This week In National Press Club history: Jimmy Stewart's dog

December 5, 1987: Jimmy Stewart visits the National Press Club for a screening of “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington,” the occasion a fundraising gala for the NPC Library and the National Press Foundation. The film is in the news today, as discussion of the abuse of the filibuster heats up in Congress, and the famous scene of “Mr. Smith’s” genuine filibuster reminds us of the real thing. As former NPC president, Art Wiese later wrote, “One of Stewart’s dogs had just died, and an old friend turns up at the gala with a replacement pup. Somehow, being a former Club president, I was given the responsibility of taking care of the beautiful, un-housebroken young mutt, so the surprised Stewarts could talk and then watch the movie. I had to take the dog down to 14th street, con a taxi driver into taking me and “Harvey” back to the Stewarts' hotel... and then convince the incredulous manager to take it off my hands since it really was ‘Jimmy Stewart’s dog.’ He was skeptical, to put it mildly.” Stewart later wrote to thank Art, reporting that the new puppy was getting along well with the actor’s two other dogs back in California.

December 8, 1970: The Women’s National Press Club votes 113 to 6 to admit men and changes its name to the Washington Press Club. The writing was on the wall for the admission of women to the National Press Club. A mail referendum in October to members of the NPC had shown that 522 members approved of the move, and on January 15, 1971, at its annual meeting, the NPC admitted women by a vote of 227 to 56. In March, the first twenty-four women members were sworn in.

This Week In National Press Club History is brought to you by the History & Heritage Committee, which preserves and revitalizes the Club’s history through lobby displays, events, panel discussions and an oral history program.

For information about the activities of the History & Heritage Committee, or to join the Committee, contact Gilbert Klein at gilbert.klein @yahoo.com.