The Galbraiths were a professional family. For several generations they were the lawyers, politicians and judges, who in their time were of a great influence in both Erie and Crawford county.
Currently known as the Woman's Club of Erie the Galbraith’s home, at 259 West 6th Street in the city of Erie, was a wedding gift that J. F. Downing presented to his daughter, Winifred, when she married Davenport Galbraith in 1892. Designed by the Buffalo firm of Green and Wicks, the 18-room house sports Richardsonian Romanesque design on four floors. Rooms feature incredible ceilings, window seats, bookcases and marble floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. The construction cost was $60,000 in 1890.
The Woman’s Club of Erie purchased the Galbraith home in 1921. Prior to the purchase, the club was organized in December, 1897. It was composed of these members at the start: Mary E. Alverson, Maude Ardagh, Jean Inglis Black, Eda Camphausen, Jennie R. Cleveland, Louisa B. DeWitt, Emma Slocum Hopkins, Nettie Olds Lamb, Emma S. Nicholson, Grace B. Payne, Julia E. Perkins, Jane W. Pressly, Emma J. Selden, Louise S. Selden, Amelia P. Spencer, Maud A. Warner, Carrie T. Watson and Annie J. Wilson.
Their early meetings were held in the Assembly Room of the Public Library, and to ensure their permanency, it was decided to incorporate the Woman’s Club. In January 1900 a charter was granted by the court. Fifty members signed the application, and the following were designated as the first directors under the charter: Carrie T.. Watson, Julia E. Perkins, Emma S. Hopkins, Jean Inglis Black, Louisa B. DeVVitt, Margaret P. Mehard, Mary S. Lee, Maude Allen Warner, Emma S. Nicholson, Mary E. Alverson, Louise S. Selden, Lulu C. Harvey, Grace R. Van Cleve, Eda Camphausen, and Annie J. Wilson.
Photos provided by Jane Galbreath Cowell
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| The Galbraith’s home, at 259 West 6th Street in Erie. |