Old Colony Club

The Old Colony Club is one of the oldest Gentlemen's Clubs in the United States, founded in 1769 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.[1]

For the women-only private social club in New York City, see Colony Club. For the former private members' drinking club in London, see The Colony Room.
Old Colony Club

History

The club was founded in January, 1769, by Isaac Lothrop, Pelham Winslow, Thomas Lothrop, Thomas Mayhew, Elkanah Cushman, John Thomas, Edward Winslow, Jr. and John Watson.[2] Their intent in creating a private club was to avoid "the many disadvantages and inconveniences that arise from intermixing with the company at the taverns in ... Plymouth." It went moribund during the American Revolution due to a split between Tory and Patriot members, but was revived in 1875. Its clubhouse on Court Street was purchased in 1893.

Traditions

The club meets on Fridays at a much-renovated old colonial house on Court Street in downtown Plymouth. The club is best known for its annual celebration of Forefathers' Day, one of the oldest holidays in America, dating from colonial times.[3]

Hoyle's Official Book of Games notwithstanding, the "extinct" game of Bestia (game) is still played every Friday night at this institution.

The Old Colony Club boasts among its early members Revolutionary War hero General Alexander Scammell.[4]

References
  1. Sweeney, Emily (15 July 2007). "Joining the club". Boston Globe. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  2. Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Massachusetts Historical Society. 1888.
  3. Baker, James W. (2009). Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday. Durham, NH: University of New Hampshire Press. p. 63.
  4. Scheible, Susan (3 January 2009). "Abington's Jaanus Roht takes reins of historic Old Colony Club". Quincy Patriot-Ledger. Quincy, MA. Retrieved 19 October 2014.

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