History at a Glance
Two years after the Civil War ends and Oregon's population blossoms to 90,922, the name "Arlington Club" is formally adopted by its 35 founders. The Club is officially established as a social club, where members "could fraternize for mutual enjoyment and relaxation" and "provide a meeting place for discussing their own and Portland's destiny." The reason for choosing "Arlington Club" as the name remains a mystery despite many avidly asserted competing theories. However, all agree that the old English nomenclature meaning the "finest" or the "highest" is appropriate to the Club's character.
The (approximately 100) founding members file articles of incorporation for "Arlington Club," hold an organizational meeting, adopt bylaws, elect officers, and begin the Club's official existence as a non-profit corporation in 1880. The members move into their first formal clubhouse, leasing space in the property known as the J.C. Ainsworth House located at Third and Pine.
Membership in the Club is limited to 400 regular members, with an entrance fee of $200; dues are $7.50 per month. In 1908, the current location for the clubhouse on Park and Salmon streets is purchased for $55,000. The clubhouse is designed by members Ion Lewis and William Whidden. The building is officially opened in 1910; The Oregonian reports the price tag at above $105,000 with the land (the actual cost is above $254,000). Ladies are again permitted to attend the formal dedication dinner that November.
The Club officially receives acknowledgment of "not-for-profit" status with the Internal Revenue Service in 1960.
Portland community leader Gail Achterman becomes the first female member of the Board of Directors in 2001.