Existing comment:
Cosmos Club
This building was built in 1900 during the start of the building boom around DuPont Circle. It was the Washington mansion of Peter Townshend, who had headed the Erie and Pittsburgh Railroad before retiring to the area. There had been another beautiful house (the Hillyer Mansion) here before which was razed for this one, except for the foundations which were kept because Townshend's wife had been told by a soothsayer than evil would come unless something was retained from the previous place.
The Townshend's entertained here until the 1930's, hosting lavish parties. Later residents included Franklin Roosevelt.
The Cosmos Club purchased the site in 1950. This is a social club for people of wealth, power, and fame. Originally a men-only club, they changed membership rules in the late 1980's and now allow women to join as well. |