Quadrangle Club (Chicago, Ill.)

The Quadrangle Club was organized in 1893 for the association of members of the faculties of the University of Chicago and other persons interested in literature, science, or art. The first meeting was held in the Hotel Barry, later known as the Hotel Del Prado. The Club was incorporated in 1895 and proceeded to build a three-story clubhouse on the corner of 58th Street and University Avenue, which opened in 1896. Membership grew with the University and a new building, designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw, was constructed in 1922 at the corner of 57th and University. The Club continues to be a convenient meeting place for faculty and visitors to the University. The Club has sponsored banquets, dances, lectures, musical programs, and the annual "Revels," which began in 1904 as a Christmas pageant, evolving by the 19050s into a full-scale song-and-dance revue which poked fun at University life.

The Quadrangle Club was organized in the winter of 1893-1894 "for the association of members of the faculties of the University of Chicago and other persons interested in literature, science, or art." Harry Pratt Judson served as the first president, and meetings were held in the Hotel Barry, later known as Hotel Del Prado. The Club was incorporated in 1895 and proceeded to build a three-story clubhouse on the corner of 58th Street and Lexington (University) Avenue, which opened in June 1896. Fires destroyed much of the building in 1897 but it was completely remodeled in 1898 and a new wing added. Facilities included dining rooms, billiard room, library, card rooms, a ladies' room, and sleeping quarters for members.

Membership grew with the University, and a new building was constructed in 1922 at the corner of 57th and University. Designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw, its domestic English style was intended to complement the gray stone University buildings across the street. Club rooms were expanded to accommodate larger numbers, and the new location also afforded clay tennis courts, locker rooms, and showers. Although the Club was not officially a part of campus, the University recognized the important services it provided, and assisted by donating the land and paying the bills for lighting and heating. The old building, now known as Ingleside Hall (956-60 E. 58th St.), was moved to its present location to make way for the Oriental Institute.

The Quadrangle Club continues to be a convenient meeting place for faculty, visitors to the University, and other members of the community. It provides a social setting where much of the official and semi-official business of the University is conducted. Lunchtime conversations are legendary, particularly at the "round table." The Club has also sponsored banquets, dances, lectures, musical programs, and the annual "Revels," which began in 1904 as a Christmas pageant, evolving by the 1950s into a full-scale song-and-dance revue which poked fun at University life.