Welcome to The Ebell Society of Santa Ana, CA

Since the establishment of the Society, the members’ constant desire was to build their own clubhouse.

As early as 1902, the matter of building a clubhouse was the paramount interest of the new president, Mrs. Victor Montgomery. Many plans were presented, carefully considered, discussed, and discarded. The most feasible seemed to be that offered by member Mrs. Burnham, which suggested that a stock company be formed of $10,000 capital, with 500 shares at $20 each. Subscribers were to pay $5 down and $1 per month for 15 months. However, no bank was found willing to finance the scheme, so the idea was reluctantly tabled. However, this agitation resulted in the creating of a building fund.

An important step was taken in 1909—the incorporation of The Ebell Society. This was necessary so the club might purchase and hold property. The building fund increased through the years, making it possible to buy two centrally located lots in 1909. That year funds from a Musicale and a donation from the Landmarks Section were added to the fund.

A lot was purchased on French Street for $1,500.00: $738.33 came from the building fund, $376.00 contributed by the Merchants and Manufacturers Association, $200.00 borrowed and repaid by the proceeds of the play “Cupid at Vassar” under the direction of Mr. Ernest C. Phillips. For his efforts on behalf of Ebell, Mr. Phillips was elected an honorary member of Ebell.

In 1910, Mr. David Hewes offered to convey his former home in Tustin, a lot 150 x 150 feet, with buildings, to Ebell as a memorial to his wife, and her daughter, Mrs. W.S. Bartlett, provided Ebell would build and maintain a clubhouse on the lots. This offer was much appreciated, but it was decided that the location was not central enough to be accessible to the majority of the members.

In 1913, to meet the urgent need of the clubhouse loan fund, a five cent per capita tax was levied, and collected. In 1917, the clubhouse fund was invested in Liberty Bonds.

The big thing of 1921 was voting to build a clubhouse. It had long been the dream of the members, but only a dream. The president, Mrs. J.E. Gowen, had been very enthusiastic and talked “clubhouse” on all occasions. The Board finally decided to put it to a vote. To be sure the clubhouse fund was less than $3,000, but enthusiasm and a strong appeal by the president won the day. The vote was taken on May 31, and was favorable. Mrs. Gowen then headed the list with $100, and subscriptions for funds began in earnest. By the end of 1921, over $12,000 was subscribed, the fund was over $15,000. The die was cast and all felt satisfied that the dream would become a reality.

In 1922, additional land adjoining the Ebell lots was purchased, greatly adding to the value of the clubhouse site. By this time, the clubhouse fund had increased enough that the Building Committee felt justified in continuing with plans for the building of the clubhouse early in the autumn.

During Mrs. John Clarkson’s term (1921-1923), much time and attention was occupied in devising ways and means to erect a clubhouse. Although actual construction did not begin until the autumn following her retirement, it was because of her ability in directing the financial campaign that netted so much money that the club was justified in proceeding to build.

The club year 1923-24 will stand forever in the history of the Society as one of great endeavor and successful achievement—for that year the dream of 30 years came true and they built their clubhouse. The committees dedicated to the clubhouse were extremely busy during this period. The Building Committee convened almost continuously. The Kitchen Committee closed its efforts with enough silver and dishes for 250, and other furnishing complete. The Curtain Committee, with perplexing problems due to the arched windows and the high cost of draperies, emerged victorious with artistic and practical results throughout the building. The curtains in the Peacock Room were the hand work of the members. The Grounds Committee cleared and graded the grounds, installed a sprinkling system, and created a landscape plan. The Chair Committee installed 587 opera chairs in the auditorium—over 100 being subscribed for—and bought 191 blue chairs for the dining room.

The club began the year with lot paid for: $9,326.57 from the clubhouse treasury, and a sum of money pledged by members. The contract for the building was signed in October without an auditorium. With the successful solicitation for more funds, enough money was raised that at a meeting in February held in the partially finished Lounge, the decision was made to finish the auditorium. Much scheming and planning held back the day of mortgaging until May, when $25,000 was borrowed. The building was accepted on May 21, 1924.

The first social event, a turkey dinner, was held on May 22. Monday, May 26, the first regular program of the club was held. On the rostrum were all 14 of Ebell’s past presidents. Ebell’s “Club Mother”, Mrs. W.S. Bartlett, occupied a place of honor and gave a most touching address. This was followed by a beautiful prayer of dedication by Mrs. P.F. Schrock. Each of the presidents then gave the highlights of her administration, followed by a musical program. The memorable day closed with a reception in the patio where light refreshments were served. In the evening, the clubhouse was thrown open to the public for inspection. Good wishes and congratulations were expressed in quantities of beautiful flowers sent by business firms and organizations.

The Ebell Society of the Santa Ana Valley

The Ebell Society of the
Santa Ana Valley