about us

The Town & Country Arts Club actually began on January 17, 1933, when eleven ladies met at the home of Mrs. H. Carl Mulch, but early members also credit the founding to Mrs. William Whitcomb, “mother and leader” of the organization.

Mrs. Whitcomb and Mrs. Mulch became great friends through the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago in 1932. Noting the general gloom and lack of activities due to the Depression, the two believed that it would be helpful to build “an all absorbing hobby” and form a group to that end for friends.

The Whitcombs were a generation older than the Mulches, but the couples’ interests dovetailed nicely, and they met several times a week in each others homes. Both owned fine paintings, enjoyed bridge, and picnicked together in Jackson and Lincoln Parks.

With respect to the study group, however, Mrs. Whitcomb and Mrs. Mulch had major differences and goals. Mrs. Whitcomb, a bluestocking, was a Francophile and traveled to France often (although without her husband who was a successful manufacturer of locomotives).  In contrast, Mrs. Mulch’s principal interest was music. She was also an avid golfer.

Mrs. Mulch would write, “I couldn’t devote that much time and effort organizing a group to keep everyone’s French conversation abilities from rusting! … I, Mrs. Mulch – always represented the practical, interests of the class members … .”

Mrs. Whitcomb, the didactic, gave one of many ambitious assignments to the original nine members. Early civilizations were to be studied in detail, and a class library of 22 books was established. Her ambitious lectures grew overwhelmingly long, and members never knew when they would return home. They requested time limits. By 1934-35, there were 50 official members and attendance averaged 14 at meetings.

That same year, there was a “political upset” at a meeting at Sunnyridge Farm, Wheaton, the home of Mrs. James O. McKinsey (the club’s first president and wife of the president of the popular Marshall Field’s store in Chicago). Members expressed the desire for a more business-like approach to running the club. Often the listed programs, events and speakers never occurred.

The name of the club was changed from “North Shore Art Club” to “The Town and Country Arts Club” to accurately reflect a membership divided between city, suburb and country.

Publicity was another issue. Members disagreed; some favored it, others did not. Several members were listed in the Social Register. Mrs. Whitcomb and Mrs. Mulch, united in this, prevailed – no publicity.

In the fourth year, Mrs. Mulch wrote the first Constitution and By-Laws and mailed it to all members. Committees were established.

The first evening meeting was held at the English style country home of the McKinseys (Sunnyridge Farm) with strolling singers dressed as characters from Charles Dickens’ novels.

The haphazard early growth days were over. Meetings were now held to “more reasonable time schedules. Speakers originally booked actually appeared….subject matter promised by the printed program was really delivered. Membership filled to its limit of fifty and we had our first waiting list.”

Over the years, members have adapted their presentations to the time and technology.  Originally, members used slides to illustrate their one-hour talks.  At the millennium, that format gave way to computerized PowerPoint presentations.  During the pandemic, the club utilized Zoom technology to continue meeting and enjoying lectures on the 2019-2020 theme, “Above the 50th Parallel.”

In 2021, member Karen Ettelson designed and launched an attractive website – townandcountryarts.org.  The public can read the club’s history, current programs, the monthly Arts News synopsis of cultural exhibits and events in the Chicago area, and the list of prize award winners.  In addition, President Marcia Baylin appointed Judith Pierpoint to chair a Special Committee to consider the concept and reality of “Diversity” as it pertains to Town and Country Arts Club and its programs, members and annual prize awards.

There have been many significant programs throughout the history of the club.  A few of the highlights are summarized below.