The University Club of Bethlehem (UCB) was organized in 1911[1] by five graduate students to provide living and dining facilities and to serve as a center of social activity for qualified persons attending institutions of higher education in the Lehigh Valley area.
In May, 1916, the current residence valued at approximately $750,000,[2] and located at 62 East Market Street in the heart of Bethlehem's Historic & Preservation District,[3] was purchased with funds provided by some of the early members from the estate of Herman O. Burkhardt, who originally built the mansion in 1890.[1]
The corporate charter of the University Club of Bethlehem was registered with the County of Northampton on July 7, 1916.[4] In 1934, the University Club of Bethlehem became a registered non-profit corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[5]