The Oregon Club: A History and Guide to Portland's Oldest Private Social Club

Nestled in the heart of downtown Portland, the Oregon Club stands as a testament to the city's rich history and enduring social legacy. For over 150 years, this exclusive club has been a gathering place for the city's elite, offering its members a haven of camaraderie, fine dining, and cultural enrichment.

A Storied Past: The Founding and Early Years

The Oregon Club was founded in 1872 by a group of prominent Portland businessmen who sought to establish a social club that would reflect the city's growing prosperity and sophistication. The club's first home was a modest building on Front Street, but it quickly outgrew this space and in 1892 moved to its current location at 210 Southwest Salmon Street.

Over the years, the Oregon Club has played a central role in Portland society. Its members have included governors, senators, judges, and business leaders. The club has also hosted a wide range of events, from political debates to charity balls. In 1991, the Oregon Club was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

An Exclusive Oasis: Membership and Amenities

Membership in the Oregon Club is by invitation only. The club has a strict dress code and a rigorous application process. Prospective members must be sponsored by a current member and must undergo a thorough background check.

Once admitted, members enjoy a wide range of amenities. The club features a stately dining room, a well-stocked library, a fitness center, and a private event space. Members also have access to a variety of social events, including lectures, dinners, and wine tastings.

Cultural Enrichment: The Oregon Club as a Patron of the Arts

The Oregon Club has a long history of supporting the arts in Portland. The club has hosted exhibitions by renowned artists, sponsored musical performances, and provided financial support to local arts organizations. In 1995, the club established the Oregon Club Arts Foundation, which awards grants to emerging artists.

The Library: A Treasure Trove of Literary Heritage

The Oregon Club library is one of the club's most treasured assets. The library houses a collection of over 25,000 books, including first editions, rare books, and signed copies. The library also has a collection of original artwork and historical documents.

The Oregon Club Arts Foundation: Supporting Emerging Artists

The Oregon Club Arts Foundation has provided over $1 million in grants to emerging artists since its inception. The foundation supports artists working in all disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and music.

Oregon Club Stories: Tales of Humor and History

Over the years, the Oregon Club has been the setting for countless stories, both humorous and historic. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Phantom Guest: A Tale of Mischievous Spirits

In the early 1900s, the Oregon Club was plagued by a phantom guest. The phantom would appear at dinner parties and social events, only to vanish into thin air before anyone could catch a glimpse. Some members believed that the phantom was the ghost of a former member who had been wronged by the club. Others believed that it was simply a figment of their imagination.

The Mayor's Mishap: A Lesson in Disaster Aversion

In 1926, Mayor George Baker was hosting a dinner party at the Oregon Club when a fire broke out in the kitchen. The mayor, ever the resourceful politician, quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher and doused the flames. However, in his haste, he accidentally sprayed the extinguisher at the guests, sending them running for cover.

The Artful Dodger: A Lesson in the Importance of Punctuality

In the 1950s, a member of the Oregon Club was known for his habit of arriving late for meetings. One day, the club president decided to teach him a lesson. He had the club's secretary write a letter to the member, informing him that a meeting would be held at a different time. The member, as usual, arrived late for the meeting, only to find the room empty.

Tips for Joining the Oregon Club: A Guide for the Aspiring Member

If you're interested in joining the Oregon Club, here are a few tips:

• Be well-connected. The Oregon Club is a very exclusive club, and it's important to have a strong network of connections before you apply.
• Have a stellar reputation. The club is looking for members who are successful, ethical, and well-respected in the community.
• Be prepared to pay. The Oregon Club is not cheap. The initiation fee is $10,000, and the annual dues are $3,000.
• Be patient. The application process can be lengthy, and it can take several months or even years to be admitted.

Conclusion: The Oregon Club's Enduring Legacy

The Oregon Club has been a part of Portland's social fabric for over 150 years. The club has played a vital role in the city's history, and it continues to be a vibrant and exclusive gathering place for Portland's elite.

Table 1: Oregon Club Membership Statistics

Table 2: Oregon Club Amenities

Table 3: Oregon Club Arts Foundation Grants