Material in the public domain. No restrictions on use. For more information on copyright or permissions for this image, please contact the California Room
Description
A pamphlet of information providing information on how to start a local Coffee Club branch. The San Jose Coffee Club was incorporated on November 22, 1900, as a social center, for the purpose of promoting ""healthy"" habits among the young San Joseans at a time when alcohol and gambling were considered challenges to the culture at large.
Pioneered by Ernest Fox, a native of England, from where the concept of ""Coffee Club"" originated, the San Jose Coffee Club was the best equipped of the fifteen coffee clubs in the state. Fox's vision transformed the English Coffee Plan into the American Coffee Club Movement. In England, coffee clubs were ""for-profit"" organizations that solely benefited the owner. Ernest Fox's plan eliminated private ownership and provided that profits should go into extensions and betterment of services. As part of its services, San Jose Coffee Club promoted mass education through book readings, arts and cultural exchanges. Subsequently, the Club was fitted up with a piano loaned by the Northup Piano and Music House, reading-rooms and games of all kinds. Coffee and light refreshments were served at a nominal cost. Liquors, tobacco and gambling were tabooed. Everything possible was done to attract young men and get them away from saloons. The California Coffee Club movement originated in San Diego in 1896. In 1902 a Woman's Annex was opened. In 1934 the San Jose Coffee Club closed its doors.
Prominent church and temperance workers managed the Club. Fox stated ""Select a capable Christian man for manager, choose him for his character, social qualities and ability to do things..."". Directors, membership and book committees were elected on an yearly basis.
Type
image
Format
image/jpeg EPSON EXPRESSION 10000 XL 600 DPI 24 bit RGB color TIFF
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
