City Club of New York

Albert S. Bard (1866-1963) was an attorney and civic activist in New York City. A graduate of Amherst College and Harvard Law School, Bard came to New York City in 1893, where he engaged in the practice of corporation and general law until a few years before his death. From 1901-1935 (or 1938) he practiced with his partner, Leighton Calkins (1868-1955), under the firm name of Bard & Calkins at 25 Broad Street. Bard continued to practice law until 1960. Bard was an energetic participant in civic and urban affairs and a member of numerous civic and professional organizations, to which he contributed his legal expertise. As a preservationist, he opposed many of Robert Moses' plans for the development of New York City. He successfully organized opposition to the Brooklyn-Battery Bridge project and was instrumental in the preservation of Castle Clinton. Bard also retained life-long affiliations with his hometown of Norwich, Connecticut, and the schools he attended.

The City Club of New York was founded in 1892 by Edmond Kelly as a men's club to promote effective and honest government in New York City.

The City Club of New York was founded in 1892 by Edmond Kelly as a mens club to promote effective and honest government in New York City. Kelly (1851-1909) was a lawyer, political reformer and sociologist, born in France to American parents. Kelly returned to the United States with his parents in 1868. After completing his formal education with an LL.B, in 1877, Kelly embarked upon a career in the business world. What propelled Kelly to prominence was his advocacy against the political machine. Kelly was noted for overturning the Tammany machine that wrought corruption in New York City. This served as an incentive for the formation of the City Club of New York

The Constitution, Article I, (amended March 18, 1907) states: The purpose of the City Club of New York shall be to aid in securing permanent good government for the City of New York through the election and the appointment of honest and able municipal officers and the establishment of a clear and stable system of laws relating to the city. With this objective in their constitution, the City Club was established as a non-partisan and pro-active organization that would serve as a watchdog to promote effective and good government.

The City Club administration was made up of the President, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee (enforced the orders of the Board), and other committees devoted to specific issues such as subways, the environment, elections, club membership, and city government practices. Over time, the committees would evolve and change as different issues became a focal point. The Club took positions on cable franchises, pollution, rejection of New York City as the 51st state, campaign finance reform, support of term limits, and conducted Public Policy Forums. The City Club also joined other organizations such as the Citizens Union, Common Cause/NY, the New York Public Interest Group, and the Women's City Club of New York to petition the government. The City Club positions on issues were frequently published in The New York Times, the Daily News, and the New York Post as well as in its own publications. The City Club Bulletin was the first newsletter, published from September 1895 through 1940. A new newsletter, City Club Comments, was created in 1959. It was edited for years by I. D. Robbins (former president and board member) and his wife Caroline Robbins. Comments was succeeded in 1978 by The Gadfly. This new publication was founded by Stanley Turkel. The word gadfly described in an American dictionary as "a purposely annoying or provoking person.." This was the purpose of the newsletter, to heighten the awareness of the public about issues of importance to New York City. A feature of the Gadfly was "Impertinent Questions in Search of Pertinent Answers" which contained open questions to elected officials regarding important issues of the day.

Special events sponsored by the City Club include: the Friday Roundtable Luncheons, the Distinguished New Yorker Dinners, the Albert S. Bard Awards, and the Richard S. Childs Lectureship. The City Club Roundtable Luncheons meet once a week on Friday (except during the summer). At these Luncheons, the invited speaker, usually a member, made a presentation. The Distinguished New Yorker Dinners, established in 1969, are held annually as a fund-raiser to honor a New Yorker who made a memorable contribution to civic well-being. Jacob S. Potofsky, President of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America was the first person selected to be honored. Named in honor of Albert S. Bard (1867-1963) who fought for the improvement of civic life in New York City, the Bard Awards for Excellence in Architecture and Urban Design were first given in 1963. The Richard S. Childs Lectureship in Municipal Administration was established by the City Club Research Foundation during the celebration of Childs' 95th birthday in 1977. Childs was a reformer and civic leader who served as President of the City Club from 1930 to 1942.

The City Club dissolved in 2009 after a century of public service on behalf of New Yorkers.