Page 19 - Layout 1

Gambling Gentlemen
While you may have heard quite a bit about men
at their clubs playing pool or a game of cards, some
of the earlier renditions of these establishments also
included gambling. In the 17th century, the first
casinos or gambling houses arose in Italy; the
Ridotto was founded in Venice in 1638.
The first legal gambling institution in Europe
opened in Venice in 1638, and the history of the
genuine casino began there. Il Ridotto was the name
of the casino. The term “casino” comes from an
Italian word that means “little home.”
With the number of gentlemen’s clubs exploding
in the late 19th century, the more established clubs
tended to be wary of a new form of “gentleman”
looking to obtain access. At their height, London
had over 400 such establishments, many being
Boodle’s gentlemen’s club interior
established by these somewhat less-than-desirable
gentlemen looking for friendship and camaraderie
been asked and granted. If the club be old-established, it is generally necessary to be introduced and seconded by from others with similar interests in a variety of
two members who have agreed to act as social sponsors. pressing topics of the time. Here, men were granted
Having filled in the application form, the prospective member hands it to his friends, and when they have filled the freedom to perform actions and behaviors not
in their names the form should be returned to the secretary, who will bring the matter forward at the next normally conveyed in their “public-oriented” lives.
committee meeting and send the intimation of election when the necessary subscription should be paid by return.
Having been elected, members must make it their business to study the rules and regulations of the club, and American Gentlemen’s Clubs
rigidly observe them. The man who monopolizes the best chair in the place nearest the fire, and appropriates an The oldest clubs that exist in the U.S. date back
undue share of the most up-to-date paper, is never popular. The new member should be ready to give up his chair to the 18th century and typically have ties to their
to an older member or an older man, to co-operate with his fellow-members in their common interests, and to counterparts in London, especially those in the oldest
behave as courteously and kindly to them as if they were fellow guests in a friend’s house. cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Another pitfall is that of joining in conversation. If a Even today, acceptance of an individual had to meet
member enters the club drawing-room and finds two or Every man of character in the admissions committee’s standards for values
and behavior. However, old money prevailed over
three members conversing he should not immediately history has portrayed his new money as with the industry titans of the day,
join in. If they wish for him to be included, one will including the Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan
address some friendly remark and thus give him the individuality in one form families. Establishing a strong standing in society
opportunity of joining the little circle. or another in dress. meant not only did an individual have membership
The successful club member is the man who is in more than one club, but so did their descendants.
invariably courteous, never obtrudes his own views, and never indulges in gossip or discusses a member as soon J.P. Morgan belonged to nineteen clubs in all;
as his back IS turned. Speak of a person as you would speak to him is an excellent motto, and its observance will Vanderbilt, to fifteen, and railroad executive E.H.
save the unwary from much unpleasantness. Harriman belonged to fourteen.
When using the club dressing-rooms, it is well to remember that they should be left as one would wish to find
them. Brushes, combs, and towels are usually provided a neat array for the use of the members, and should always
be left in a tidy condition.
“Neither a borrower nor a lender be” is another useful maxim for club members.
If you play cards or billiards, pay immediately all scores. Should you be appealed to by a member for monetary
assistance have courage and refuse! These people are excellent readers of character and hunt their prey with
skill and persistence till their nefarious work meets its reward and the club is cleansed of their presence. While
careful yourself to uphold by circumspection and good manners the honor of your club, do not be censorious of
other members.
Club servants should not be tipped. There is usually a “Holiday Box” on the mantelpiece of the dining-room,
or in some other conspicuous place, where members may place their contributions from time to time, the proceeds
being equally divided among the servants.

Image depicting the inside of a New York gentlemen’s club

About “The Timeless Gentleman”
The aim of the blog is to inspire a new generation
of men, that exhibits the behavior of a true
gentleman. Knowing how to cope in a society with
increasingly demanding requirements requires a
guiding hand. A large part of the content is about
how to handle these ssues and become a strong
and independent man, that at the same time takes
into account the society in which he lives.
www.thetimelessgentleman.com
The Carlton Club in London
December 2021 17