The Boston Club
| File:BostonClub.jpg The Boston Club of New Orleans, Dr. William Newton Mercer House by James Gallier in 1844 | |
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The Boston Club, is a private gentlemen's club in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Its present clubhouse was built in 1844 by noted New Orleans Architect James Gallier, located at 824 Canal Street on the edge of the Central Business District, the home was built as a residence for Dr. William Newton Mercer.
A social club founded in 1841, The Boston Club provided men the chance to play the popular card game called Boston (card game). [1] It is the third oldest ‘Gentlemen’s City Club’ in the United States behind The Philadelphia Club in Philadelphia and The Union Club in New York City. Up until 1841 Social Clubs had always played an important part in the social life of New Orleans. A coterie of gentlemen wanted a more laid back club, one not so secretive or formal. “A social, open, liberal, cosmopolitan organization, with an abundance of elbow room and the necessary spirit of progress as its animating motive.” [2] According to its 1867 charter, the purpose and objects of the corporation are: “the cultivation of literature and science by the establishment and gradual increase of a library of well assorted and standard books for the free use of all members and guests with no charge.” [3]
Membership and Guests
Membership in The Boston Club has “perpetuated the finer traditions of the social charm of New Orleans and the spirit of the fraternal privileges of a convivial gentlemen’s club.”[4]
In 1873, the Boston Club entertained Lord Roseberry with a luncheon. [5] In 1880, General U.S. Grant visited New Orleans and accepted an invitation to lunch at The Boston Club. [6] Other famous guests include General J. M. Schofield, commander in chief of the United States army, on May 22, 1885; President Taft; Wu Tang Fan, Chinese prime minister to the U.S., in 1900; General Pershing on February 17, 1920; Henry Clay before the Civil War; and Jefferson Davis after the Civil War. [7] It was also customary for Rex and his queen to lunch at club after the Rex parade. In addition, the Boston Club entertained queen of the carnival during the Rex Parade. [8]
Homes of The Boston Club
1. 1851: Merchants Exchange, 126 Royal Street
2. 1835-1862: 129/130 Canal Street, next to Moreauâs Restaurant at that time
3. 1962-1865: Club closed
4. 1865-1867: 214 Royal Street (currently location of Hotel Monteleone)
5. 1867-1884: 4 Carondelet Street, three story residence of New Orleans financier, Edward J. Forstall
6. 1884: 824 Canal Street (then called 148 Canal Street), mansion of Dr. William Newton Mercer, designed by J. Gallier. Fully purchased in 1905. [9]
Notable Members
Gen. Dick Taylor, President of the Club 1868-1873
Thomas Jenkins Semmes, President 1883-1892
S. H. Kennedy, father of Hugh Kennedy (New Orleans)
Victor Burthe, son of Dominique François Burthe, President 1866-1868
Charles E Fenner, justice Louisiana Supreme Court, President 1892-1904
Dr E. S. Lewis, father of gynecology in Louisiana[10], President 1904-1913
Arthur D Parker, brother of John M. Parker, President 1918-1921
References
- ^ Landry, Stuart O. History of the Boston Club. New Orleans: Pelican Publishing Company, 1938. p. 5.
- ^ Times Democrat. 18 December 1881. Quoted in Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 6-7.
- ^ Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 7.
- ^ Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 8.
- ^ Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 8.
- ^ New Orleans Times. 3 April 1880. Quoted in Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 8.
- ^ Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 8-9.
- ^ Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 9.
- ^ Landry. History of the Boston Club. p. 10-13.
- ^ https://libguides.tulane.edu/famousalumni/ESLewis2