Woman's club welcomes first male member

DAYTON (AP) -- Financially strapped and desperate for new membership, a 90-year-old private woman's club has opened its doors to a man.
The Dayton Woman's Club on Tuesday welcomed Dayton Daily News columnist Dale Huffman as its first male member.
Huffman, 70, who has spoken at the club many times, did not lobby to become a member and was surprised at the announcement. He said the club told him he was asked to join because he has written about the club, has been one of its favorite speakers and knows many members.
"I didn't hesitate," Huffman said. "I have an attachment to the members of the club. They are my friends. They have been kind to me."
The club was established in 1916 as a private club to provide women with a center for social, civic and literary activities.
Membership topped 1,400 in the 1950s but has fallen to just more than 300 as lifestyles changed and members aged. The average age among members is 70, said club president Barbara Markham.