A prominent social club closed its doors last year after more than 100 years as a Watertown institution. Everything in the building from the bar stools to the kitchenware was sold at auction in December. The Black River Valley Club was a second home to its members, and the last remnant of Watertown's gilded history. WRVO's Julia Botero recorded memories of the club’s heyday and took a tour of the building on auction day.
In this audio postcard, you'll hear from auctioneer David Johnson and former club members James Hearsey, George Couch, Deb McAtee.
Remembering Watertown's Black River Valley Club
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The Black River Valley Club was a social center for Watertown's elite for more than a century.
Rande Richardson / NNY Foundation
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The club's library reading room was a favorite stop for members during the day.
Nostalgic Watertown Facebook Page
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The Club was exclusively male until a drop in membership forced the board of directors to bring women into the club in the late 1970s.
Nostalgic Watertown Facebook Page
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Private dining rooms on the third floor were availble for a private family or business dinner. Upstairs bedrooms were available to members hosting guests in town.
Nostalgic Watertown Facebook Page
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The grandfather clock is a favorite fixture in the club. The clock will remain in the building when the Northern New York Foundation moves in later this year.
Nostalgic Watertown Facebook Page
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The club's charter never excluded women, but despite their inclusion into the private club, membership continued to dwindle until its closing in 2015.
Nostalgic Watertown Facebook Page
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The Black River Valley Club formed in 1867, but moved to this building in Watertown's Public Square in 1905.
Rande Richardson / NNY Foundation
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George Couch, long-time member of the club, stands next to pictures of his grandfathers, who were both members of the Black River Valley Club.
Julia Botero / WRVO News