More than just a Social Club
In Cheyenne, Wyoming in the late 1880's and early 1900's, the Cheyenne Club was the elite, all-male association to belong to. Organizations such as the Masons and the Benevolent Order of Elks also existed but in Cheyenne, during this period of time, both organizations took at least a second place to the prestige of being a member of the Cheyenne Club. There, the city's elite, high-ranking professionals, wealthy businessmen, as well as state and federal legislators and prominent cattlemen mingled and socialized. In spite of the fact that the Club's articles of incorporation clearly stated that the purpose of the organization was strictly social, this was far from the actual case. The Cheyenne Club was where business and government wheelings and dealings took place. Here, decisions that concerned both the rich and the poor were made, though not always legal.
Home Away From Home
The building that housed the Cheyenne Club was an impressive two-story brick building. It boasted of having central heating, an elevator, and an elaborate cupola. As well as being a place to socialize and make deals, the Club provided its esteem members a safe and elegant refuge from the drudgery of daily life, the part of its member's lives that included wives and children and all that went with them.
This refuge provided six private sleeping rooms, which were decorated with Oriental carpets and walnut beds, as well as marble-topped commodes. If getting a good night's sleep, or any other use of the sleeping room, was not desired there was a smoking room that was well supplied with the best Havana cheroots. There was also a library stocked with newspapers from New York and Boston. Also for reading pleasure, or to keep up with the livestock industry, which Cheyenne, Wyoming was a prime factor in, there was The Drovers Journal.
No Women Allowed
The Club's oak-paneled dining room was a prime attraction for nationally known persons such as Andrew Carnegie whenever he visited Cheyenne. The Club's chef had been trained in Europe and the wine vault was filled with the finest vintages.
It is understandable that some of ladies of Cheyenne's society desired access to the Club. There, fine olives and fresh oysters were served alongside Roquefort cheese and Swiss chocolates. Evidently some husbands, though not enough, took pity at one time on the neglected ladies as an initiative was developed to provide a special restaurant for the women but the idea was voted down and the Cheyenne Club remained a male domain.
Sources:
Fredriksson, Kristine. American Rodeo: From Buffalo Bill to Big Business. Texas A & M University Press, College Station, 1993.
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Kansas Charley. Viking Penguin, London, England, 2003.
