User:Killiondude/Philomathean Clubhouse

The Philomathean Clubhouse is a historic clubhouse building in Stockton, California, part of the woman's club movement.

The Philomathean Club (philomathean from the Greek, meaning "lover of learning") began in 1893. The club was composed of women and included a book discussion club, hosted speakers regarding contemporary political and social topics, supported literacy programs, as well as more social functions such as tea and playing cards. At one point, the membership was 700 members and as of 2012 it had around 70.

The 5,900 sqft building was purchased by the City of Stockton in 2000 for $25,000 with the intentions of using it to host public events. Due to the city's bankruptcy dealings in 2013, creditors pressed them to put for sale many historic properties, including the Philomathean Clubhouse. However, the terms of the city's deal with the club was that a new owner must allow the club to use the building on the condition the club maintains at least 10 members. Soon after the city removed the clubhouse from the list of properties for sale. In 2015 it was sold to a newly formed foundation named the Philomathean Foundation, whose goal was to make improvements to the building and use it for public events. The price of the sale was $28,500 despite a valuation of $400,000. At the time, the building was in such disrepair that city documents estimated it needed over $540,000 in renovations, the majority of the cost relating to the roofing.

As of 2016, work was still being done to the building to make it accessible to the public with the goal of it being used for weddings, cultural events, banquets, and more.