The College Club was started in 1913 by a group of women who were members of the American College Association which later morphed into the AAUW (American Association of University Women). By 1914 they had 72 charter members and became the College Club of Buffalo, Inc. These women leased a house at 63 Park Street in which to hold meetings and activities, but soon outgrew this location and in 1915 leased the home at 264 Summer Street. At 264 Summer Street the women got busy furnishing the home, serving lunches/dinners, hosting teas, and holding Board and committee meetings. During the war years of 1916-1918, these tenacious women supported the war effort by sewing and rolling bandages, knitting sweaters and socks, and selling liberty bonds. Through their generous philanthropic efforts, they supported a bed in a base hospital in France. Six of the women enlisted in the Red Cross and the Y.M.C.A. and went to France.

At the end of WWI, the College Club members dreamed big and took on a loan to purchase the adjoining property at 262 Summer Street. They also purchased a used Steinway grand piano which, to the enjoyment of all, was used to furnish music for monthly dances. In 1927 the women established a Scholarship Loan Fund which over time has become a College Club Scholarship that is awarded annually to 2 worthy women. In 1928 a number of renovations were completed resulting in 15 rooms on the upper floor which could be rented to supply income to the club and help fund the scholarships.

The stock market crash of 1929 had a disastrous effect on many individuals and organizations. The College Club was no exception. With mortgages on the properties at 262 and 264 Summer street, and closure of its dining room due to “wage and hours” the club’s finances were dire. Membership dwindled to 67 women. Led by President Alice England and House Chairman Mildred Klune, the club held multiple fundraisers and sold the adjoining properties od 262 and 262 ½ Summer Street. Finally in 1944, the mortgage was paid, and the women owned 264 Summer Street.

Once the mortgage was paid off, the College Club flourished once again. Interest groups, programming and bridge club enticed participation and by 1945 the membership was up to 150 women. By the 1970’s there was a waiting list to join. All through the latter half of the 20th century the College Club provided rooms to rent, scholarships, and participated in philanthropic and educational endeavors. The Club was an avenue for educated women to enjoy activities and socialize in a beautiful setting. An important priority, then and now was preserving the architectural integrity and beauty of 264 Summer Street.

Maintaining the home at 264 Summer Street has remained an important priority for the College Club. In 2019 the Butler’s Pantry was refurbished and numerous improvements to the interior have been completed. New upholstery, new drapes and furniture refinishing have enhanced the beauty of the home today. A new boiler was installed in 2021 and fundraising and plans are underway to replace the roof. The Steinway grand piano purchased in the 1920’s had the interior completely refurbished in 2022, and the exterior is presently being refinished.