Lambs (New York, N.Y.)

Established in New York City in 1874, the Lambs Club is the oldest professional theater club in the United States.

Established in New York City in 1874, the Lambs Club is the oldest professional theater club in the United States.

It was modeled after a similar club in London, England (which had been named in honor of Charles and Mary Lamb, who had hosted an artistic salon). In 1877, the club was incorporated. Originally a men's only social club for professionals in the performing arts, it began admitting women as members in the mid-20th century. Famous past members include Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, John Philip Sousa, and Fred Waring. Membership is by invitation only from a member-in-good-standing. The Lambs, Inc. is governed by a Council consisting of officers, which include: President (Shepherd), Vice-president (Boy), Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian, as well as a Board of Directors. Annual membership meetings are held in January. The club has had three different homes. The first was in a room at Delmonico's on West 14th Street. The second space was on 44th Street in the heart of the theater district. In 1974, that building was sold and the club moved to its current location on 3 West 51st Street. The Lambs Club also is well known for its response to the needs of the entertainment community. A separate Lambs Relief Foundation was formed in 1943 as an organized charity. Supported by donations, it dispenses funds for the benefit of needy, sick, or destitute members of the entertainment profession. By an action of the 1961-1962 Council, the corporate name was changed to the Lambs Foundation.