The History of The Graduate Club

The founding fathers of The Graduate Club held their first meeting on November 4,1892 probably in one of their homes. New Haven already had social clubs for undergraduates, but this was to be a special place for four-year college and university graduates. Arthur W. Colton was elected as the Club’s first President, and William A. Setchell was the Club’s first Secretary. The name "Graduate Club" was adopted because the usual title "University Club" had already been appropriated by undergraduates.

At the next meeting on November 29, 1892 a report was made that permission to use the Anketell House, at 83 Elm Street had been obtained from Yale. It was here that the Club remained until the Spring of 1894, when, because of the building of Hendrie Hall, it was forced to seek other quarters. They found themselves across the New Haven Green at 954 Chapel Street, where the first meeting of the incorporated association was held on March 28, 1894. The Articles of Association, signed by Samuel York Jr., Herbert A. Smith, and Edward G. Buckland, were then filed with the Secretary of State.

The remaining six years of the 19^th century, after the establishment of the Club in its new home, confirmed the success of the venture. It was a period that steadily strengthened the membership and the hospitable traditions of the Club. In its congenial setting and atmosphere, town and gown were equally at home and guests found friendly welcomes. At the central Club table, supported by a nucleus of city bachelors and younger faculty, who were boarders, Charles D. Seymour presided over the mixing of the salad and carving with dignity and dexterity. Club Nights and Entertainment Nights were informal and sometimes impromptu. Then, under the lead of Professor "Tommy" Lounsbury, a congenial group would gather round a freshly broached keg of beer in the basement taproom and share in the proverbial "feast of reason and the flow of soul".

The happy blending of civic and academic interests within the Club was conspicuous in the annual lists of Officers and Committees, where principles of rotation in office and of balanced distribution were duly reconciled with the needs of continuity in special services.

With the turn of the century, the insistent pressure of the Club’s mounting membership and waiting list make it imperative to seek larger quarters. On December 17, 1901, closely following the October celebration of the Yale Bicentennial, the Club authorized the purchase of the historic house and property a 77 Elm Street, now 155 Elm Street. The house, which since 1832 had been owned and occupied by Eli W. Blake and various members of his family, now became the new home for The Graduate Club.

Today the Club caters to the professional person with expanded facilities for business meetings and banquets. Activities at the Club include luncheon speaker forums, theatre nights and various other social events for members and their families.