Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/592488
Opening day The Clubhouse officially opened its doors on Tuesday, December 16, 1930. It was a moment of triumph for all those involved in constructing the Club and recruiting membership. Within the first week of business, three formal celebratory dinners were held—one for "men members only," another for "members and wives," and the final for "members and their guests." With that, our illustrious history began. Jubilee Smoker The Club's first birthday was a huge accomplishment for the initial Board of Governors, which began navigating the Club through the Great Depression. As the early years went on, Jubilee became a highlight during hard times. The first few "birthday parties" were humble. After the Club's third birthday in 1933, WAC News published a piece on the celebration's cake—the party's centerpiece. It was 18 inches high and 36 inches across. Prizes at the time were practical and included radios, guns, electric razors, and car heaters. Later, during World War II, prizewinners were awarded $500 war bonds. Women were not originally allowed in the Club during Jubilee but were still eligible to win prizes. New Year's gala Since the Club's opening, the WAC has helped members celebrate the New Year. When the new millennium came around, the WAC took advantage of the occasion with the unveiling of the WAC Time Capsule and Fountain, which were sealed and will remain so until the Club's 100th birthday in December 2030. Members' reflections, observations and predictions were captured in the 7-foot-tall capsule. So were photos of the 1999 Board of Governors, Jubilee photos, copies of WAC Magazine, and more. Tom and Jerry parties "Almost as traditional as the holiday season itself is the Washington Athletic Club's Tom and Jerry Party." Those words were printed in the December 1955 issue of WAC News. Beginning in the late 1940s, the annual complimentary Tom & Jerry Party—whose namesake drink is similar to eggnog—was held in the Main Lounge. In 1979, women joined the party. That same year, Jubilee also became coed. Holiday Shoppers Teas Holiday shopping is stressful, especially if you put it off until the last minute! The WAC has provided a solution to that stress since the 1940s—Holiday Shoppers Teas. Originally a women-only event, today the afternoon affair featuring hot tea and tasty treats is open to all members. Women's Christmas dinner party The Associate Women of the WAC began holding their own Christmas dinner party in 1932. Often a week before Christmas, it was a formal event. Santa Claus was always a staple, and those in attendance brought donations to various charitable organizations. S ince the Washington Athletic Club opened in 1930, there have been countless celebrations, parties and festivities—Jubilee being the best known. Here's a look back at some of our festive history, starting on Day 1. Once upon a party At the WAC, there's always been time to relax and revel By Madelyn Reese W A C N E W S A R C H I V E S W A C N E W S A R C H I V E S 36 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015