History
1912-2012, 100 Years of History
In 1912, the Athletic Club of Columbus was founded by a group of business professionals interested in promoting both social and athletic endeavors. The Club’s first President was Henry J. Booth. In early 1913, the already prominent Ohio Club merged with the ACC and the first clubhouse was headquartered in The Columbus Saving & Trust Building (now known as The Atlas Building.) Plans were immediately launched for the new home of the ACC on Broad Street.
Our current six-story brick clubhouse, an example of Spanish Renaissance Revival with Italian influence, was designed by Richards, McCarty & Bulford with Frank L. Packard as Advisory Architect. The building was dedicated in 1915, to much fanfare and the facade has seen very little change since its opening.
The Club has been, and always will be, an integral part of the Columbus business and political communities. Throughout its history, the ACC has proved a haven for individuals, families, and business professionals.
Notable Members:
Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States
John W. Bricker, Ohio Governor and U.S. Senator; Vice-Presidential Nominee 1944
William Saxbe, U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General 1974-1975
James Rhodes, Four-Term Ohio Governor
Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s
U.S. District Judge George Smith
Herbert Brown, Fmr. Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Notable Visitors:
President Richard M. Nixon
President George H. W. Bush
U.S. Senator John McCain and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
Katie Couric, CBS Evening News
U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman
Harry Connick, Jr., Musician
Chelsea Clinton, Daughter of President Clinton
Randy Travis, Musician
Anthony Quinn, Actor
Currently the ACC is in the process of applying for a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Preservation Committee meets monthly to further efforts to retain the history of the Club while preparing for its centennial celebration in 2012.
For more information on our history or to become involved with preservation efforts, please contact Marte Dobosh, ACC Membership Director.
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