CNHS - The Union Club of British Columbia
N 48° 25.365 W 123° 22.047
10U E 472814 N 5363354
The Union Club of British Columbia is an excellent representative example of a gentlemen's club. Established in 1879, it has been in this location since 1913.
Waymark Code: WM175CM
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 12/16/2022
Views: 4
Parks Backgrounder:
Gentlemen's clubs originated in Britain in the 18th century and served as places where elite men could play games, drink, and enjoy a fine meal with their peers. These private clubs conferred prestige and status to their members, who socialized and networked in what were often luxurious surroundings. In Canada, one of the earliest examples was the Beaver Club of Montréal, founded by fur merchants and traders in 1785 and dissolved in 1827. In the 19th century, gentlemen's clubs sprang up in cities across the country, as local elites sought to recreate the clubs found in Britain.
After its formation in 1879, the Union Club of British Columbia quickly developed as a home-away-from-home for politicians, civil servants, military officers, professionals, and the press. Though members were barred from engaging in political and business discussions, the founding of the Union Club may be seen, to some extent, as a political act. The promise that a transcontinental railway would begin within two years and be completed within ten was an important condition for British Columbia joining Confederation in 1871. When it became clear that the Dominion government would not meet these deadlines, discontent with the political union grew. Some prominent individuals in Victoria were steadfast in their support of Confederation. The formation of the Union Club during this politically turbulent time and its very name reflects the founding members' stance, in favour of a continued union between Canada and British Columbia.
Club members met in rented rooms until 1885 when they moved to their first purpose-built clubhouse. After a wave of prosperity swept Victoria in the years prior to the First World War and many new members joined, desire grew to build a new and modern clubhouse. This elegant building, completed in 1913, has been home to the Union Club ever since. Its monumentality, symmetry, classical decoration, grand staircase and prominent site reflect the principles and characteristics of Beaux-Arts design, a style that dominated public and commercial architecture in the early 20th century. The club's interior design, layout and appointments continue to reflect the tastes and interests of its privileged membership.
Recognized as a Historic site by the Province of BC in 1995. The Union Club made an application to Parks Canada in 2010 with designation coming in 2016.
Classification: National Historic Site
Province or Territory: British Columbia
Location - City name/Town name: Victoria
Link to Parks Canada entry (must be on www.pc.gc.ca): [Web Link]
Link to HistoricPlaces.ca: [Web Link]
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