Marjorie Fierstadt Heads up Ebell

Everyone seems to know about the Ebell Theatre – the beautiful Beaux-Arts theatre and women’s club that graces Wilshire at Lucerne Blvd. But not everyone knows what keeps it running – a corps of dedicated volunteers who man the nation’s oldest (1894!) women’s club west of the Mississippi. And this fall, it’s Marjorie Fierstadt who has taken the reins as President of the Ebell of Los Angeles.

During her two year term, Fierstadt hopes to expand recognition of the Ebell Club in the wider community. “So many people know of the Ebell Theatre,” she told the Larchmont Buzz. “But the Ebell Club is really special place, with a rich, long history – and it’s for all kinds of women. We are an educational and philanthropic organization, but also a place where women can enjoy one another, while also learning.”

Fierstadt has been a member of the Ebell for eight years. She began with volunteering with the Ebell’s Rest Cottage Association which provides mental, physical and financial support to women in need. Later she joined the bridge club which “changed my life” for the people and play it introduced her to – she is still an active bridge player not only at the Ebell (two days a month), but at other venues around the city. She also served as Recording Secretary on the Ebell board, and was “totally surprised” when the board tapped her to be president of the Ebell Club.

Fierstadt lives in Baldwin Hills with her husband lawyer Edward Fierstadt. They have a grown son who lives in Chicago and is involved in molecular gastronomy at a famous Chicago restaurant. She retired from IBM some years ago and went on to own her own boutique travel business, which led to her having visited 73 countries around the world.

The club currently has 420 members, and annually recruits new members to the club.  “I love being at the Ebell,” Fierstadt said. “I just love having some ‘girl time.’ After years in the corporate world, and growing up with seven brothers, being with women is particularly gratifying.”

For more information on the Ebell visit their website. Those interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Ebell Club may call 323-931-1277.