About Us

In 1886, Fred N. Dow and a group of influential friends organized their informal gatherings into a club - The Portland Club.

The men-club's purpose was to "discuss current events," and, though never part of the official by-laws, to promote the Republican party agenda. Because Republicans controlled Maine's government, the club was widely recognized as the de facto seat of political power for decades.

The club purchased the Shepley-Hunnewell mansion at 156 State Street in 1920, and it has been the home of The Portland Club ever since. Shortly after it was bought, an addition was built to the back of the mansion for the purpose of incorporating an elegant ballroom on the first floor and an extraordinary pool and billiard room on the second floor.

Though the mansion remains very much as it was in the 19th century, the membership has undergone some important changes in the 20th century, including the admission of democrats and women. Today, of course, anyone who is at least 21 years old is welcome to join The Portland Club.

The club's 21st century mission still focuses on spirited discussions of current events, but also includes preservation of the mansion, providing a comfortable social setting, and hosting special events to benefit non-profit organizations.

The Portland Club meets for cocktails, dinner, and discussion on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from September through May. Meals are prepared and are just $20.00 for members and guests, served by the acclaimed Black Tie Catering, the club's tenant. Dinner is followed by a presentation, the topic of which varies widely.

Members have free access to the house and to the finest pool room and billiard hall in New England. The Club's exclusive Pool Room contains the original six pool and six billiard tables - antiques which are kept in top playing-condition for members.

View Committee List

Executive Committee: According to the by-laws, the President, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary are automatically part of the executive committee:

George Meyers, President
Jay Hibbard, Vice President
Susan McCuller, Vice President
Art Marcoux, Treasurer
Debbie Marcoux, Secretary

House Committee (Ellery Ewald)

Preserving the historical and economic value of the club facility
Manage and coordinate special projects as directed by the board of governors
Monitor the terms and conditions of the lease
Function as the liaison between the board of governors and the tenant

Food and Beverage Committee

Function as a liaison with facility caterer in support of the program and special events committees

Communications Committee

develop a written media plan toprovide effective media coverage of the speakers forum and social activities
enhance community recognition of the Portland Club
Provide public communication of the mission of the club
Internally, provide awareness of mission and current events to support membership activities.

Finance Committee

To develop a financial plan in support of the mission and operations of the club
Timely depositing and disbursing of funds
Maintenance of financial system capable of accurately recording financial transactions
Monthly reporting to the Board of Governors
Annual reporting to the club membership
Annual regulatory reporting to government agencies

Special Events Committee

To provide good fellowship in a self-supporting manner

Membership Committee

Establish a leadership development program
Increase retention of current members
Increase member participation at speakers forum and social events
Develop membership consistent with and in support of the mission
Establish programs for introducing and integrating new members

Program Committee

Satisfy the mission of the Portland club
Respond to local issues on a timely basis
Provide access to speakers with National Acclaim

Upcoming Events

President's Receptiom

September 8, 2010, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Kick off the New Program Year with the Annual President's Reception. President George Meyers begins another year with a recap of the past year and encouraging outlook for increased membership in the future.

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Dinner with Speaker

September 22, 2010, 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Dinner speaker will be Ed King, the publisher of the West End News, a city-wide bi-monthly journal of news and information.

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Sunday Brunch

October 3, 2010, 11:30am - 1:00pm

The Portland Club
Sunday Brunch

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Harvest Ball

October 8, 2010, 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Harvest Ball
at
The Portland Club

Friday, October 8

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