Girls Club, San Francisco
historic place
Here in San Francisco stands the Girls Club, a historic place with roots dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Social worker Rachel Wolfsohn founded the Girls Club in 1899, recognizing a need for a community club for girls, similar to existing boys' clubs. The organization was incorporated in 1910. The building itself, located on Capp Street, was constructed in 1911. It exemplifies the First Bay Tradition version of Shingle Style architecture. This two-and-a-half-story wood-frame structure served as a clubhouse and neighborhood center, offering cultural activities and practical skills classes for girls. A gymnasium was added in 1923, expanding the complex. The Girls Club was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 1942, the Girls Club became a core program of the Mission Community Center, which later merged to form the Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. This site is significant for its design and its role in San Francisco's social movements.