The Mask and Wig Clubhouse

Art and Architecture in the Clubhouse

Maxfield Parrish

Working in his studio just a few blocks away at Thirteenth and Walnut Streets, Maxfield Parrish received one of his first commissions in 1894 from Mask and Wig. This first job came as he was finishing his studies at the Pennsylvania Academy; it was for decoration of the stage proscenium and ticket window, iillustration of a number of caricatures on the wall of the Grille Room, and most notably the Old King Cole mural. This was the start of his professional career; shortly after seeing the mural, the editor of “Harpet’s” Magazine invited Parrish to do some of their covers for which he became famous. He would continue working for the Club to finish a total of 35 caricatures and illustrate the earliest program covers.

Wilson Eyre

Wilson Eyre was older and more established than Parrish when he began working on the Clubhouse, and was good friends with Parrish’s father, Stephen. Eyre was the architect in charge of renovating the Club’s new home and transforming it from a stable into a “Bavarian” themed Clubhouse. His first remodel in 1894 transformed the space from the stable by adding an entry hall with stairs, designing and decorating the Grille Room, and turning the second floor into a theater. Eyre designed most of the furniture in the Grille Room; three of the original tables still exist and will be returned to the Clubhouse upon its reopening. Eyre also oversaw the second major change. The building was enlarged in 1903 by adding 10 feet to the front creating the façade that still exists there today. Eyre’s original drawing of the front design, created in 1902, is shown to the right. Eyre’s design has endured for over a century with few changes aside from the ongoing addition of paneling for caricatures in the Grille Room and Theater. Though Eyre’s career included several projects like the Clubhouse, he is best known for his design of the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum."'Clubhouse Timeline"'

1834

Cornerstone is laid for the St. Paul Lutheran Church, the first African-American Lutehran church in America, led by Pastor Jehu Jones. This building would later become the Mask and Wig Clubhouse.

1861

Building purchased by Welsh Family

1881

Building purchased by W. MannBuilding purchased by Rodman B. Ellison

1893

Club purchases property at 310 South Quince Street for use as a Clubhouse and rehearsal space from Mr. Ellsion whose son would later join Mask and Wig.

1894

Famed architect Wilson Eyre is hired to convert space into a Clubhouse with a Bavarian theme. Relatively unknown artist, Maxfield Parrish, receives his first commissions to paint the theater and caricatures in the Clubhouse.

1903

Wilson Eyre returns at the Club’s request to make further alterations and to enlarge the building. It would remain largely unchanged after this remodel.

1904-1960

Clubhouse used as a rehearsal and social gathering space for its membership. Tickets sold from the Clubhouse for shows in the large Opera houses of Philadelphia.

1950

A fire in the basement of the Clubhouse originating from faulty heating apparatus damages much of the basement and first floor. Some 18 Parrish caricatures lost.

1961

Club begins a cabaret style Annual Production with “Wry on the Rocks” to be performed in the theater on the second floor of the Clubhouse.

1966

Vandalism to the outside of the Clubhouse requires replacement of 310 light sign and new paint on exterior.

1971

Theater on second floor is dedicated to Ned “Pop” Rogers for his dedication and service to the Club.

1979

Clubhouse is placed on Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places. Process begins to add building to National Register of Historic Places

1983

Tin roof of the Clubhouse is replaced with an new copper roof.

1994

Mask and Wig celebrates the Centennial of the Clubhouse

[2007] Major renovation of the Clubhouse begins to restore structure and update with air conditioning, handicapped lift, new bathrooms and general repairs.