Red-Land Club
The Red-Land Club is a men's only social institution located in Court Square at 300 Park Street. The organization incorporated in 1905 under this name after being called the Albemarle Club. [1] The club is located in a brick townhouse that was built after the collapse of the Swan Tavern, a prominent 19th-century establishment that occupied the same site. The club was originally open to male attorneys only, but has since opened to men from other professions. The name Redlands comes from the red clay soil that is prevalent in the area.
About
The Red-Land Club is a private men’s social institution located at 300 Park Street in the historic Court Square district of Charlottesville, Virginia. The club was incorporated in 1905 under its current name after previously being called the Albemarle Club. The club has played a significant role in Charlottesville’s social and professional history, counting among its members James Hubert Lindsay, founder of the Daily Progress, as well as several governors, mayors, and U.S. senators. Current membership lists remain secret, known only to the club’s governing officers, preserving the club’s air of mystery. [2]
History
The Red-Lands Club of this city was organized in February, 1905. It moved from its quarters on Jefferson street to its current building on Park street opposite the Courthouse. The Red-Land Club is the cultural successor to the Swan Tavern, a prominent 19th-century establishment that occupied the same site. After the tavern’s collapse in 1832, a brick townhouse in the Federal Detached architectural style was constructed, and it has served as the club’s home ever since. Initially, membership was limited to male attorneys, but over time, the club opened to men from various professions, reflecting the evolving social landscape of the city. [3]
In 2006, attorney Deborah Wyatt attempted to gain membership in the club, drawing public attention to its male-only policy. [4]
Facilities and Traditions
The club features a traditional rathskeller, where members participate in gentlemanly activities such as casual cards, billiards, darts, and a drink, fostering a sense of camaraderie that has defined the club for over a century. Additionally, the clubhouse includes a private reading room, providing members with a tranquil space for meditation and reflection. While the club retains its male-only membership, it has adapted to modern trends by hosting occasional female-friendly events focusing on culinary and wine experiences for its members.
Architecture
The brick townhouse that houses the Red-Land Club is a prime example of Federal Detached architecture. The interior is decorated with period furnishings and historical artwork, offering a nod to the club's long-standing traditions while supporting a modern atmosphere for social and reflective activities. It is amongst the oldest extent 19th century buildings in Charlottesville.
Known Past Presidents
- Micajah Woods, founding president. When the Red Land Club, composed of many of the leading gentlemen of Charlottesville and Albemarle, was organized in February, 1905, Woods was unanimously chosen its first president, and at the annual meeting in February, 1906, he was reelected for another term.
- George Rust Bedinger Michie - second president. George R.B. Michie was a former editor, and for twenty-five years president of the People's National Bank.
- W. Allan Perkins - third president. Charlottesville's city attorney in 1933, he was also chairman of the Albemarle County School Board in 1937.
- Judge R. T. W. Duke
- Thomas J. Michie - Notable Jurist enforcing de-segregation of Virginian Schools
- Homan W Walsh - Inspiration for "The Kite that Bridged Two Nations Book"
- Elbridge George Haden - four term Mayor of Charlottesville.
- Fred W. Twyman - Founder of Monticello Hotel, Mayor of Charlottesville
- A. V. Conway - Charlottesville Businessman and elected Mayor
- Edward V. Walker - Charlottesville Attorney General
- Fred L. Watson - Charlottesville City Council
Map
Coordinates: 38°01′54″N 78°28′38″W / 38.031528°N 78.477088°W
References
- ↑ Web. Short Sketch fo the Red Land Club, Staff Reports, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, June 1, 1923, retrieved June 1, 2016 from University of Virginia Library. Print. June 1, 1923 page 3.
- ↑ Web. Short Sketch of the Red Land Club, Staff Reports, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, June 1, 1923, retrieved June 1, 2016 from University of Virginia Library. Print. June 1, 1923 page 3.
- ↑ Web. Red Land Club, formerly Swan Tavern, on the Northeast corner of Park and East Jefferson Streets, Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, retrieved June 29, 2015.
- ↑ Web. "I can't say I don't get some pleasure out of mixing it up", Meg McEvoy, C-VILLE Weekly, Portico Publications, December 5, 2006, retrieved June 29, 2015. Print. December 5, 2006 .