Park Slope Clubs: The Montauk.
Park Slope clubs are some of the best in all of NYC and the United States with clubs like Union Hall and Barbès. But one of the longest standing monuments of NYC and Brooklyn history is right next to Grand Army Plaza: The Montauk Club. With its grand launch in 1889, the Montauk Club became a popular meeting place for social elite to mingle and participate in summer activities. The earliest members were some of the most prominent and influential figures in Brooklyn society at the time. Many members’ names grace the streets of the borough. The crème de la crème of Brooklynites. Yes, Brooklyn has its own gilded age too!
The growing upper class created a need for more clubs like the Montauk.
The growing upper class created a need for more clubs like the Montauk. With so many families flourishing there was more money than ever. With more money you are left with a problem: what do you do with it? What better way than to head over to meet your gentle fellows in your most dapper tailcoat and top hat to share a whiskey? There was a demand for posh clubs. There were other clubs for Brooklyn’s upper crust too. The Brooklyn and Carleton Clubs were additional spots the elite would meet. These were places mostly for men. Men needed a space they could truly call their own. A place where they could loosen up their bow ties and be waited upon. A respite from their daily chores and obligations.
Leonard Moody, a real estate mogul, found a plot of land for the club at 25 8th Avenue.
Leonard Moody, a real estate mogul, found a plot of land for the club at 25 8th Avenue. Down the street from the picturesque Grand Army Plaza it is the perfect setting for a ritzy club. It stands like a stately castle with an enchanted forest in the background. Seeking to create a truly exclusive atmosphere Moody sought the best of minds and talent. To establish the sense of elitism a competition was held to pick the best designer. The winner was the famous architect Francis H. Kimball. In the Victorian days your reputation and power were your most important assets. This position would be very much coveted even in today’s world. This was the entry into the club, money, and connections.
The Montauk Club was perhaps the only institution at the time that didn’t endorse segregation in anything other than your wealth and prestige.
The Montauk Club was perhaps the only institution at the time that didn’t endorse segregation in anything other than your wealth and prestige. If you had one, the other, or both, you were welcomed through the velvet curtains of exclusivity. Moreover, this was the first club in Brooklyn that accepted Jewish members unlike many other institutions that were openly anti-Semitic. The Montauk Club was exceptionally progressive for its time not only in regards to race or ethnicity, but sex as well since it was inclusive toward women. What’s more, though women weren’t granted full membership, the wives had their very own parlour rooms upstairs. They could have their afternoon tea and discuss the latest Emily Dickinson novel in peace. Kimball even specially designed a staircase for the ladies.
Surprisingly the club was never directly affiliated with any particular political party.
Surprisingly the club was never directly affiliated with any particular political party. It welcomed both Republicans and Democrats. Many big names were associated with the Montauk Club such as presidents McKinley, Hoover, Eisenhower, both John and Robert Kennedy, and New York Governor Hugh Carey. There are Park Slope clubs today, but they don’t have the same air of luxury that old school clubs like the Montauk did. It was a one of a kind sanctuary and a testament to the fact that with money all things are possible.
The Montauk Club now occupies the first and second floors of the building.
The Montauk Club now occupies the first and second floors of the building. It is a popular venue for weddings, parties, and gatherings. As in the old days, club members can retire there and enjoy the Venetian Gothic architecture in all of its Victorian splendor. The only difference between then and now? Any Brooklynite wearing a sweatshirt can walk in and become a member. The key being, ya got the money? If you are thinking of visiting any Park Slope clubs definitely visit the Montauk Club.
Read more about the Montauk Club:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montauk_Club
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