The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-07-13
FOR MEMBERS ONLY
But MEMBERSHIP WILL NOT BE DIFF
FICULT TO OBTAIN.
Clubs Being Organized for the Pur-
pose of supplying Their Members
with Drinks-Wiu Evade the Law.

The Oakley Club is the latest addition
to the many so-called clubs that are be-
ing organized now Since the Nicholson law
went into effect The names of saloon men
are prominent in all the organizations and
to the minds OF many plainly indicate the
purpose Of the organizations. The Oakley
Club was incorporated by Thomas ID.
OfBrien, 42S West New York street; Eugene
O'Connor, 800 West Maryland street; Rob-
et Easthaus, 163 Huron street; William
Drummer, 1856 West Washington street; John
+. Zimmerman. SO Dunlap street: John l..
Gasway and Harvey R~ittenhause, 70 Miller
street, West Indianapolis. O'Connor and
zimmerman and Gasway are saloon keep
ers. This is the first club that has been
organized that has so plainly made its in
t~entions known. The articles of associa-
ton were filed with the Secretary OF State
late Thursday evening and Gasway called
for the certificate yesterday. After getting
it he examined it carefully to see what
authority it gave the organization. He read
it over with a disappointed look and then
turned to Deputy Secretary of State Wright
with the remark:
viii we have to have a government
license with this?'
Mr.. Wright told him that he could not
y WY u ANChSC chOota - 2
necessary to carry on a club, the purpose
of which as stated in the articles of asso-
citation as pleasure and the encouragement
OF athletic sports. The man said no more.
His remark, however, plainly indicated that
the purpose of the club is to evade the
Nicholson law and that the athletic part
is only a blind. The Oakly clubhouse will
be located a half mile southwest of the
stock yards on the Mooresville pike. This
Is according TO the description given IN
the articles Of Incorporation.
The main incorporation, John Il. GaSWay,
is a saloon keeper in West Indianapolis and
also owns the present road house known
as Oklahoma, which is one Of the most
the city. The place is ~frequented by the
toughest element in the city and fights are
of common occurrence in the place. 1t is
a resort for the women of the disreputable
houses of the city and being so close and
easy of access is usually well patronized.
clubs have been incorporated. the Alham-
bra, No. ], and the Cycle Club, of Mount
Jackson. Neither of the names would in
names of the people back Of the organiza-
lions are considered a different light is
thrown upon the matter. Saloon men are
the motive power behind all OF them, but
1t is only fair TO say Inat the better class
of saloon men do not appear as incorpora-
tors. In the Cycle Club and the Oakley
the capital stock Is fixed at $500. divided
in shares of 81 each. According To the
articles only members may have the privi-
leges of the club, but as a fee OF only 81
Is required to obtain membership 1t Is safe
to say that no one desiring the privilege,
with drinks included, will be deferred from
joining or black-balled by the board OF di-
rectors. Among the duties of the board of
directors il will be required that they re-
main at the clubhouse at all times to pass
upon the applications of passing candidates
who may apply for admission 10 club men,
bership.
The Cycle Club Is now in operation at
Mount Jackson and presents a respectable
appearance. 1t is fitted up with reading
rooms and tables and places where the
members can spend a pleasant hour, but the
qualifications for membership are such as
TO easily bring IL into disrepute. Any
cyclist may become a member who can
get the recommendation OF one member.
On payment OF 81 he then has all the privi-
leges of the club, the principal of which
is the right TO buy beer. Since this club
has been organized it would have been i'm
possible to secure a license.
Jack Zimmerman, of the Oakley Club, owns
a saloon at 11 West Washington street
and Eugene O'Connor one at 300 West Mary
land street. Zimmerman is a brother of
Chris Zimmerman. who killed 81 Eaglen last
Sunday night. and was present at the re-
sort at the time Of the shooting. He and
O'Connor deny any intention of violating
the law and say they were approached by
Gasway and asked to join a club that was
being organized purely for pleasure. They
| say they did so. not knowing its true char
actor, but now that IL has been exposed
they will withdraw from all connection
with II.