Arlington Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arlington Club
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The Arlington Club in 2010.
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 Location in Portland, Oregon
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| Location | 811 SW Salmon Street Portland, Oregon |
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| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Whidden & Lewis |
| Architectural style | Georgian Revival |
| MPS | Historic Resources in Downtown Portland, Oregon, MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000599 |
| Added to NRHP | August 30, 2010 |
The Arlington Club is a special private club in Portland, Oregon. It was started in 1867 by important business and banking leaders. The club was first called the Social Club. Later, it was renamed the Arlington Club. For many years, it was a place for men to meet. They would relax, enjoy themselves, and talk about important plans for Portland.
Over its first 100 years, more than 3,300 men were members. Many of them were also leaders in community groups. Some even held government jobs in the city, state, or country. For a long time, the club did not allow Jewish people, minorities, or women to join. But because of public pressure, they started to welcome more diverse members. This change began for men in the late 1960s and for women in 1990. The Arlington Club still meets in its building in downtown Portland today.
Contents
History of the Club
In 1867, Simeon Gannett Reed and 34 other men in Portland created the Social Club. Their goal was to "fraternize for mutual enjoyment and relaxation, and to provide a meeting place for discussing their own and Portland's destiny." This club became a main meeting spot for important men in Portland. Many of them were white men from business and banking.
Founding Members
Some of the founders were very influential. They included John C. Ainsworth from Ainsworth National Bank. Also, Henry Failing who worked in merchandising and banking. William S. Ladd from Ladd & Tilton Bank was another key founder. These men and others had a lasting impact on Portland.
Early Leaders
Historians describe the city's early leaders, including club members, as mostly businessmen. They were often heads of families with a lot of property. Many of them also held important roles in civic or cultural groups. Some even held local, state, or federal government jobs. They often worked together to make decisions for Portland.
Club's Purpose
The club wanted to be like older private clubs in Europe and other American cities. But it also cared about the city's interests. Many important decisions about Portland's business and politics were discussed at the club.
Other Clubs in Portland
During the 1890s, other clubs formed in Portland. These included the Multnomah Athletic Club, the Waverly Golf Club, and the University Club. Sometimes, people were members of more than one club. The Concordia Club was a similar club for Jewish people. At that time, the Arlington Club did not allow Jewish members.
Famous Members and Guests
Many notable people were members of the Arlington Club. George Henry Williams was a Chief Justice and a U.S. Senator. He also became mayor of Portland. Frederick Van Voorhies Holman was a lawyer and supported the arts. Journalist Harvey W. Scott, editor of The Oregonian, was also a member. Lewis A. McArthur, who wrote Oregon Geographic Names, was another.
The club also welcomed many famous guests. U.S. Presidents like William Howard Taft, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Ulysses S. Grant visited. Other guests included author Aldous Huxley and General George Marshall.
Club Buildings
For its first 14 years, the club met in different places. They used dining rooms, hotels, or government offices. In 1881, the club reorganized and changed its name to the Arlington Club. By then, it had about 100 members.
First Clubhouses
The club moved into its first clubhouse in 1881. This was the old home of J.C. Ainsworth. It was located at Southwest Third Avenue and Pine Street. In 1892, the club built its second clubhouse. This one was at West Park Avenue and Alder Street. They stayed there until 1910.
Current Building
The club then moved to the building it still uses today. It is on Southwest Salmon Street, facing the South Park Blocks. The architects for this building were William M. Whidden and Ion Lewis. It is a four-story building made of brick and terra cotta. It has a neo-classical style, which means it looks like old Greek or Roman buildings.
The Park Blocks near the clubhouse are surrounded by churches and museums. These include the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society Museum. Portland State University is also nearby. In 2010, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Membership Changes
From the very beginning, only business and community leaders were invited to join the club. But other groups were also kept out. Jewish people and ethnic minorities were not allowed in the Arlington Club until the late 1960s. This change happened after leaders in Portland, including a federal judge named Gus Solomon, spoke out against these rules.
Welcoming More Members
Change happened slowly. In 1989, a newspaper reported that Jewish people and ethnic minorities made up less than 3 percent of the club's members. There were no African American members at that time.
In October 1989, the Portland City Council asked the Arlington Club to allow women to join. At that time, the club had about 500 members. Women were usually not allowed inside the building. During the City Council meeting, several women spoke. They said that not being allowed in these clubs meant they missed out on business chances.
Women Join the Club
In March 1990, the club members voted to allow women to join. The vote was 320 to 145 in favor. This was more than the two-thirds vote needed to change the rules. So, after 123 years, women were finally allowed to become members.
The club building was then updated to add women's restrooms and a lounge. Women were officially allowed to join on February 11, 1991. The Arlington Club continues to meet at its building in downtown Portland today.
See also
- List of American gentlemen's clubs
