Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-05-19
AMERICAS MONTE CARLO
- = "a . - = n q 81 l-f4 N n
Closing of Beach Club Removes Lash
of the Picturesque Gasablina Re-
, sorts Fts5+.af 500 49,


Yielding to the demands of our h,gl,-
~ sensitized Eoltico-moral nature or
perhaps because it began to be unprof-
liable, the Beach Club. often referred
10 as the s.oEte Carlo of America. has
closed its doors. This removes from
the sportsrnan's map in America the
last CT the great public casinos, and de-
prives Palm Beach of its most p.ctur-
esuue institution. But the doors are
tight shut nowr-tieht as a Scot.
The Beach Club gained q reputation
as the best conducted. temple OF chance
IN America, and il had few rivals in
Europe. Not since the gala days at
Saratoga has there been anything tina
could compare with the institution for
high polish and high stakes.
Not far from the railroad station at
the Florida resort the club occupied an
attractive cottage. From the windows
could be seen the Painciana and Il
stretch Of grounds well kept.
Men and women were permitted to
gamble to the extent of hearts desire
and purse length without interference,
from the local or the state authorities.
1t was a gambling mart where the
professional was taboo. The samblns
was for the sport of it, and if the losses
or gains ran high il was because these
who played could afford it.
The club operated under state
charter which was granted in 1889,
and it flourished like green bay Tor
baize) tree because it was carefully
managed and because no resident of
the state of Florida WAS admitted to
membership. The rules went even far
ther. Ne nonresident who had a con-
nection with any business i'm the state
of Florida was eligible.
in addition to this admirable method
of escaping local criticism and posi-
Bile trouble the best of care was exer-
cised in the selection of the member
ship. Individuals had to be known and
youched for. The mere display of
large sum of money was not suificlent.
The strict enforcement of this po1cy
resulted in an exclusion of undesira-
hes and preserved the atmosphere of
elegance. reliability and perfect peace.
IF has been said that detectives were
endowed nv the club to investigate
the standing and the habits of the no
tel patrons at Palm Beach. but this is
in the nature of runor. The exterior
of the BtdGD ttuD "tto ohP.N
hut the inside was lavishly equipped
Although every appointment was cost
ly also. it was in perfect taste.
The difficulties of becoming meih-
her depend entirely on the character
and standing of the applicant. II ne IS
well known as a reputable CITIZEN and
has an adequate bank account, or mas
friends who are already members
and will youch for him, his ao-
mission is a mere matter of FORM
II he is unknown to any OF the
members or 10 the proprietors'
do not believe that if he estap-
ished his financial responsibility by an
exhibition of untold cash that ne eouiu
gain admission. or course, II
8 only the strictest enforcement OF TINS
policy that has given to the place the
, tmosphere of an exclusive CLUB ~hlch
II unouestionabiy has. Indeed. the
varies from that OF any
nther similar affair of which | Know
in that il SENS to lend all its energies
to keeping out rather than drawing
them in.
IAN instance of this. heard that
the club employs several detectives
who live at the hotels ana secfeis IN
yesticate the standing ana hapits vi
various guests. Much trouble, however
Is saved these sleuths by the iact tha'
at least four fifths of the guests at the
hig hotels would not voluntarily enter
any club or restaurant. or Whatever IL
chooses to call itself, where gamni,hg
Is allowed.
II the outside of the clubhouse is ex-
tremely modest in its appearance anu
has all the exterior characteristics Oh
a humble cottage, the interior Is most
,+ractiye and is furnished with q iaV-
oh hand and in excellent taste. one
snters on a large vestibule, where tie
,ecretarv sits behind his desk ana eN-
m;n,,s the credentials of anyone viii
whom he is not familiar. To the lei.
,here is a small cafe. which is useu
for late suppers- ba.h y,
nc vestibule there is q broad haiiWas
leading TO the room devoted 10 sani-
hing and on the right of TINS haii"as
t. the restaurant. When crowded To us
most this room has space LOT Only
100 guests, so, during the season, :. ean
readily be imagined how strenuous aie
tho efforts of the members 10 ger
table in this much coveted spaee
The clubroom, or Where
oames of amusement as the mahase
ment of the same and its members
NAV from time to time agree upoN
cake place, is a fairly large feanp
room brilliantly lighted, charminsly
furnished, and is in all ways extreme
", we'll adapted to its purpose. ineis
are half a dozen roulette tables anu
two devoted to hazard. During tne
afternoon a few people may drop IN
for a game after a lunch party IN the
club restaurant. but the place does
not thoroughly wake up until aoo .,.
10 O'Clock at night. The lzo sou's
who were fortunate enough to nave
ained in the adjoining room stragsif
in and those who have been to dinner
,,arties at the Poinciana, and the
breakers, and many OF those who
have not been to dinner parties, wan
dor over to the club, and either temp,
fortnne themselves or stand about ana
watch others do it who are richer VI
more daring. A great many of the "o
men who go to the club never play q.
ali hut sit on the eapple-green, siiN
lounges. against the apple-green pro