25th Anniversary of Washington, National Press Clubs Merger Saluted

The 25th anniversary of the merger of the National Press Club and the Washington Press Club was celebrated June 24 in an evening of remembrances that included remarks by members of the negotiating team that crafted the agreement that combined the historically rival organizations.

In 1985 the WPC had a predominately female membership, and the NPC had members of both sexes but had barred female members until 1971. Negotations -- spirited at times -- had been underway for nearly a month when the agreement was reached to combine the two clubs for journalists effective July 1, 1985.

Susan Garland and Cheryl Arvidson were WPC negotiators who recalled that they pressed for benefits for their membership, including a gathering place for older members. Garland was WPC president. John Fogarty and Andy Mollison, NPC negotiators, remembered the firm stance on most points matained by the WPC side.

David Hess, the NPC president in 1985, was also a negotiator and was the facilatator for the event. He is a member of the History and Heritage Committee, which sponsored the event.

-- Bill Hickman, [email protected]