Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-09
Royal Automobile Club
to Be Finest in the World
cial Correspondence OF The Star.

LONDON, August l. 1905
ONDON is soon to have a million
dollar clubhouse that will be twice
the size of any other clubhouse in
Europe-perhaps in the woodland rs TO
cost more money, for the structure alone
than the entire outfit of most other costly
institutions of a similar kind. The Royal
Automobile Club of England is TO in
habit this splendid structure as soon as
it has been erected on the site of the old
war office in Pail Mall
Our new club" said the secretary is
TO cost for the building alone 81. 10000.
We hope ii will be the finest club building
in Europe. and il certainly will be the
handsomest in London. The frontage on
Fall Mall will occupy DDS feet. while il
Will have a depth of 145 feet. The build
ing VIII extend the whole length from the
footpath line in Pail Mall back to within
p feet of Carlton House terrace. There
will be a garden % feet wide along 'the
back.
I'VE are not at liberty just at present to
disclose the exact plans. or TO mention the
period of architecture to which the struc-
ture will belong. as these plans may have
To be modified in accordance with the gov
eminent regulations. We have had To
lease the ground from the woods and
forests department. and IL must finally
pass upon the plans. Its main restriction
will be in the matter of height. and if this
conforms to its requirements we shall
probably not be nterfered with i'm carry
ing out the rest of our plans. The main
building will be entirely of Portland
stone.
Following American System.
The club will be a departure from most
London clubs in the matter OF having
more resident accommodation. Ia this
respect We are following the American
system. In most London clubs there are
few bedrooms, and visiting members usu-
ally have to go to hotels and such places.
In our new clubhouse there viii be sleep
ing accommodation on the premises for
80 members. Another innovation will be
excellent swimming baths. Turkish baths
and gymnasiums. Our dining room VII
accommodate 90 persons.
The Royal Automobile Club con-
tinued the secretary, has had phenom-
email success We have a membership of
5000. and our members are finding the
club more of IA practical advantage than
most clubs usually are. We do not APP
peal alone to the social amenities of life.
Through OuG touring department-another
innovation-our members can be supplied
with all requisites. including guides and
Interpreters, for extended motoring tours
in all parts of the world For instance.
If any OF our members wish Ia take a
journey to Monte Carlo they simply give
the order 10 us. and we do the rest ar
ranging the taking of the cars on board
ship. the preparation OF all necessary
documents and passports. and payment OF
all toll fees through France: in fact, pro-
viding all essentials OF the trip. The
member who takes advantage OF this
service is saved worry of every descrip-
ton. Through our affiliations With other
clubs-for instance, with the Automob bile
Club OF New York-our travelling members
are sure of welcome receptions wherever
they go: and TO all the information and
assistance in foreign countries that we
give 10 travellers from other affiliated
clubs whose members are visiting Lon
dom