The San Francisco call., 1896-10-03
WESTWARD THE
STAR OF CLUBDOM
Pacific Union Accepts a
Fine Site on Van Ness
Avenue.
Members by a Decisive Vote Re-
ject the Calvary Church
Tender.
A LADIES' ANNEX IN VIEW
First Ten Members Called on Sub
scribed for 100000 of the
Bonds to Be Sold.

The members of the Pacific Union Club
decided in effect last evening to accept one
of the proposed sites for the new club
house on Van Ness avenue.
The meeting which was held last night
was the longest and most spirited in the
history of the organization. The session
lasted from until 10 o'clock. There was
free interchange of views on the subject
of so much importance TO the club. Many
of the so-called conservative members,
who were at first inclined to ''view with
alarm" every proposition involving de-
parture from tims-honored customs of the
club, joined the representatives of the
progressive column and pronounced In
favor of a new editice worthy of the insti-
tuition and for the clubs exclusive use.
The active promoters of the moving en-
terprise, E. w. Hopkins, president of the
club, and George A. Newhall, submitted
various tenders of locations, embracing
five sites on Van Ness avenue, together
with Others nearer the business center of
the City.
The proposition to bny the Calvary
Church site, the property on the north
west corner of Powell and Green streets,
was submitted and some discussion there
on ensued. The remarks were attentively
considered by 150 members present and
the result of the vote was decisive rejec-
tion of the offer. This site can be had for
$240, 600, but its proximity to the new mar
ket on Powell street renders it undesirable
for club uses.
The sentiment expressed was so largely
in favor of going as far west as Van Ness
avenue and securing ample grounds, that
the committee was auth orlZed to make q
al Of ~ ho iuoc cid of On
that avenue. The committee is not to go
further south on Van Ness avenue than
Sutter street, but may have a range of
choice extending three blocks north.
When the committee secures an accept
able site a report of its action will be sub
mitted to the members of the club for
final ratification.
sion last night was the almost unanimous
vote by which the members resolved in
favor of a ladies' annex. Since the spirit
to fall in line with modern customs has
entered the club the mem bers have appar-
emily resolved to accept the most ad-
vanced notions of up-to-date clubdom.
There was apprehension among some of
the younger members that the conserv-
atives would resist the annex" innova-
ton, but instead of resistance ready con.
currence was shown.
Many of the members of the Pacific
Union seemed to fancy the Van Ness site
known as the Fred Castle property, but
which is now owned by Colonel e. F.
Crocker. Other sites presenting many
advantages will be considered. 1t can be
regarded as settled that the club will
move. The lease of the premises now oc-
cupied expires next April but there is an
option of extension for ten years. To
complete such a mansion as the Pacific
Unions will probably construct may re-
quire nearly two years time.
Money to put forward the scheme of
improvements will be forthcoming on de-
mand. Ten memb bers of the club who
were asked to take bonds have already
signified willingness to subscribe $780,
600.
The idea of a social club, with all the
exclusiveness implied, has been fully
accepted by the membership. 1t is con-
templated that the grounds shall be
ample. the building worthy of the club
and highly creditable to San Francisco
In great cities nowadays there are two
classes of clubs-one of the social and ex-
elusive institutions and the other of down.
town business clubs. The Pacific Union
at present has a leaven of both classes,
but when it goes to Van Ness avenue it
viii take rank at once as the leading
social club on this side OF the continent.