The History of The Lenox Club

The Lenox Club is the only private social club in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. It was founded in 1864 and later incorporated as a Reading Club for gentlemen in 1874. The original clubhouse, with a smaller cottage, was located in the center of the village, where the Lenox Community Center now stands, and served as a gentlemen's club in the country similar to those in cities at the time. The Club had a felicitous reputation among the so-called "Cottagers" who owned large estates in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Later in the century, to increase the popularity of the original club, a nine-hole private golf course on the western edge of Lenox, belonging to Dr. John C. Greanleaf, was leased for use by the members.

The Greenleaf house, which is the present clubhouse, was built probably some time in the 1860's and the Music Room, now the main dining room, was added in the 1880s. In 1914, upon Dr. Greenleaf's death, the house, its outbuildings, golf course, and its 90-acre property was purchased by the Club. When the gentlemen found themselves the owners of a rather large house that needed furnishing and decorating, it was decided to open the membership to ladies. Although the main motive was help outfitting the Club, the admittance of women was viewed as progressive for its time. The Ladies' Parlor and the Gentlemen's Library came into being at this time. In 1924, the nine hole golf course was expanded to eighteen holes, and the "Lenox Golf Club" was formed in association with the Aspinwal and Curtis Hotels, both of which used the course for their guests.

The arrangement lasted until 1932 when the Aspinwall Hotel burned down. This event, and the difficult financial situation caused by the Great Depression, led to abandonment of the golf course which eventually became a heavily wooded forest. For the next several decades, the Club was maintained as a summer residence and clubhouse, serving a traditional Thursday night buffet and Sunday brunch for members, primarily during the summer Tanglewood season.

Very active interest in the Club was revived and major improvements to the clubhouse and grounds were initiated in the 1980s. Two har-tru tennis courts and two croquet courts were added on the lower lawn in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The Clubhouse has nine guest rooms, seven with private ensuite baths, available to members and their guests. The Club, with its gracious Music Room, lovely veranda and picturesque lawns, is a popular venue for weddings and receptions sponsored by members. Cocktail parties, private dinners and similar functions are welcomed through member sponsorship.

The Club's most traditional and enduring activity is the Thursday evening buffet dinner which has been held without interruption since 1914. Dinner is served a la carte on Fridays and Saturdays year round. Lunches, special events and festive family -oriented events are held throughout the year, announced in the Club newsletter and on its Events calendar.