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.