Somerset Club facts for kids
The Somerset Club is a special private social club located in Boston, Massachusetts. It welcomed its first members in 1852, but its beginnings can be traced back to earlier groups formed in 1826. This club is a central meeting place for many of Boston's well-known and historic families. It is also recognized as one of the four most important private clubs in the United States. The other three are the Knickerbocker Club in New York, the Metropolitan Club in Washington D.C., and the Pacific-Union Club in San Francisco.
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How the Somerset Club Started
The very first club was quite informal and did not have its own building. By the 1830s, this group had grown into what was called "the Temple," because they met on Temple Street. In 1851, the group bought a house that belonged to Benjamin W. Crowninshield. This house was located at the corner of Beacon and Somerset Streets. The club was first called the Beacon Club, but it was renamed the Somerset Club in 1852.
A Split During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, members of the Somerset Club had different ideas about politics. Some members who strongly supported the United States government decided to leave. In 1863, they formed a new club called the Union Club of Boston. This new club required its members to be completely loyal to the country and to support the government's efforts to end the war.
The Club's Grand Home
In 1871, the Somerset Club bought a large house that belonged to David Sears. This house is located at 42 Beacon Street on Beacon Hill. The house was first designed by Alexander Parris and built in 1819. David Sears later added more to the house in 1832. He also built the house next door, at 43 Beacon Street, for his daughter. The land where these houses stand was once part of a very large farm, about 18 acres, owned by a famous artist named John Singleton Copley. Over time, the Club bought the house at 43 Beacon Street as well. They then joined the two houses together to create one very large clubhouse.
A Rare Public Event
The Somerset Club is usually very private. However, in 1945, there was a fire at the club. This was a rare moment when the club was in the public eye. When firefighters arrived to help, they were asked to use a specific service entrance. The club's website today suggests that people do not send them questions.
See also
- List of American gentlemen's clubs
- Boston Brahmins
External links
- The Somerset Club – Website of the Club
- David Sears House/Somerset Club
