The British Schools and Universities Club of New York
ORIGIN.—On September 11, 1895, W. P. Ward, H.P. P. Rees, J. Flannery, W. A. M.
Goode and Verner de Guise held a meeting for the purpose of organizing in New York an Association to consist of men who had received their education in the Public Schools and Universities of Great Britain. An attempt was made to form a National Association with local clubs in all centres of the United States and Canada, but this was abandoned, and at a dinner held in the "Arena" in Thirty-first Street, New York City, on November 9, 1895, the present Club was born.
OBJECT.—The Club was intended to be the means of bringing together the "Old Boys" and "Varsity" men then resident in and about New York, in the hope that a permanent organization might be effected among those who share old and honoured traditions and recollections. In the words of the Constitution, "The Club is formed for social and intellectual intercourse and good fellowship among men of British education." This, of course, includes men of Canada and the other Dominions beyond the seas.
PROGRESS.—The building up of the Club has been a labour of love and pleasant work for those who have watched over its growth for so many years, and the efforts of its successive Officers and Directors have been loyally seconded by its members. The Club, however, has no intention of resting on its laurels, and there are many Britons living in our vicinity, proud and worthy of their British education, who should be brought into the fold to help increase the Club's prestige and influence.
CELEBRATIONS.—The British Schools and Universities Club is essentially a "get together" Club. It is one of the officially recognized British Societies, and its members have the opportunity of participating at times in functions of National rejoicing and sorrow. In the past the Club has taken part in such rejoicings as Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the coronation services of King Edward VII and King George V, and in the visits of the Fleet under Prince Louis of Battenberg and Admiral Sir Edward Seymour. The Club also participated in the memorial services for Queen Victoria, King Edward and Earl Kitchener, and the members thus obtained privileges to which the unattached Briton can only with difficulty aspire.
ENTERTAINMENTS.—May 24th, the anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, and November 9th, King Edward's birthday, are the two outstanding anniversaries observed by the Club. On those occasions, Anniversary Dinners are given, patriotic and instructive addresses are made by prominent and interesting speakers and loyal toasts are drunk. On November 9, 1916, the "Coming of Age" of the Club was fittingly celebrated, the first dinner having been held on the same date twenty-one years before. We were fortunate in having with us all our living ex-Presidents, excepting Sir Percy Sanderson, now resident in England.
During the winter and spring informal dinners at moderate prices, generally $2.00 a ticket, are held about every six weeks to help the "get together" policy of the Club. These dinners are most enjoyable and are valuable to the Club, for they not only minister to our instruction and enjoyment, but they also serve as seed-plots for the continued growth of the Club. Men of British birth and education here find opportunity to "rub elbows" with congenial compatriots, and at these informal gatherings they learn how much the British Schools and Universities Club has to offer to the number of desirable, unattached Britons residing in the great City of New York. It is sincerely to be desired that all such become members of the Club.
The dues are nominal, only $5.00 a year, and there is no initiation fee. Those elected now will secure membership until December 31, 1918.
NEW YORK CITY,
October, 1917.