​The Phoenix Club

History of the Phoenix Club​

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On the northeast side of Aurora, in an area known as Pigeon Hill, there lived a hard working, home loving people who were predominantly Irish and Luxemburger. Among these people were an adolescent gang of friends:lleader. Sam S. "Mont" Montgomery was recognized as their leader, others were John "Skid" O’Donnell, Nick Lehnert, Adam "Cooper" Lehnert, Walter "Buff" Boffenmeyer, John "Jengel" Poulous, Mathiew "Ikey" Loutwein, James "Jimmy" Graham, Joseph Weber, William "Billy" Kundert, Nick "The Bull" Braun, Charles "Chuck" Sanders and Robert "Bobby" Hill.

 

By this time the gang had grown into adulthood, they talked of organizing a real club and accordingly arrangements were made to rent the Baddry House on Reising Street as a club house. Other young men from the neighborhood were encouraged to become members and in the fall of 1893 the first organization meeting was held. The membership numbered twenty-two. Sam S. Montgomery was elected president and John "Casey" Braum was elected treasurer. Upon recommendation of President Montgomery the organization was called "The Phoenix Social Club." The club was named after the bird called the 'Phoenix' , which because of its long life it was accepted as a symbol of immortality. 

The purpose of this club was to promote good fellowship and flourish entertainment for its members. Minutes of the early meetings of the Phoenix Club were not recorded. The only records were those of the treasurer accounting for the receipts and disbursements. These records show expenditures for a punching bag, boxing gloves and items of a similar nature.

 

After moving to Poulous house on Rural Street and then Braun’s store on Pierce Street the club was inactive for a time.

The Phoenix Club had activities were promoted in the club rooms. Among the most popular sports was boxing. The club was used as a training camp for many top-notch fighters.

There were three active committees namely, the fine, dance and refreshment committees. At onetime there was a ruling in the Phoenix Club that its membership should not exceed sixty and that no married men be allowed. There was always a waiting list of prospective members to join the organization. Many of the members celebrated their weddings in the club rooms.

 

In the spring of 1905 when Pigeon Hill began expanding northward the Phoenix Club moved northward with it. A George White was erecting a new building on an alley, now known as Phoenix Court. Some of the members approached him to rent the new building for clubrooms. He agreed and the Phoenix Club moved to its new headquarters. The members decided to make this club a credit to the community. For over 100 years their efforts have directed to that end. Today we can proudly say the Phoenix Club enjoys a reputation second to none and is considered one of the outstanding social clubs in the city.