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6 Celebrating 140 Years • The Hartford Club The Hartford Club has had a long and storied history. CTMirror.com reported that a détente between the city and the university was developed during a meeting at e Hartford Club, calling the club "the venerable venue for deal-making a short walk from City Hall and the Times site." While it is the largest "City Club" in Hartford, it wasn't the first. As early as 1809, Hartford boasted an array of clubs dedicated to philanthropy, intellectual conversations, or social pursuits. ere was the Monday Evening Club, the Saturday Morning Club, the ursday Club and the Twilight Club. Later there was the Colonial Club and the University Club But on Aug. 12, 1873, a group of prominent Hartfordites led by William James Hamersley agreed to, "form an Association for the promotion of social intercourse, art and literature." ey agreed to locate the club on Prospect Street in "the Trumbull house." It's been located on Prospect Street ever since, though not always in the same spot. e constitution for the fledgling club was adopted Oct. 13, 1873, effective Nov. 1, 1873, right around the time of the great economic Panic of 1873. Translated, e Hartford Club has had a long and storied history. To celebrate the milestone 140th Anniversary, an Anniversary Gala was held in the ballroom with more than 200 members in attendance. While William Hamersley was the first leader of the club, he wasn't the longest serving. at honor went to Joseph R. Hawley, a Civil War veteran who commanded the 7th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, and publisher of the Hartford Evening Press and then the Hartford Courant. Referred to as "Mr. Hartford Club," Joseph Hawley was the second president and he served for 23 years, 1877 – 1900. Since then presidents have been limited to a H A Brief Timeline of The Hartford Club >>> 1904 New clubhouse opens and 400 members attend opening ceremonies. 1912 Board votes to build an addition to include a ballroom with a stage and 30-foot ceilings, bowling alleys, squash courts, locker room and showers. 1913 New ballroom completed and dedicated at a gala attended by 435 members served by 70 waiters. 1917 Club offers the ballroom for use as an accounting center for the manufacturing efforts to aid in World War I. 1900 1901 Club has 179 members and merges with nearby Colonial Club, adding an additional 240 members. Club authorizes purchase of land, architectural design and expenditures for a new clubhouse at 46 Prospect Street – cost estimate $200,000. Live piano adds to the ambiance of The Hartford Club at special functions. Below, former U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, right, with Diane Smith. Hartford Club members celebrate the holidays in special ways, including a pumpkin carving contest. istory 3