Since 1907

University clubs were founded in many cities throughout the United States from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.  

Between 1895 and 1900, many University Clubs were founded throughout the country.  On a spring afternoon in 1907, Nash Buckingham, a well known writer and athlete, and J. Bayard Snowden were having lunch and concluded that Memphis should have a University Club as well. After getting a charter, the two began putting their club together. With 10 charter members, the Club got off to a festive start. The Club's early mission was to offer an environment for intellectual pursuits and social activities.  It is not clear where The University Club met at the beginning and it languished during the years of WW1.

In 1919 a new charter calling for 200 members was applied for and granted.  A group of 125 people representing 40 colleges and universities reorganized the club and established its domain in the Napoleon Hill Mansion at the corner of Madison and Third.  At the new location, and with the purpose to promote and foster education, social relationships and general welfare for its members and citizens of Memphis, the Club flourished.

In 1924 The University Club purchased the Clarence Saunders' home on Central Avenue.  An athletic building, squash and handball counts and tennis courts were added over the next two year period. The Club also served as a boarding house for many of its collegiate members and when a fire consumed the building in 1934, boarders escaped from the upper floor windows in their night clothes. Although in the midst of the Great Depression, the members rebuilt and in 1935 opened the new Clubhouse, which is the foundation for the way the Club looks today.

Many physical and cultural improvements have been made to the Club over the years. In the late 1940s, the membership decided to give the place a makeover. By the end of the 1950s, the Club added an outdoor swimming pool and revamped its look by rebuilding the front of the club and renovating the Grill and Ballroom. A new athletic building was constructed in the 1960s.  The Club has seen numerous improvements and additions during its many years.  In the early 1990's the Club officially amended its Bylaws to ensure the Club was non-discriminatory.  The Athletic Building received a $3.2 million dollar renovation that was completed in 2014.

Throughout three and a half generations, the Club has progressively become all-inclusive and provides its diverse membership with a warm, welcoming, friendly setting for parties, sporting activities and relaxation. As one of our esteemed Members, Dr. Winston Braun wrote in 1977, “The University Club is our second home, our second office, and our first place for fun and games.” The University Club is truly our Members' “home away from home.”