Union League Club of Chicago facts for kids
Logo of the Union League Club of Chicago
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| Formation | December 19, 1879 |
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| Type | |Private social club] |
| Headquarters | 65 West Jackson Boulevard |
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President
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Robert Ryan |
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1st Vice President
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Frank DeVincentis |
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2nd Vice President
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Robert Kreisman |
| Affiliations | Union League, International Associate Clubs |
The Union League Club of Chicago is an important social club in Chicago. It was started in 1879. Its main building is located at 65 West Jackson Boulevard in the Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
This club is known as one of the best in Chicago. It ranks fourth in the United States and first in the Midwest on a special list called the Five Star Platinum Club. Other similar clubs, called Union League clubs, are found in New York City and Philadelphia. These clubs share similar histories.
Contents
Club History and Purpose
The Union League Club of Chicago, often called "the Club," began in 1879. Its roots go back to an older group called the Union League of America.
Supporting the Union During the Civil War
The Union League of America was formed during the American Civil War. Its main goal was to support Abraham Lincoln and help keep the United States together. The first group was started on June 25, 1862, in Pekin, Illinois. Soon, many more groups appeared across the northern states. The first Chicago group formed on August 19, 1862.
Starting a New Club in Chicago
After the last Chicago Union League group ended in 1877, a local politician named Orrin H. Salisbury had an idea. He wanted to create a new club that would continue the tradition of influencing local and national politics. He talked to John Wentworth, also known as "Long John."
Wentworth saw the new club as a way to support Ulysses S. Grant in his try for a third term as President. Even after Grant did not win, Wentworth worked hard to get people to join the Club.
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Official Founding and Goals
The Club officially became a group on December 19, 1879. It was first called the Chicago Club of the Union League of America. Later, its name was changed to The Union League Club of Chicago. Early leaders included James B. Bradwell, John Wentworth, William Penn Nixon, and John H. Kedzie.
The Club's main goals were to:
- Encourage loyalty to the United States government.
- Protect the unity of the country.
- Teach good citizenship.
- Make sure all citizens are treated equally.
- Keep elections fair and honest.
- Fight against corruption in government.
At the same time, some members wanted the Club to also be a social place with nice dining. Today, the Club is both. It works to make changes in politics and society, and it offers fun activities and fine dining for its members.
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Public Affairs Work
The Club has a Public Affairs Committee that works on many important public issues. This committee helps the Club get involved in community matters. Some of the issues they have worked on include:
- Making changes to election rules.
- Helping to create the Chicago Crime Commission.
- Supporting the 1970 Constitutional Convention.
- Helping with the location and opening of the Harold Washington Library Center.
- Helping to establish a pause on the death penalty in Illinois.
The Club is recognized as one of The Top 100 Platinum City Clubs of the World for 2020/2021.
Club Building and Collections
The Clubhouse Building
The Club's first building was designed by William Le Baron Jenney. The current building, which stands in the same spot, was designed by Mundie & Jensen. This building has many features for members. It includes meeting rooms, guest rooms for staying overnight, five dining areas, a swimming pool, and exercise facilities.
Art Collection
The Club has a very large art collection. The Chicago Tribune newspaper even called the Club "The other art institute in Chicago." The collection features many works by important Chicago artists, both old and new.
The George N. Leighton Library
The Club's Library and Archives are some of its oldest features. In 2019, the Library was renamed to honor George N. Leighton. He was a long-time member and a respected judge. The Club works with Chicago Collections to share its historical records more widely.
Notable Members
Many famous people have been members of the Union League Club of Chicago. Here are a few:
- Dankmar Adler: An architect who designed the Auditorium Theater.
- Robert W. Bergstrom: He led the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention.
- James B. Bradwell: An Illinois lawyer, judge, and politician who represented Mary Todd Lincoln.
- Daniel Burnham: A famous architect and Director of Works for the World’s Columbian Exposition.
- Charles G. Dawes: The 30th Vice President of the United States.
- Marshall Field: The founder of the famous department store, Marshall Field and Company.
- Charles L. Hutchinson: A business leader and the first president of the Art Institute of Chicago.
- William Le Baron Jenney: An architect who designed the Home Insurance Building.
- John H. Kedzie: A lawyer, real estate developer, and member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
- George N. Leighton: A United States District Judge.
- William Penn Nixon: President of the Chicago Inter Ocean newspaper.
- Julius Rosenwald: A leader and part-owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company.
- Louis Sullivan: An architect known for the Auditorium Theater and the Carson Pirie Scott Store.
- John Wentworth ("Long John"): A former Mayor of Chicago, member of the US House of Representatives, and editor of the Chicago Democrat newspaper.
- William J. Bauer: A United States Seventh Circuit Court Judge.
- Julian L. Yale: A Chicago railroad business owner from the Yale family.
Foundations and Military Support
Foundations Supported by the Club
The Club supports and helps manage three non-profit foundations. These foundations do important work in the community:
- Union League Boys & Girls Clubs: This group provides after-school programs at 21 locations in Chicago. It also runs a summer camp in Wisconsin. The first club was started in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in 1919.
- Luminarts Cultural Foundation: Started in 1949, this foundation helps young artists, writers, and musicians in Chicago. It does this by choosing "Luminarts Fellows" each year.
- The Chicago Engineers’ Foundation: This foundation grew from the Chicago Engineers’ Club, which began in 1903. It helps engineers in Chicago with their careers and networking.
Support for the Military
The Club also supports the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces. It does this through several groups:
- The Club’s American Legion Post #758: This group was started in 1934.
- The Chicago 502: Formed by the Club in 2001, this group supports the soldiers and their families of the 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
- The 721 Club: This group supported the building of the USS Chicago (SSN-721) submarine. Now, it supports the crew and their families.
- The 786 Club: This group supported the building of the USS Illinois (SSN-786) submarine. It now supports its crew and families.
- The Club also helped with the committee for the commissioning of the USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) submarine.
See also
- Union League
- Union League of Philadelphia
- Union League Club of New York
- Union League Golf and Country Club
- List of gentlemen's clubs in the United States
