In 2023, the Missouri Athletic Club will celebrate the 120th anniversary of its grand opening. The Club’s founding coincided with a pivotal time in St. Louis history, and since then, the MAC has continued to play an influential role in the St. Louis community.

    On September 13, 1903, the MAC strategically opened its doors before St. Louis made history for hosting two major international events: the 1904 World’s Fair and the Olympics. Dignitaries from around the world attended these events and stayed at the MAC. Nearly 10,000 people, including many great names of that time, filed through the building and inspected its splendid fixtures and decor. Among the guests were Mayor Rolla Wells and President D. R. Francis of the World’s Fair. During the Olympic Games, MAC athletes competed in boxing, wrestling, water polo, swimming and track.

    Even prior to the Club’s opening, companies desired association with the MAC. Trorlicht, Duncker & Renard Carpet Company purchased an ad in the first Missouri Athletic Club Journal” published in August 1903. The carpet company boasted about their retail space’s location “on the corner directly across from the Missouri Athletic Club.” In the same publication, John Haig & Co. Ltd., based in Markinch, Scotland, touted their connection to the MAC with an ad reading, “Barley Cream Old Scotch Whisky specially selected and bottled for The Missouri Athletic Club.” Today, companies still yearn to have their name affiliated with the MAC.

    When people think back to the 1904 World’s Fair, they associate it with the famous movie, musical and catchy song by the same name, Meet Me in St. Louis. The theatrical performance is set in 1903 with the main characters looking forward to attending the World’s Fair. Drawing from that famous line and remembering the Club’s rich history and longstanding role in St. Louis, Meet Me at the MAC is the ongoing theme for the 120th anniversary of the Club.

    Throughout 2023, the MAC will honor the history of the Club’s opening date and the generations of extraordinary Members that made the Club what it is today. All Members are invited to Meet Me at the MAC all year long to celebrate the Club’s 120th anniversary at social, dining, athletic and fitness events. The gala on Feb. 11 will kick off the lineup of celebratory festivities. Stay updated on all anniversary celebrations through the MAC in a Minute e-newsletter, mac-stl.org and social media. In the Club’s 120 years of existence, exceptional Members joined to connect in the spirit of excellence, service and tradition of the Club. Visit mac-stl.org/History to learn more about the MAC’s history.

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