New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-28
GERMANIA CLUBS HOUSE.
Offer to Sell Causes General Regret
Description of Building.

There was quite general regret in Brooklyn when
It was learned that the Germania Club. which is
OF the oldest social organizations OF its kind IN
Brooklyn. had placed its handsome house. IN
Schermerhorn-st near Smith-st on the market
and was contemplating seeking more humble quar-
tiers. The eagerness with which II is trying TO sell
the property is shown by the fact that. although
the house and its furnishings alone cost $4,000 and
are not yet fifteen years old. the club. ii is under
stood. would consider a proposition to part with
the entire property for $lO0O00. SO far no offer
higher than $4,000 has been made public
In some ways the location Of the clubhouse Is
not central enough for large social club ard for
that reason some difficulty may be experienced in
disposng Of IT, There is talk of the Brook
lyn Democratic Club. or interests that are essen
tally the same. buying the property for an ex-
tension of that organization along the lines OF the
New-YOrk Democratic Club.
The Germania club has been one Of the most
exclusive organizations in Brooklyn. and little has
been heard from it by the general public. II was
organized in 1883 by Dr. Aiming. who a well
known physician. living in the vicinity Of State
and Court sts. Tho other charter members were
A Graef. Charles Graef Adolph Kraft. J. g. It'd
den J. H. Iau and Frederick HOnbOsteL After
occupying rooms at AtlantC-ave. and ClintOn-st.
the site covered BY the United States apart
ment house, more commCdOus quarters were taken
at No. l6t Atlantic-ave. in 1856. The succeeding
twenty years period OF great prosperity. and
the membership reached the three hundred limit
and a long waiting list was formed. In ISIS the
'ttittuph OF luudS Tor JDe present mouse WIS
besuu. and in October. 1880. the building was
opened with big reception. EX-Mayor Frederick
a. Schroeder was chairman OF the building COM
mittee
From the outside there Is more attractive
clubhouse in Brooklyn. The materials used are
light coored brick red terra Gotta and Orownst0ne
and they have been reared into many beautiful
effects To the right Of the srched entrance is
large circular tower rising from the basement to
point Just above the fourth story, terminating IN a
gr1 q baaIF VII oh AN rsl.srf
chimney some twelve feet more. In the
tower are four rows Of arched and mulloned win
dov.s with paucs 81 bent glass. In the other side
OF the entrance a bay window projects for some
little distance. us roof forming a balcony, which
is protected by rails OF brown sandstone In this
window two panes of bent glass. b. ID feet
size. that said % be- among the largest OF
their kind In the country.
Above the arch OF tho doorway are four pllasters,
faced with terra Gotta flower and basket work. and
capped with deliberately carved brOWnstOne cop
inls. extending the fun height OF the building.
terminating either corner Of the gable. At every
suitable place tho stone carver has left examples
Of his art.
The double oak doors wide and massive. and
lead into a vestibule. In the rear rises wide
staircase Ct white oak. To the left Of the stairway
Is the main reception room. 10 has ceiling =
feet high. supported by massive Corfu THAN coll
HEnns 1ts Dimensions are LOO boz 70 feet Opposite