Harvard Club of New York Moves to Change By-Laws For Its Female Membership

The Harvard Club of New York informed its 7000 members by mail last weekend of its intention to admit women members.

In the letter--which included the annual report of the year ending last June 30--Albert H. Gordon '23, the club's president, said, "Like Harvard, the club has been evolving toward full women's membership."

The decision requires formal approval of the all-male club's Board of Managers, scheduled to meet next on February 17.

Members and "ladies with signing privileges" were invited to suggest "related matters such as possible changes in the rules regarding the use of club facilities by members and their guests."

At present, "ladies with signing privileges"--primarily wives of members--use the dining, drinking and sleeping facilities of the less-plush annex to the clubhouse to which men are also admitted.

The women, however, cannot use the facilities of the main club at 27 W. 44 St. except Sunday afternoons and on special occasions.

New York Assemblyman Antonio G. Olivieri '63, said yesterday that he was "delighted that the long overdue reform came as it did rather than under the force of public pressure."

"I wrote to Gordon two months ago urging the immediate institution of this reform," Olivieri said. "Gordon responded that there would be opposition among older members."

Olivieri also said that he had told Gordon that unless something were done, he would make "a public issue out of it."

New York City Councilman S. Carter Burden Jr. '62, and New York State Senator Jack E. Bronston '42, said they were pleased with the prospect of the policy change.