrs. Lowenberg is a slender, dark-eyed
lady with a bright complexion and a
y l.
pearance she does an immense amount of
work, as she is not only president of the
two clubs mentioned but is also one of
the managers of several charitable or
ganizations and is indefatigable in dis
charging the many duties devolving upon
her.
The Century. long known as "the"
woman club of San Francisco, is only a
year younger than the Laurel Hall. Mrs.
Phoebe Hearst was its first president, and
it was her generosity as well as her tact
and general loveliness of character which
laid the firm foundation upon which the
club has built so wisely and so well.
A clause in the constitution forbidding
the seeming seeking of notoriety in any
way has raised somewhat of barrier be-
tween this association and the outside
world, but the privilege of mem bership
has been discriminatory bestowed upon
over 200 ladies, and prosperity and har-
mony have characterized each year of its
existence.
Mrs P. B. Cornwall, who is president
this year, is fitting representative of the
broad culture, refinement and gentle cour-
tesy characteristic OF its memb bers. Mrs.
Cornwall has been in California since
childhood and is certainly one of our
States most charming adopted daughters.
Her administrative ability is exec ptional,
and besides attending TO her social duties,
which are many. and to the requirements
OF her position in the Century Club, she,
as corresponding secretary OF the San
Francisco Ladies Protection and Relief
Society, attends to the entire correspond
ence OF that body, which has under its
charge over 200 children.
The Sorosis Club, organized in 1893 with
twelve members, has now lis on its roster.
/ his association is built on practically The
same lines as the New York club of which
1t IS namesake, and has achieved much
during its four years existence.
Mrs. W. B. Carr is president, Mrs. Irving
Scott having retired alter two terms of
Office. Mrs. Carr is a Massachusetts
woman born and bred. but her married
life has been spent in California, where
she has endeared herself TO an exception
ally large circle of frle ends. She is lady
OF great executive ability and was one of
the organizers of the club concerning
which she felt special interest because of
the TACT that two of her aunts are promi-
nent members OF the parent organization
IN New York.
Inc Pacific Coast Women's Press Asso-
cation, now in its seventh year of exist
ence' has been exceptionally fortunate in
Its presidents. Mrs. Nellie Blessing
byster' widely known philanthropist,
teacher ana author; Mrs. Emily Browne
FoWeli, one of our few true poets and a
grace1ul prose writer as well; Mrs. c. P.
Stetson, famed for brilliant speeoh and
versatile pen. and Mrs. Ada Van Pelt
successful editor and lecturer. have each
filled that prominent and responsible
position and filed it we'll
The present occupant of the chair is
Mrs. P. T. Dickinson, wife of ColoreI
Dickinson of Alameda, a lady who no.
won distinction in many different lines of
literary work, and whose gracious dignity
fine tact and charming personality nsr'
tlcularly fit her to perform the dutie, Of
her Office.
Mrs. Dickinson, better known to the