I am on a book tour for Rage and the Republic in California this week that began with an event at the 131-year-old Jonathan Club. The building and collection of the club are a delight for anyone who, like me, relishes historical preservation. It is filled with incredible art, antiques, and period designs. I wanted to share some pictures from my visit.
I
was, of course, disappointed to learn that the Club was not named for me. Instead, it is a reference to “Brother Jonathan.” While unfamiliar to most Americans, Brother Jonathan was a popular reference in the 1800s. Some used the image to parody East Coasters while others used it for more general satire, even leading to a weekly newspaper called Brother Jonathan. His stripped pants and general outfit was later adopted in the better known image of Uncle Sam.
One popular account tied the image to Jonathan Trumbull (1710–1785), Governor of the State of Connecticut. There is even a story (probably apocryphal) of George Washington responding to an inquiry on how he intended to win the war by remarking, “We must consult Brother Jonathan.”
I spotted a couple of newspapers showing references to Brother Jonathan among the impressive array of art in the building.
The Club features one of the most impressive athletic clubs I have seen, from gorgeous sitting areas to a vintage period pool.
The building itself is gorgeous and the club has maintained the rules of an old style club, including dress codes and even little phone booths for any cellphone calls. (I was not aware of the latter rule and was politely pointed to what looked like a line of confessionals for receiving cell phone calls).
The rules preserve a quiet elegance to the place, including a lovely library (where one club member was such a regular presence in the space that he ultimately passed reading a book in one of its plush leather chairs).
It was a great pleasure to spend time at the club and to speak with its staff, which maintain this historic site with loving attention. The Jonathan Club is an American jewel with a sense of unassuming elegance of a grand period in our country’s history.
Great pics. Thank you.
The building was designed by Schultze & Weaver, the same firm that designed the iconic Waldorf Astoria in NYC.
Incredible place. If there is anything that gets me interested it’s a beautiful library and this one is amazing. The woodwork is astonishing and will make any carpenter or hoping-to-be carpenter weep with joy to see such work. The entirety of the building is just awe inspiring. I am truly envious. For any of us that have done carpentry, this is it as high art.
Wow.
Jonathan, thank you. The Johnathan Club and its story is inspiring. It keeps company with the many places you have shared with us in your travels. Those places and their histories, kept alive by the telling, open the dimension of this country that outlasts our fragile generational lifespans. They point a way forward that prefers reason over rage in our discourse. That makes for a story of We The People that lasts.
So nice to know such clubs still exist!
A feast for the eyes! Such luxurious architecture and appointments are so rare anymore, we’ve lost an appreciation for it. It’s nice to see such a beautiful facility well preserved and well attended. Thanks for posting the photos!
Very nice Jonathan.
..Indeed! wow.. great pics of American nostalgia from one of its finest eras.. so many old Black & White Classic movies here.. last but not least.. ‘an American jewel’ hosting an American treasure… Thank you for sharing…