National Athletic Club
National
Athletic Club
(Founded 1892)
1821 South Racine, Chicago, IL
Built in 1907, The National Athletic Club as it stood a mighty monument to these original members who through their untiring efforts, have made it the symbol of Progress, Good Fellowship, and Physical Fitness for many generations to come.
107 years ago.....in the spring of the year 1892, a mere handful of young men, boys, you might say, between the ages of 18 and 25 were seized with the idea of creating an organization. A combination social and athletic club where they might meet after a hard day's work to relax and enjoy the sports they so loved .... to develop themselves both mentally and physically and also to foster and further the ambitions of other young men, who with their natural talent and ability might some day become a stellar light in the Sports World-and thus the National Athletic Club came into being.
This tiny seed of an idea blossomed forth rapidly. No sooner had the plan been discussed, when on the 27th day of May, 1892, the National Athletic Club was formally incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois. The first meeting under the State Charter was called to order in a small room on June 2nd of that year at Fisk and 20th Street. Little did those young men at that time realize that some day the National Athletic Club would celebrate its l07th Anniversary. Good news travels fast. And so it wasn't long before many other young men began to make inquiry into this unique organization. Memberships increased so rapidly that larger quarters were necessary to conduct future meetings. A more spacious club room was secured at Racine Avenue, which was at that time known as Center Avenue.All during this time, it is well to remember the membership was limited to only those men who were single and between the ages of 18 and 25 as governed by the by-laws of the Club at that time. However, due to the tremendous popularity and the huge friendships and following, the club acquired and formed through their gay and frolicsome picnics and dances, many young married men eagerly sought memberships in the club. As a result and because these new members would swell the roster to the extent of a sizeable organization that could readily "go places," the bylaws were so amended to allow memberships to the young benedicts of the neighborhood.
The influx of these new members was so great and unexpected that once again the problem of housing so great a body began to rear its ugly head. Something had to be done once and for all-but quick. After some deliberation, the entire body reached a decision that a brand new club house would have to be built that would provide for ample and adequate quarters for a long time to come. In 1906, the Club purchased the Hanlon property at 1821 Center Avenue (Racine). The property at that time, consisted of an old 2-story frame house which would have to be torn down to make way for a modern, 2-story, brick constructed Club House. After carefully laid plans of one year, in 1907, only fifteen years after its being, the dream of a lifetime had been realized. Actual construction was taking place, a monument that would symbolize everything fine and good in the way of Progress, Good Fellowship and Physical Fitness for many generations to come, was being erected.
The Club House itself was a dream come true. For there were very few organizations of its kind in Chicago that could boast or match any part of it. The Club House was completely furnished throughout. The reception room and office was modern in every detail. Nothing was overlooked in furnishing the billiard room. The gymnasium and locker rooms were completely equipped. Yes, it was a young man's paradise. From then en, the new Club House teemed with activity. Men could be seen everywhere taking part in the rough and ready sports so necessary in building strong, sound healthy bodies and minds. Then things began to happen-the very idea that provided the impetus for the National Athletic Club started to bear fruit. For it wasn't long before some of the more talented young men began to develop to such an extent that they later carved a niche for themselves in the competitive world of sports. To mention only a few, they are:
JACK ROOT............World's Light Heavyweight Champion(by defeating the great Kid McCoy for the title in 1903.) Watch a video of Jack Root
FRANK STEINER.....Sparring Partner of Jack Root
JAMES PREUCIL.....State Champion Indian Club Swinger
ED HOLLY...............Baseball - Louis Cardinals
JAMES PERINA ......Lightweight Boxer
JOHN PARIZEK .......Known as Jack Perry, Lightweight
JOE SHULTZ............Known as Kid Shultz, Lightweight
EDDIE ROZHON.......Bantamweight
JOE DOLEZAL.........Known as Kid Taylor, Featherweight
BILLIE KELLER........Featherweight
CHAS. NADENIK......Known as Chas. Scully, Lightweight
JOE DVORAK..........Known as Frankie Welsh, Welterweight
Others, who achieved prominence as outstanding baseball players in semi-pro leagues and on local diamonds are: Joe Zaloudek, Frank Bican, Joe Koubenec, Joe Jirik, Ed Jirik and not to forget the champion City Indoor Ball battery of Frank Lahoda, pitcher, and Jim Kadlec, catcher-both better known as McCarthy and Cal.
Despite all the activity that was going on and the swift progress the Club had made in such a short space of time, there began a new urge within these ambitious young men to acquire a place in the country. A place where these same young men could enjoy the outdoor life that so rightfully belongs with the Spring and Summer seasons ... a place where a man could bring his family to enjoy the day amid plenty of sunshine and fresh air. So to satisfy this new urge, a small summer place was rented on the Fox River (Carey, IL). The spot called Egypt, was then the mecca for the National Athletic Club for the next 10 summers to come.
Along about 1916, that "01' devil" progress was again surging through the blood of these fearless leaders. Larger quarters were again in demand. The only spot that would provide enough room was found at Fox Lake (Ingleside, IL). For about 3 years, all activity centered around a group of rented cottages. The members ever seeking an ideal spot on which to erect their Summer Club House. The large lake, so beautiful and scenic, afforded many delightful spots. And yet, no final decision was reached until the right spot was found to the satisfaction of all. Finally in 1918, two lake shore lots, measuring 135 feet by 299 feet were purchased' by the Club. Temporary housing accommodations were immediately set up consisting of a small frame building. The building was somewhat reminiscent of that first Club Room meeting at Fish and 20th Street. But that didn't last long-no sir, not with these young and ambitious planners. The following year, 1919, the Fox Lake Summer Home really began to take shape in earnest as one of the beauty spots on the lake. A new, large 3-story Club House. the only one of its kind on the lake was in progress. A young hotel, so to speak, was in the making. Sleeping quarters for at least 100 persons was provided for in addition to a large and roomy dining room with adjoining screened porches. All in all, everything that a modern resort hotel might have: A modern sewage system of seven batteries was also provided for. The spacious grounds, studded with massive shade trees, made it an ideal spot in the country.
The building itself occupied an area of 3200 square feet, being 40 feet in width and 80 feet in depth. The dormitory on the entire third floor along with some rooms on the second and first floor are complete in every detail. Despite all this room, a second and large size building was constructed mainly to serve as a dining room and kitchen on the first floor with the second floor serving as a locker room. As a result of these added improvements, the original temporary building was moved and converted into an engine room and repair house. Even while all these improvements were made a good number of fishing boats were also built to take care of the boys specializing in the rod and reel department. For fishing was the most popular pastime of all. Members as well as their guests could be found at all times either enjoying a good swim along the warm and sandy beach, or fishing to their heart's content or .even just lolling around comfortably on the lawn chairs of the Club House. Yes in spite of the hard work and sweat so necessary in making the National Athletic Club an outstanding symbol of Good Fellowship, the members found some time to relax. But there was still plenty of work to be done. An Ice House was necessary, for no one local distributor of ice could even begin to supply the demand. They didn't dare let their day's catch spoil. What would their friends back home say were they to come back empty handed. No sir, that just wouldn't do. The only way to remedy that situation was to build an ideal Ice House. That year, an ice house was built to hold at least 110 tons of ice. The lake supplied all the ice during the winter months.
With the completion of the Ice House, everything seemed in ship shape. At last the boys could sit back and enjoy themselves. For many years, members and their families and their friends came out regularly to enjoy the wild and natural life of the country amidst beautiful and pleasant surroundings. Many of those members have also spent their vacations there. While the Club House is strictly open to men, their wives and children and friends are allowed the full privileges accorded to all members during the day. However, they cannot under any circumstances spend the night. This rule does not apply to the male guests. The rule of "No Women" in the dormitories has been in effect ever since the conception of the Summer Club. However, the women folk have managed to talk the boys into having one day a year set aside for' "Women Only." This day usually rolls around in mid August.
In recent years. steps have been taken to completely modernize the dining room and kitchen. First of all, it was necessary to make the kitchen larger because of the larger crowds that come out to enjoy a delicious and delectable meal. Secondly, a kitchen was also set up that could be used by those wishing to prepare their own meals ... with all the necessary equipment to set a table. The dining room was also enlarged so that at least 65 persons could be served in comfort. Nothing was left undone to make the National Athletic Club the favorite Summer spot of Chicago land.
The show-place and probably one of the most favored spots at the Summer Club is the beautiful and most inviting knotty pine and pecky cypress bar, completely equipped with the finest of liquors and wines and beer. Modern fluorescent lighting and sparkling back bar mirrors decorated with prize catch fish and game make the bar the finest of its kind for around. There will be something for all to enjoy. Don't forget, plan to spend at least three or four week-ends at our Summer Home. You and your friends are always welcome!