Cosmos Club members visit NPC for first time
Five members of the Cosmos Club made their way from Dupont Circle to the National Press Club in mid-January, opening their eyes to another benefit of their membership— reciprocal clubs.
None of the visitors were aware of the reciprocal relationship they had with their membership.
The group was welcomed by former NPC President Gil Klein, author of Tales From The National Press Club. Gathering in the library on the 13th floor, an exclusive area to Club members, Klein explained the history of the NPC, dating all the way back to 1908, then led them to the main lobby, pointing to the description as you enter: “On this and adjacent walls are displayed historic front pages of major American newspapers, formed from preserved, lacquered fiber mats originally used in the hot-metal process to cast the curved, lead plates for high-speed rotary presses.”
Klein gave the tour along the 13th and 14th floor corridors of presidents, speakers to awards halls, pairing explanations of the historic pictures on the walls with personal anecdotes, adding color to the tour.
One story Klein told was when he sat next to Elizabeth Taylor at a luncheon. He asked why she was not eating, and she responded that if she puts a fork in her mouth it will end up in every tabloid in the country. Then she nudged Klein and said “watch this” — she opened her pocketbook and took out her compact powder and dabbed it on her face. Sure enough, the lightning of flashbulbs blew up while a parade of photographers rushed to take her picture.
The Cosmos Club guests were especially impressed by the ballroom, given its detailed architecture and boastful list of past speakers, including past presidents, kings, and influential leaders. The historic BBC microphone used by Edward R. Murrow for his CBS Radio broadcasts from London during World War II was one of the highlights.
After the tour wrapped up the group enjoyed Taco Night: dinner at the Reliable Source restaurant. This is a popular exclusive member benefit held on Fridays, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for unlimited tacos with two drinks inclusive.
In between the food and drinks, the conversation on membership and the Communicator category dispelled the impression that only journalists or reporters could be a member.
“In all my years in Washington I had only been to the Club once for a lecture and had no idea it was so full of history and excitement,” said Lee Allen, a reciprocal committee member at the Cosmos Club. “We are so appreciative of this special opportunity you provided and of Gil’s time, expertise, entertaining and comprehensive tour.”
The Press Club has a summer reciprocity with the Cosmos Club that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
“I always enjoy giving Club tours, especially with people who have a passing familiarity with the 20th century,” Klein said.