Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Civic Club of Harrisburg
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008
1. The Civic Club of Harrisburg Marker
Inscription.
The Civic Club of Harrisburg. . This building, one of only two to survive on the west side of Front Street and ensconced within the idyllic setting of Riverfront Park, was erected between 1901 and 1903 by William Reynolds Fleming as a single family home which he named "Overlook." Fleming was one of the founders of the internationally known and Harrisburg area-headquartered engineering firm of Gannett Fleming, Inc. Designed in the half-timbered, English Tudor style, the house was willed to the Civic Club of Harrisburg upon the death of Fleming's widow, Virginia, in 1914. In 1916, the club erected a grand ballroom, also of the English Tudor style, over the home's first floor porch to accommodate club activities. the home was substantial and prominent, unlike the older Hardscrabble neighborhood on the west side of Front Street above Forest Street that was demolished to make way for northward expansion of Riverfront Park. The Civic Club, due to its architectural and institutional stature and adjacency to the still-functioning Old Waterworks at that time, remained untouched. The ballroom, the site of many receptions, musical recitals and events, coupled with the home's authentic first floor interior and outdoor gardens, make the Civic Club a truly unique and enriching riverfront experience. , Top Photo , 1905 postcard view of the Fleming House shortly after construction. Note the existence of stone retaining walls prior to the improvements to Riverfront Park. , Bottom Photo , 1910 postcard view of the Fleming House prior to its transfer to, and renovations made by, the Civic Club of Harrisburg.
This building, one of only two to survive on the west side of Front Street and ensconced within the idyllic setting of Riverfront Park, was erected between 1901 and 1903 by William Reynolds Fleming as a single family home which he named "Overlook." Fleming was one of the founders of the internationally known and Harrisburg area-headquartered engineering firm of Gannett Fleming, Inc. Designed in the half-timbered, English Tudor style, the house was willed to the Civic Club of Harrisburg upon the death of Fleming's widow, Virginia, in 1914. In 1916, the club erected a grand ballroom, also of the English Tudor style, over the home's first floor porch to accommodate club activities. the home was substantial and prominent, unlike the older Hardscrabble neighborhood on the west side of Front Street above Forest Street that was demolished to make way for northward expansion of Riverfront Park. The Civic Club, due to its architectural and institutional stature and adjacency to the still-functioning Old Waterworks at that time, remained untouched. The ballroom, the site of many receptions, musical recitals and events, coupled with the home's authentic first floor interior and outdoor gardens, make the Civic Club a truly unique and enriching riverfront experience. Top Photo
1905 postcard view of the Fleming House shortly after construction.
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Note the existence of stone retaining walls prior to the improvements to Riverfront Park.
Bottom Photo
1910 postcard view of the Fleming House prior to its transfer to, and renovations made by, the Civic Club of Harrisburg.
Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.
Location. 40° 15.782′ N, 76° 53.345′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. Marker is at the intersection of N. Front Street and Liberty Street, on the left when traveling south on N. Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Additional commentary. 1. Civic Club history The Wednesday Club, formed in 1882 to promote and present performances of classical music, was in residence at the Civic Club for more than 65 years. According to our records and the book, Hi-Notes, A Century of Music with the Wednesday Club of Harrisburg, PA, written by member Marcella Emerick for our 100th anniversary, the Wednesday Club housed its Steinway pianos in the ballroom and performed there from 1922-1988. Our first president was Miss Sara Fleming. (1882-83 and again in 1887-88) Charter members included Mrs. Simon B. Cameron.
The Wednesday Club is now embarking on its 128th continuous season in Harrisburg. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted October 12, 2009, by Norma Swain of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Photographed By John K. Robinson, April 18, 2010
3. The Civic Club of Harrisburg south porch seen through the garden gate from Front Street.
Photographed By John K. Robinson, April 18, 2010
4. The Civic Club of Harrisburg garden gate, crowned with wisteria.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,972 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on April 18, 2010, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.