From its founding in 1902 to around 1952, the Three Arts
Club in New York City served a noble purpose – to house young women who were
pursuing careers in the arts.
The three arts referred to music, art and drama, and the Club provided dormitory
style housing, meals and an environment in which these young women would be
among people experiencing the same struggles and frustrations (and sometimes
success).
The Three Arts Club at 340 W 85th St, NYC in 1910. This building was replaced in 1927. |
According to an article about the Three Arts published in
the Los Angeles Herald newspaper in 1909, there were four rules of admission
(quoted):
- All applicants must be studying with a view toward self support or working in one of the arts.
- They must be under 30 years of age.
- They must furnish at least two satisfactory references.
- Admittance only by application card.[i]