‘New York’s Club Row: The Private Social Clubs of 44th Street’ Webinar

While New York’s most glamorous avenue is arguably Fifth Avenue, its most prestigious street is easily 44th Street. That’s because on this short stretch of Midtown Manhattan between 6th and Vanderbilt Avenues, there’s a wealth of private social clubs tucked away inside some of the city’s most stunning buildings. But given New York City’s rapid growth since the 19th century, why did 44th Street in particular become the place for many organizations to build their ornate clubhouses? It’s time to explore the lasting legacy of 44th Street’s Club Row, one secretive community at a time.

Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the ritzy history of Club Row — located on 44th Street between 6th and Vanderbilt Avenues, this short stretch in Midtown Manhattan contains New York’s largest collection of private social clubs, most of which still reside in their original grand clubhouses until this very day.

Led by writer, historian, and New York City tour guide Lucie Levine, our virtual stroll along New York’s Club Row will include:

• An overview of 44th Street in Manhattan, and how (and why) Gilded-Age architects and designers turned a street full of stables into a block of elite clubs
• The architectural and social history of some of New York’s most famous and exclusive clubs, including the Harvard Club, Yacht Club, and Yale Club
• A look at neighborhood plans for a “city within a city” known as Terminal City, and which parts of the plan were (and weren’t) realized
• A bonus discussion of other private clubs located in the immediate vicinity, such as the Century Association —  a club for writers and artists whose members have included everyone from Mark Twain to Ralph Ellison — and the uncertain future of the Princeton Club as of 2021

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Lucie — any and all questions about the private social clubs of 44th Street are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

Testimonials

“Seeing interiors of the clubs. Members of my family have been members of Harvard, Yale and Yacht Clubs so personal relevance.” -Kent

“The presenter really shined during the question period, displaying her knowledge and enthusiasm.” -Douglas

“The knowledge of the presenter.” -Pamela

“Loved that historical context information was shared as well as info on the buildings themselves.” -Anna

“The tour guide was knowledgeable and had a good speaking voice. She was enthusiastic as well and it is good to see young people continuing the history.” -Mark

“Great explanation about the history of the clubs and reason for their location. I particularly enjoyed learning why the library and Grand central are located where they are.” -Rin

“My office is on that block, West 44th Street between 5th and 6th, in the Bar Building, between the Penn Club and New York Bar Association, so I’ve always wondered about the evolution of the block. The perfect event! And ties so well to the webinars you’ve done about the mansions on Fifth Avenue, etc. ” -Meir

“Lucie Levine is fantastic!” -Margo L.

“The information and photos.” -Doris

“Lusy does such a great job of history giving context to not just facts important as they both are, she speaks in an unfolding way so you can see how one thing leads to another and she’s a come steady at the same time energetics presenter.” -Sharon

“Touched on the history of the area and a few clubs.” -Pat

“Good interior photos. Some good history.” -Peter

“Speaker very knowledgeable.” -Jane

“Well organized, not too rushed. Graphics with arch. and time of construction left on screen fairly long.” -Charles

“Good images and descriptions.” -Linda

“Lucie at her usual best!” -Klaus-Peter

“Lots of history which I wasn’t expecting, but was glad to learn. Interesting ideas about why clubs started: presenter had clearly thought about what she had found out.” -Sheila A.

“VERY informative and loved the photos.” -Kasey

“As always this presenter was organized and well spoken. She has great photos…old and new. Love the historic tidbits…like our spy.” -Jacqueline

“Lucie is very knowledgeable and has great enthusiasm for her subject matter.” -Miriam E.

“Well researched background information.” -Paula

“I liked hearing the history of 44th street.” -Beth

“Learning about the history of some of the clubs I’ve had the pleasure of visiting as a guest of a member.” -Ernest

“History of the street, stables becoming upscale clubs and bachelor hotels.” -Brad

“Instructor was very knowledgeable and presented the info extremely well. Photos also terrific.” -Vicki

“Lucie Levine does it again! Wonderful detail, slides, background, historical perspective. So much I didn’t know and will appreciate when I go to 44th Street area again. She really makes you feel as if you are there, way back when.” -Jacquelyn

“Lots of new information and good photos.” -Mark

“Everything! The topic, the information provided and the photos. Lucy is wonderful!” -Karen

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Categories: Virtual, Landmarks