I
Ian Dundrillon
Guest
A Homemade Club
In 1991 a small group of us decided to form our own sportsman's club. In addition to our shooting activities, we wanted to incorporate some of the elements of the traditional British gentlemen's club. Our inspiration came from Lord Devonshire (See post of 12.03.07).
Seeing the dismal state of things in general, we felt the need for such a club in in our own time and place. We wanted it to be more than just a social group. It would be a refuge from the crass vulgarity of the modern world; a reassuring fixed point; the echo of a more civilised way of living. Simply put: a place where men could go to be among their own kind, their peers. Thus, on July 2, 1991, The Confederate Club was formed, a rallying point for "Southern gentlemen sportsmen of good character".
The problems historically facing men's clubs were, at first, thought to be insurmountable, but by rare and fortunate circumstances, an existing proprietary club was found that could provide the necessary and desirable amenities for an "inner club", such as ours. This was very much like the "sodality within a tavern" of 1659, when the British clubs were just getting started.
Our members enjoyed complete access and use of 7 gun ranges, 6000 acres of hunting land and the lodge. The lodge had all the club atmosphere you could want: fireplace, game heads, card room, leather chairs, bar, cigar room, etc. This excellent facility was the focal point for our activities and fellowship, and there we developed and enjoyed the philosophy, spirit and comradery which served to bind us together as gentlemen and sportsmen.
Our motto: " Gentlemen and sportsmen in pursuit of excellence and tradition in a changing world."
Epilogue: In 1996, the property was sold to developers and the club slowly passed away, just like so many others. But it was great while it lasted.
Ian
In 1991 a small group of us decided to form our own sportsman's club. In addition to our shooting activities, we wanted to incorporate some of the elements of the traditional British gentlemen's club. Our inspiration came from Lord Devonshire (See post of 12.03.07).
Seeing the dismal state of things in general, we felt the need for such a club in in our own time and place. We wanted it to be more than just a social group. It would be a refuge from the crass vulgarity of the modern world; a reassuring fixed point; the echo of a more civilised way of living. Simply put: a place where men could go to be among their own kind, their peers. Thus, on July 2, 1991, The Confederate Club was formed, a rallying point for "Southern gentlemen sportsmen of good character".
The problems historically facing men's clubs were, at first, thought to be insurmountable, but by rare and fortunate circumstances, an existing proprietary club was found that could provide the necessary and desirable amenities for an "inner club", such as ours. This was very much like the "sodality within a tavern" of 1659, when the British clubs were just getting started.
Our members enjoyed complete access and use of 7 gun ranges, 6000 acres of hunting land and the lodge. The lodge had all the club atmosphere you could want: fireplace, game heads, card room, leather chairs, bar, cigar room, etc. This excellent facility was the focal point for our activities and fellowship, and there we developed and enjoyed the philosophy, spirit and comradery which served to bind us together as gentlemen and sportsmen.
Our motto: " Gentlemen and sportsmen in pursuit of excellence and tradition in a changing world."
Epilogue: In 1996, the property was sold to developers and the club slowly passed away, just like so many others. But it was great while it lasted.
Ian
