The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1885-12-27
THE COLUMBIAN CLUB,
Anniversary Reception In its New Quarters
Sketch of its History.

Sketch OF its History.
The simultaneous facts that the above-named Or
ganization has just entered the seventh year of
its thriving existence. and that has taken posses
sion OF its new and specially designed rooms in the
Post building, at Tenth and ID streets, naturally
suggested hSnsewaTmng and reception to the
last wednesday evening. From the time Of opening
mentioned in the cards OF invitation until late hour
OF the night the spacious apartments were filled by
cheerful throng of prominent citizens who heartily
enjoyed the hosptali,ies SO bountifllly dispensed
aud unanimously praised the taste and Judgment
shown in every detail OF the new home of the SEQ.
lumbians.h As 1t was entirely friendly affair." there
were no formal ceremonies to report but guests and
members were equally delighted with the perfect
success attained
II NAV be interesting in this connection to review
briefly the history Of the club, which has not been
published in connected form. 1t may be regarded
as one OF the progeny of that time.honored Organ-
cation, the washington Light Infantry Corps. In
members OF the corps. feeling the need of more
entirely civil and social association and comforta-
able place or meeting downtown, discussed the pro-
1ect OF forming club for this purpose. meeting
was finally held in tine old armory, in the building
now ., occupied oy Barbour Hamilton. on septem
prime mover This resulted In the creation of the
present club, with membership Of about lfty, and
the first president Permanent quarters were soon
after secured In the Marble Building at the south
west corner OF Ninth street and Pennsylvania ave-
nue., and fitted up in good style. Here the club
remained for fye years, retaining about the game
number OF members as at the start DR.. Charles
w.
Evans served consecutlyey as president during this
time.
In November, 1854, deeming their quarters too
small, the club removed across the Avenue to the
new red brick building on the northwest corner OF
Ninth street. With the increased facilities thus
gained the membership rose TO III, about which
figure II now stands. This soon suggested the l.
Visibility OF gaining still more space, and as the Post
building was then In process OF reconstruction after
the fire, arrangements were made to have half OF
one moor, composing eight large rooms, specially
designed and constructed for the use Of the club
in Tho NJ
mediation, and as soon as the handsome furniture
and fittings were In place the club took possession
win feellDg That 1t IS most deslraby and elegantly
located. The entertainment OF Wednesday evening
served 10 demonstrate this to numerous friends.
The club Is regularly incorporated. and may GER
tanly be regarded one OF the established instltu-
lions OF the National Capital. II includes MEM
bership lawyers, physicians, officers OF the Army,
and prominent merchants, which fact gives II a
SOLD and substantial character. 1t is run by any
clique or dominated by any element, but confines
Itself to It's functions OF promoting socIabliiy and
sbie sphere OF usefulness. The tone of It's )erson-
mel Is that Its members are chiefly active business
men In the heart OF the District united by personal
acquaintance and strong local feeling.
teen now remain, and as these compose 10 a certain
extent the " Old Guard, !" their names may here be
given. They are Messrs. Charles T. Banes, Jesse
NJ Bassett, ii. ID. Boteler, Thomas c. Bourne, Camp
bell Darlington, j: w. Drew, George W. Evans, j.
j. HOLSTER, w. l.. Holmes, A. W. Kelley, j. p
Page, Joseph II. Rose, W. II. Rnpp, and George W.
Riggles.
man. and has a treess and capable manager OF It's
interests in Mr.. j. j. HOLSTER chairman OF the ex-
ecuiive committee.
In another column Is given an article concerning
certain famous New York clubs. and 1t X thought
that the above will possess at least equal interest
for Washngtonians.