he history of the University of Southern California and the history of Town and Gown have strong parallels. Officially founded in 1880, the University began its real growth under President George Finley Bovard in 1903. One year later, in 1904 a group of women, largely faculty wives and their friends, formed the Women’s Club of the University of Southern California. Although little is known of its early activities, its objectives were to assist faculty and students. The Club provided tuition money for needy female students and contributed to University construction and beautification projects.

Four women kept the young group focused and working toward its goals: Mrs. A.C. Armstrong, 1904 -1907, Mrs. C. B. Woodhead, 1907-1908, Mrs. H. W. Brodbeck, 1908 -1920, and Mrs. Sue B. Reynolds 1920 -1922. When Mrs. Rufus B. von KleinSmid joined the group and became its president in 1922 - a position she held for 25 years - the organization became Town and Gown. The Town in the name stands for community or town members; Gown members are USC faculty women, faculty wives and staff.

Other incredibly caring ladies have helped make the Foyer of Town and Gown a special place. A generous donation by Eileen Norris totally redecorated Town and Gown, and Fern Heath provided funds to refurbish the Little Chapel of Silence, which had been built as an addition to the Foyer and dedicated in 1936. The Chapel was the gift of Mrs. Walter Harrison Fisher. In the Foyer stained glass windows created by Judson Studios were installed in 1985, the gifts of Julie Kohl and Barbara Davis. Julie’s windows are on either side of the front entrance; Barbara’s, given in memory of her mother, are on the patio side of the foyer.

In the early days, Town and Gown had a student loan fund, but no scholarships. In 1958, the first Town and Gown Endowed Scholarship Fund was established. In 1961, Mary Norcop became the Scholarship Chair and encouraged by Mrs. Harris, she started an endowed fund in her own name and provided the inspiration that has resulted in the long list of endowed scholarship funds which totaled over $25 million in June 2003. In 1967 three endowed scholarships provided tuition for women students; in 1971, the first scholarship was given to a male; in 2002 more than two hundred students, male and female, received awards totaling one million dollars.

In 1947, to honor Mrs. Von KleinSmid, Town and Gown raised $43,000 for the Elisabeth von KleinSmid Memorial Building Fund, and in 1950, members watched the laying of the cornerstone of the Elisabeth von KleinSmid Memorial Hall, a women’s dormitory, to be known later to students as EVK. In 1952, $112,000 was donated to the construction fund and $5000 pledged for furnishing. A public address system for the Foyer was purchased in the 1950’s and improvements have been made several times since then. In 1965 Town and Gown voted to make a memorial gift to honor Dr. and Mrs. Von KleinSmid by raising money to purchase and install a Carillon in the tower of the new von KleinSmid Center for International Studies. Funds to modernize, repair and redecorate the Town and Gown building have continued to be raised and spent by Town and Gown through the years.

In 1962 Town and Gown voted for a new set of by-laws, which limited the president to one two-year term. Margaret Fowler was the first President chosen to serve the restricted period. In the years to come, under many talented Presidents, Town and Gown established new and rewarding customs. The tradition of a Lords and Ladies event began in 1974 during Jeannine Payne’s presidency with an evening party for couples held in Chinatown after a football game. Traveler, USC’s beautiful white horse, was the Guest of Honor. Lords and Ladies Day was later moved to a regular meeting day. During the term of Donna McBan, 1968-70, the custom of decorating tables at the Christmas luncheon was begun. The idea for this activity came from Helen Dedeaux, a member of her board. The celebration soon expanded to include helping patients and their families at County - USC Hospital as Town and Gown members generously donated Christmas gifts and money through the CARES organization.

During Helen Dedeaux’s presidency, 1970-72, the bylaws were revised, operating procedures determined, and the Board was enlarged to its present size. All of the presidents in the 1970’s enthusiastically supported the facilities improvement program for Town and Gown and in addition to the Court of Recognition, extensive remodeling of the Foyer was carried out.

Carolyn Franklin was the president from 1980-1982, and during this time period, the scholarship program expanded dramatically, thanks to the untiring efforts of Carolyn and her husband Carl. A major project, the remodeling and equipping of a new kitchen was funded and the work begun. In 1982 with the help of Dr. Carl Franklin, Town and Gown was officially incorporated in California as a non-profit corporation, with tax-exempt status.

Beautiful new doors for the south end of the foyer were products of Ruberta Weaver’s presidency, which also included installing a ramp to permit handicapped access to the foyer and adding a unisex, handicapped bathroom as well. Town and Gown celebrated its 90th birthday with President Eloise Siskel in charge, and the scholarship program continued its dramatic growth under Eloise and Pat Fletcher who followed her. Under President Alli Solum endowment funds reached a total of $17.5 million dollars and 200 students received scholarships. Sally Edwards, 1998-2000, completed one millennium and brought us into another. The Court of Recognition was rededicated. New members were welcomed and high profile speakers at the luncheon became the order of the day. Denise Lavell became only the fourth Executive Secretary in Town and Gown’s history. Thelma Orr, 2000-2002, was president when over a million dollars in scholarships in one year were awarded - for the first time!

Carol Fox, 2002-2004, has had the unique opportunity to serve during Town and Gown’s Centennial Celebration, when $100,000 was added to the Scholarship Fund making the total for 2004, $1.1 million. A Web Site has been designed and launched, with Jan Moser Dyer serving as the first Webmaster. Membership Chairmen Bernice Christenson and June Teal originated the tradition of an orientation luncheon for new members. Carol is working closely with Past President and Centennial Chairman Sally Edwards to create exciting commemorative events to be part of this unique year. A reception at Doheny Library for the yearlong exhibit highlighting the 100-year history of Town and Gown has been followed by extraordinary monthly luncheons, and an incredible Centennial Gala. At the Gala, we were presented with “Fanfare to Town & Gown”, a song written to honor our first 100 years. This very special year will culminate with a members-only tea at the home of USC President and Mrs. Sample.