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The Philomathean Clubhouse of Stockton, CA, was built through efforts of the Philomathean Club, which began in 1893 when a group of nine women came together to form a “Ladies Reading Club” for general education and cultural purposes. The group rapidly expanded, as did many other similar study clubs formed around the nation after the Civil War. Its name means “lover of learning.” In 1910, the more than 300 members began selling shares at $5 each for construction of a clubhouse built “by and for women,” as it became known. The building contract was signed in June 1911 at a cost of $10,868. The structure was completed the following year, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Still active, the organization meets twice a month and its facilities are open for community rentals. It is the second oldest surviving study club in California’s Great Central Valley.