History of the ClubMore than hundred yearsNEW AMSTERDAM
The Dutch presence started in 1625 with the city of New Amsterdam on the western tip Manhattan. In 1674, after almost 50 years of ongoing conflicts, the territory was taken over by the British and the city was renamed New York. However, the Dutch inheritance remained and was cultivated from that moment onwards.
THE FOUNDATION
The Netherland Club of New York was founded as "De Hollandsche Club" in 1903. There was a substantial Dutch immigrant population in the greater New York area. Many Dutch social clubs existed in New Jersey, especially around Paterson, but there was no center for those living or working in New York City.
Under leadership of J. Rypperda Wiersma of South Orange New Jersey, a group of dedicated Hollanders purchased a brownstone at 47 East 25th Street to serve as the club house. Within a year the Club counted 170 members. New quarters were needed before long and the Club established itself at 3 Gramercy Park West in 1912.
Members of the Club established the Netherlands Benevolent Society in 1908 to help support those Dutch men and women in need for assistance. The Society is today part of the Netherland America Foundation (NAF).
THE EARLY YEARS
Many years of relative well-being followed. A long tradition of social activities was established, including formal annual dinners and celebrations of the Queen’s (Wilhelmina) birthday. A reduction in immigration after the First World War and the financial depression caused membership decline gradually. Despite heroic leadership of Club President J. A. (Del) de Lanoy and continued strong financial support from the Holland America Line, the Dutch Steamship Company, the Batavian Petroleum Company and others, it became clear in 1939 that the Club could no longer sustain itself in its present location.
The newly established Holland House at 10 Rockefeller Plaza offered a splendid opportunity for the Club’s revival. Holland House was home to the Dutch Consulate General and several other Dutch agencies and corporations. Its special feature, a Luncheon Club for midtown businessmen, would offer the necessary financial support.
The outbreak of the Second World War and the subsequent occupation of The Netherlands changed nature of the Dutch population in New York. With the arrival of numerous exiles a strong sense of national identity returned and the Club in its prominent location was a powerful agent in this process. Princess Juliana visited the Club in December of 1940 in a moving ceremony, followed by Queen Wilhelmina in July of 1942, when 4,500 people attended a special reception in the Hotel Astor.
RISE AND DECLINE
Membership more than doubled during this period and in 1945 the Club counted 555 members. Despite occasional but perennial complaints about the quality of food, the Luncheon Club flourished throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. The establishment of the annual Half Moon trophy to recognize a person of Dutch ancestry who had distinguished himself in the US took place. Pressure from Luncheon Club members, notably the publishing community, led to the long overdue decision to open membership to women in 1974.
In 1978, the Club celebrated its 75th anniversary with a splendid ball at the Waldorf Astoria, graced with the presence of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus. Membership reached an all-time high of just under a thousand people in 1980. During all these years Dutch corporate support was generous and essential for the club’s success. The numerous corporations not only supplied an ever renewing flow of new members, the extensive renovation of the Club House in 1985, was almost exclusively provided for by corporate contributions.
Many of the Club’s events such as the Queen’s Birthday, the New Year’s reception by the Dutch Consul General, ‘Sinterklaas’ (since 1952), Haring & Heineken, Harmonica (since 1986), Leiden’s Ontzet, Skating at Rockefeller center, concerts, art exhibits, lectures and the Tuesday happy hours, became important for the members and their guests.
The general decline in the New York business climate and changing eating and drinking habits in the 1980’s took their toll on may of the social and Luncheon Clubs. The Netherland Club was no exception. Membership declined gradually and despite numerous efforts by the Board, the Rockefeller Center location had to be relinquished in 1992.
In a fortunate move, the Club found its new premises right around the corner at 3 West 51st Street, sharing a club house with several other organizations. Once again, members have access to a full range of meeting, luncheon and dining facilities, including reasonably priced overnight facilities.
Membership has been on the rebound since, thanks to the growing presence of new generation Dutch businessmen and women.
INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
In 2003 the Netherland Club celebrated its 100 year Anniversary, with a Centennial Celebration Gala at the Regent Wall Street Hotel. Guest of Honor included His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander and Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima. Over 800 members and guests attended this unique Dinner. With the Dutch corporate support the Club has found a new equilibrium and is looking forward to a healthy and active future.
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