Title
Recognizing and congratulating the members of Ye Olde Philadelphia Club of Philadelphia on the occasion of their 100th anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, Ye Olde Philadelphia club was founded in April 1926 by John M. Brown, the first black Superintendent of a Philadelphia branch of the United States Post Office. William Claxton was their first elected president; and
WHEREAS, The Club’s Charter members were Clarence Allmond, William Bascom, Harry Black, Clifton Blue, Archie Cambell, Charles Chew, Wendell Cornish, Lemuel Cowdery, Albert Curry, Aloyisius Cuyjet, Carrol Dorsey, Harry Duplessis, Albert E. Dutrieuille, Thomas Gorgas, Sr., Oscar Harris, Eugene Hinson, William Holden, Joseph Montier, David Roselle, Joseph Seth, Rodman Smith, Alonzo Webster, Ed Webster, Andrew Stevens and George Venning; and
WHEREAS, The Club’s first meeting was held at the catering establishment of Albert E. Dutrieuille at 19th and Chestnut Streets; the Constitution was drafted, which limited the membership to 30 members - all Philadelphia born; and
WHEREAS, The founders of Ye Olde Philadelphia Club needed an outlet to exchange views of the day and a formal structure to entertain their families and associates. The primary purpose of this club is social, its members belong to an array of other organizations focused on community service; and
WHEREAS, Ye Olde Philadelphia Club is currently comprised of 51 Active Members and 17 Life Members all of whom are notable African-American men of Philadelphia pedigree and distinction. The members of Ye Olde Philadelphia Club convene almost monthly, for good food and great fellowship at the historic Belmont Mansion in Fairmount Park; and
WHEREAS, Annually, Ye Olde Philadelphia Club graciously hosts a Black-tie cocktail reception and dinner dance with over 500 members and guests, along with other social events held throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, Ye Olde Philadelphia Club also hosts an annual members-only event which was originated by the late members Hugo Marcos and Lloyd Alma. Originally an informal affair with light refreshments, the event has taken on many forms over the years, including a Black-tie evening dinner dance, an elegant brunch, a luncheon and fashion show, and now, a Jazz Brunch, known as the Founder’s Party; and
WHEREAS, The Ye Olde Philadelphia Club annually recognizes an outstanding citizen who has made a major civic impact on the City of Philadelphia. Past recipients of this award have included the Honorable Leon Higgonbotham, the Rev. Leon Sullivan, Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre, the Rev. Jesse F. Anderson, Novella Williams, former Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, former Council member Marian Tasco and Mayor Cherelle Parker; and
WHEREAS, Ye Olde Philadelphia Club members are always distinguished by their regal medallions when they host Black-tie affairs; and
WHEREAS, On April 18, 2026, members and guests of Ye Olde Philadelphia Club will celebrate the club’s 100th Anniversary with a festive Gala Celebration of dining and dancing at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and congratulate the members of Ye Olde Philadelphia Club on the 100th Anniversary of their historic founding.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ye Olde Philadelphia Club as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End