The Pyramid Club (1940-1963)

The Pyramid Club was formed in 1937 by a group of African-American professionals and it purchased this building in 1940. Over the years, the Pyramid Club became one of the most influential African-American organizations throughout Philadelphia and the United States. Perhaps best known for their annual art exhibitions, the Pyramid Club played a significant role in the African-American community for over 20 years before disbanding in 1963.

The Pyramid Club was co-founded in November 1937 by a group of Black professional men, spearheaded by Dr. Walter F. Jerrick, M.D. The Club was meant to serve as a place for Black professionals to socialize in a time when they were nearly universally excluded from segregated whites-only organizations. After purchasing the property at 1517 W. Girard Avenue in 1940, the Pyramid Club became one of the hearts of Black culture and art throughout Philadelphia and the United States.

When the Pyramid Club purchased the 1517 W. Girard Avenue property it had been vacant for nearly 10 years, so the Club wouldn’t open fully for operation until October of 1940. The Club quickly became a very influential social venue for members of the Black community. They would host daily events and served as a frequent site for cultural events such as concerts and public discussions.

The Pyramid Club’s most influential event was their annual art exhibition which ran from 1941-1957. Managed by Humbert Howard, a renowned artist and the art director of the club, the art exhibitions drew spectators and artists from around the country. While primarily geared towards Black spectators and featuring famous Black artists, the exhibitions included artists of all races, such as the Jewish-German immigrant Julius Bloch and influential painter Jacob Lawrence.

With the rise of the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s, the Pyramid Club began to experience financial hardship and ideological fractures. The political and racial tensions of the time led many younger club members to grow frustrated with the leadership of the older members and their reformist ideas. With membership declining and debts rising, the club ceased operations in 1963. The building was sold in 1965 to the YMCA. Today, it serves as an apartment building. 

Block, K. P. (2021, January). Nomination to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places: The Pyramid Club. phila.gov. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.phila.gov/media/20210706132300/1517-W-Girard-Ave-nomination.pdf

John W. Mosley Photograph Collection, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://digital.library.temple.edu/digital/collection/p15037coll17/search/searchterm/Pyramid%20Club%20(Organization:%20Philadelphia%2C%20Pa)/field/subjec/mode/exact/conn/and/page/10