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The Traditional

GENTLEMEN’S

CLUB

And Its Etiquette

by “The Gentleman” • edited and extra copy by Judy Gonyeau

ccording to Wikipedia, the term gentleman refers to any man of good, courteous The traditional gentlemen’s club was originally
conduct. In its original meaning, the term was used to signify any well-educated set up by and for British upper-class men in the
Aman of good family and distinction, often used to describe a man with an income 18th century, and was popularized by English
derived from property, a legacy, or some other source, who was thus independently wealthy upper-middle-class men and women in the late 19th
and did not need to work. century and early 20th century.
Over time, the term became more The man of “perfect manners” The original clubs were established in the West
commonly used to describe behavior. In End of London and some of the clubs took
many contexts nowadays, being a gentle- is he who is calmly courteous over some parts of the role occupied by coffee
man means treating others, especially in all circumstances. houses in 18th-century London. White’s, Brooks’s,
women, in a respectful manner and not and Boodle’s were among the first gentlemen’s clubs
taking advantage or pushing others into in the world and provided an environment for
doing things he chooses not to do. gambling, which was illegal outside of members-
Being a gentleman according to my only establishments. White’s is the oldest
definition is, above all, the art of being a gentlemen’s club in London, founded in 1693, and
genuinely good person. It may sound easy, is widely considered to be the most exclusive private
but it clearly is not. We end up in situations club in the world.
on a daily basis that challenge our judgment Note: White’s is still offering memberships on a
and our principles as gentlemen. It is there- rather elite basis. Prince William and Harry frequent
fore important to know what characterizes this establishment, which today has a nine-year
good manners and high morals. In many waiting list. No women allowed and no website. Being
cases, we don’t have to go back many hugely private places, there are only a few who really
generations to find inspiration for how to know what they are like inside – you either know about
behave like a gentleman. Actually, it’s quite it, or you don’t.
simple. Mostly it’s about putting oneself in Although traditional gentlemen’s clubs are no
someone else’s situation and making others longer as popular or influential as they originally
feel better about themselves. were, many of the original rules still apply.
In short, it’s about respect and being Obtaining membership is done by election after the
slow to judge the actions of others, either in proposers (at least two and in many clubs more),
their public or private affairs. It’s also about who have known the candidate for a term of years,
taking responsibility for your own life. formally nominate the person for membership.

The Gentlemen’s Club An Overview of the Gentlemen’s
Nowadays many think of Gentlemen’s Club and its Etiquette
Clubs as nightclubs with strippers. Below is part of a draft from the book Etiquette
Therefore, it’s maybe more appropriate to for Gentlemen, 1929. Under the chapter CLUBS,
talk about traditional gentlemen’s clubs to you will find some of the etiquette rules of a
avoid misconceptions. New York Yacht Club interior, 1901 traditional gentlemen’s club.
A gentlemen’s club in its traditional meaning is a private social club that typically
contains a formal dining room, a library, a bar, a billiards room, and rooms for socializing. CLUBS
Having the domestic needs taken care of seamlessly and promptly was the centerpiece of The advantages of clubs are being realized with increasing
a well-run establishment.
appreciation every day, for to the business man, the lonely man, or
the man who is not comfortably or conveniently settled at home,
A Place of Privacy the club is one of the greatest of boons.
In short, the club is a place where men could walk away from the everyday stress and
requirements in their lives. That is also one of the reasons why so few know about these
clubs. On most occasions, the members in a gentlemen’s club don’t give interviews or show HOW TO JOIN
the spaces in the club, on the ground that this is their “second home.” In other words, the Those who wish to join a club should write to the secretary for
privacy of the members and the atmosphere of the club is one of the most important things the rules and forms of application. If it is a new club, the names
for a traditional gentlemen’s club to keep sacred. of two friends must be given as references, their consent having

16 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles