The Philadelphia Club of Advertising Women (PCAW) Collection is filled with gems from this club’s fascinating history. Formed in 1916 by sixteen women advertising executives, PCAW participated in charitable efforts, offered advertising courses, and published a newsletter (Ad-Land News). These efforts garnered both local and national recognition for the organization. Adding to its reputation as an influential Philadelphia area organization, one of PCAW’s trademark activities was hosting social events. Included in this collection are dozens of invitations for these events, many of which reflect the advertising styles and fonts of the day.

The collection contains several photographs of these gatherings, giving us glimpses into what these gatherings entailed. Pictured here are women smoking and drinking at the bar.

Some events were held annually, such as the Children’s Christmas Party. Pictured at left is Harry Hawkins, President of the Poor Richard Club in Philadelphia dressed as Santa. The Poor Richard Club often hosted events along with PCAW.

Some of the events carried a theme, as demonstrated by the image at right (can anyone guess this one?).