You see them in movies. Private clubs with strict membership rules only admit those with wealth, power, and prestige. Images of upper-crust men dressed in expensive clothes, smoking Cuban cigars, and drinking pricey brandy from snifters come to mind. Although movies are works of fiction, exclusive men’s clubs do exist and are often filled with members from show business, politics, and the corporate world. These clubs generally are based in major cities and no surprise, New York has several of them. One of the oldest and most prestigious is The Brook.
The Origin
The current director of The Brook is Larry Creel partner at Edgewood Management LLC and he is just the latest in a long line. Located on East 54th St. just off Park Avenue, The Brook was founded in 1903. The founders were prominent New Yorkers who were members of the Union Club and Knickerbocker Club. There is a story that The Brook was founded by two men who were booted from the Union Club for trying to poach an egg on the bald head of another member. The story is most likely apocryphal but is probably helpful in recruiting new members.
The club was named after a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennison. The current building was erected in 1925 and is so exclusive that photos of the interior are said to be non-existent. Membership is limited to men with an international presence. The Brook is one of the few private men-only clubs still in existence.
Prominent Members
Over the course of its history, The Brook has boasted some of the most famous and influential men of their times as members. This incredible roster includes a former U.S. president and Secretary of State.
- John F. Kennedy – The president during the Camelot Era who was tragically assassinated was once a member.
- Henry Kissinger – The Secretary of State under President Richard M. Nixon is one of the most famous members.
- Fred Astaire – The film and dancing legend was not only a member but wore a Brook Club hatband in the 1953 film, “The Bandwagon”.
- Michael R. Bloomberg – The former mayor of New York resigned from the club upon announcing his candidacy, but rejoined when his term of office ended in 2011.
- John Jacob Astor IV – One of the unfortunate souls who died on the Titanic, Astor was the wealthiest man in America at the time of his membership.
- Admiral James L. Holloway III – A naval aviator and admiral who was decorated for his actions in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
- William A. Chanler– A soldier who fought in the Spanish-American War, Chanler was also a congressman representing New York and was well-known as an explorer for his African expeditions.
Exclusive men’s clubs do exist. They only open membership to powerful and prominent men of their generation. One such club is The Brook. It is nearly 100 years and boasts a membership history of wealthy men from industry, government, and entertainment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.