History of nac

in the spring of 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 100th 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 by-laws were so amended to allow memberships to the young benedicts of the neighborhood. 

Along about 1916, that "ol' devil" progress was again surging through the 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 in Ingleside, Illinois. 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 if 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 hart'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.

  With the thought of moving our club house of today to the lakeside in years to come, the members of today showed positive thinking on their part. With new people that have interest in meeting and getting together for the opportunity to unwind and relax with fellow friends, to go fishing, hunting, and get together to work in the brotherhood, they continue to build the friendship of a good club. 

Thus in years to come, it will show that the members of today were indeed trying and wanting to leave something for the future members to enjoy and remember us by. In respect of what past members left us. 

FIRST COUNTRY CLUB HOUSE

Believe it or not, as Ripley would say, but here is a picture of the first club house at Fox Lake. Built in 1918, this cottage was the pride and joy of the members. It had modern outdoor plumbing - complete with cold water at the pump. The dormitory, which consisted of the entire cottage, held eight cots when tightly jammed together. Some of the old-timers are still trying to figure out how these eight cots used to accommodate some 30 or 40 men over a weekend - of course if one got up in the middle of the night, it was 10 to 5 against him of ever getting his bed back. When one left there were always 5 or 6 ready to jump in.