Cast your mind back to 1947. Ben Chifley is prime minister of a country still reeling from the second world war; in Europe, a young Princess Elizabeth announces her engagement to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, and Christian Dior launches the New Look in Paris. In Sydney, the chances of finding a decent place to have dinner are slim.
So it was that a small group of Sydney’s cosmopolitan elite banded together to form The American Club.
They bought a lease on a building at 131 Macquarie Street, and set about creating a place where people of good taste from around the world could meet for business and pleasure, in a relaxed but exclusive environment, and enjoy good food and drink.
Our first home was the old British Navy Club, a three-storey colonial terrace house on Macquarie Street.
By the early 60's, The American Club owned three terrace houses, which were exchanged for the upper three levels of a new 16 storey development. It was at this time that The American Club secured what is arguably one of the finest views of any Club in Australia.
At the official opening on July 23, 1947, the American Ambassador, Mr Robert Butler, told members:
“In my estimation this organisation will prove to be one of the outstanding contributions to closer relations between Australia and America… The high standard of character and the friendly feeling towards the people of Australia which prevails among the members will do much to promote a clearer understanding between the citizens of the Commonwealth and the citizens of the United States.”
Ten years later, Club President Russ Hauslaid reviewed the Ambassador’s remarks while addressing members at the Club’s 10th anniversary celebrations:
“If we, as a Club, have measured up to the challenge contained in Ambassador Butler’s words, I believe it is due almost entirely to the splendid esprit de corps which has existed throughout these 10 years between Australian and American members, This, in my humble opinion, is one of the best examples of international co-operation. Under this hospitable roof, Australians, Canadians, Englishmen, Americans and other nationalities foregather in a spirit of goodwill and fellowship to work and to play without fanfare, publicity or flag waving.”
The club has continued to act as an informal sphere of influence between the two nations. Since its earliest days it has partnered with the American Consulate, the American Society, the Australian-American Association and the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, to host important speakers, distinguished visitors, and to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea during the annual Australian-American week.
In post war Sydney liquor licences were severely restricted, there were few restaurants, and it was illegal to serve liquor from bars after 6pm. The Club was granted a licence when restrictions were eased, but supplies were also limited.
Writing about the early years, on the occasion of the Club’s 30th Anniversary, Syd Albright, the Club’s first President, reminisced:
“Our cellars lacked mainly scotch and beer. To acquire those, you had to buy a packaged assortment of liqueurs and wines, some of which would move slowly, if at all.
“When the cellars became lined with so many anomalies, the Committee became concerned. A meeting was called for 11 o’clock on a Saturday morning at the yet unopened clubhouse, with the task before us to invent potable uses for the surplus items. Testing the concoctions was part of the assignment. Cocktails, spritzers, long drinks and punches were suggested, while some of us mixed and the others tasted. At first with some deliberation, later with growing confidence, much later with the glow of success, the Committee adjourned that day at 7.30 pm to the tune of “Sweet Adeline.”
A Bulletin of 1949 described a prospective member as someone whom “I would be glad to welcome regularly into my own home.” The policy of the Club was and remains to attract membership from a broad range of commerce and the professions.
Following our recent total refurbishment, The American Club has modern yet elegant facilities, a place that draws from its history and offers new opportunities. For our Members, it is a place where our distinguished past provides a sound foundation for an exciting future.
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|  | The Original American Club Building
129 Macquarie Street
|  | December 1962 ~ Signing of contract with Citra
|  | The long table
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