Pickwick Book Club
The Pickwick Book Club was a private library and club established in 1928 by Dorise Elaine Hill in Sydney. It was the only combined library and club in Sydney and, in 1936, was the first business to sign up as an occupant of the newly completed New [South Wales State Heritage Register|heritage listed] City [Mutual Life Assurance Building].
Library and club
Assisted by friends, Hill covered 200 books before opening her library to members. She later expanded the library to increase the collection and include facilities provided by a private club, including a ball room and a restaurant. During the day, members would visit to have lunch, read or play cards. In the evening it became a venue for balls, receptions, private parties, social events and at least one wedding ceremony. In its years of operation, over 5,000 wedding receptions took place at the Pickwick Book Club.Dorise Hill
Hill was the eldest daughter of Roland Hill and Caroline Mary Hill who had three daughters and two sons. She was a business woman, avid reader and involved in the performing arts. She established the library to meet a need she perceived within the community.Hill was a foundation member of the Independent Theatre and between 1931 - 1932, the Pickwick Book Club further expanded with the establishment of the Pickwick Theatre Group by Hill and Phillip Lewis. The group put on numerous productions at the Savoy Theatre during 1930 - 1931 and continued to put on small productions on the tiny stage in the ballroom in the club.
She was regular contributor to the Truth writing book reviews in a column called "Books Worth Reading".
Following Hill's marriage to Michael Neylon in July 1947, her brother-in-law Robert Milne Stephen, who became known as "Mr Pickwick", took over the management of business. At her death in 1953, Hill left the Pickwick Book Club to her sister Dulcie May Stephen. The club continued to operate until September 1969.
At the time of its closure, the club had 900 members. Despite the end of the Pickwick Book Club, the venue remained available as a venue for wedding receptions and evening parties.