December 2025 - History Corner

#195 in an ongoing series about the history of the Hillside Club

Once Upon a Hillside: 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 years ago

December 1900

The Hillside Club was founded on 5 October 1898. No newspaper articles about the young Hillside Club could be found for this month.

December 1925

Business Meeting, December 7

Mr. Chester Rowell will carry on the study of our population “complex” with a discussion of the Armenians as Californians, particularly stressing their effect on our social, economic, and political structures. [The Fireside Meeting’s focus on immigrants to California began with the October 1925 lecture and would continue through April 1926. The Northside area, where the Clubhouse was located and where most Club members lived, was one of several redlined neighborhoods in Berkeley which barred African-Americans, Hispanics, Jews, and other minorities. For much of its history, the Hillside Club was a very white and politically conservative organization.]

Children’s Christmas Party, December 19

For all Hillside Club children and grandchildren under twelve years. Members should help Santa Claus to remember all by bringing a gift, not over 50¢ in value, for each of their children. There will be a short entertainment by Hillside Club children, followed by refreshments.

Christmas Ceremonial, December 21

The Committee begs to announce that the two act drama “Theodosius” will be enacted. A conscientious effort will be made to begin promptly at eight thirty. The immediate families of high-school age and over, and out-of-town house guests, are welcome on the usual guest card privilege. The customary Ceremonial Robe or similar appropriate costume should be worn. [How our sense of an appropriate evening’s entertainment has changed: today, our holiday dinners end at 8:30.]

New Year’s Eve, December 31

The committee will not disclose their program for the evening further than to state that there will be both 19^th and 20^th century dancing for all and card tables in the gallery. Everyone is requested to prepare a New Year resolution in written form and present same to Committee on entering. Anyone appearing without a name card and resolution will be fined in a particular manner.

December 1950

New Year’s Eve, December 31

The Hillside Club will hold its annual New Year’s party on Saturday night at the Cedar St. Clubhouse. It is to be a family party with fun for everyone. Dancing, games and vaudeville are planned during the evening. Breakfast will be served after midnight. [Berkeley Gazette]

December 1975

Fireside Meeting, December 1

“The United States Could Learn Something from the Hillside Club” is the title of the address to be given at our December Fireside by the Honorable William McGuinness, Judge of the Superior Court of Alameda County, retired. Judge McGuinness’s popularity as a speaker derives from his witty and practical insights and observations on contemporary problems of our country in the areas of government, crime, education, and economics. He has held the post of Presiding Judge in both the Municipal and Superior Courts. Early in his career he was appointed Assistant District Attorney by our member Ralph Hoyt. Later, Judges Hoyt and McGuinness served on the Superior Court bench at the same time.

Hillside High Jinks, December 8

TALENT SCOUTS UNLIMITED (Dramatic Activities Section) will present an evening of FUN and FOOLISHNESS starring our own members in the most unusual, exciting spectacular of the year. Come prepared for the unexpected and to entertain and be entertained.

Children’s Christmas Party, December 13

Music, magic, Christmas goodies, and a visit from Santa promise to make this annual party fun for all the children, young and old. Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Santa will need help, so please bring a gift for each of your guest children, preferably not to exceed $2, wrapped and plainly marked with the child’s name in large capital letters.

Christmas Ceremonial, December 15

Family gatherings are important to the Club, particularly during this Holiday Season. In this spirit the Hillside family will gather to celebrate Christmas with our traditional Ceremonial. There will be caroling, the Boar’s Head processing, an original dramatic work written by our Ruth Johnson, and all ‘round good fellowship.

December 2000

The Club’s archive of printed monthly newsletters ended with the May 1994 issue. If you know of a source for any newsletters between 1994 and the Club’s renaissance in the early 2000s, your historian would love to hear about it!