The Binghamton Club: A Hub for Professional Networking and Social Interaction The Binghamton Club, located in the heart of Binghamton, New York, is a private social club that has been serving the community since 1880. The club was established by a group of 58 businessmen who began meeting in rented rooms at the City National Bank.
Eventually, 46 members of this original group signed a charter to officially establish the Binghamton Club on November 20, 1880. For the first six years, the club was governed by a “Committee of Three” and continued to meet in rented rooms. In 1923, a committee appointed by the Board of Governors recommended that the Club purchase the “Old Abbott Property” located at 83 Front Street and that a new clubhouse be erected for member use. The proposal was accepted, and construction of the new structure was completed in 1924. Today, the Binghamton Club is a hub for professional networking and social interaction in the Binghamton area.
The Binghamton Club is well-known for its fine dining and attentive service. Members can enjoy lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 8 PM. The bar is open from 12 PM to close Tuesday through Friday and 4 PM to close on Saturdays. The Char Room is also open to members and guests for lunch and dinner, and casual attire is accepted.
One of the key benefits of membership in the Binghamton Club is the opportunity to join an influential group of business and professional people. Many members have attested to the beneficial business networking that their membership provides. However, just as important are the personal friendships formed through social interaction in the club’s recreational facilities and special member events.
The Binghamton Club also has reciprocal agreements with other fine private clubs throughout the United States and in many foreign cities, including London, England, and Beijing, China. This means that if business travel or pleasure vacations take members out of the area, they can often find a private club in their destination location that offers similar elegance and services. Moreover, if a member has a trip planned to an area that the Binghamton Club doesn’t yet have a reciprocal agreement with, the club may be able to make arrangements for them.
The Binghamton Club offers a range of recreational facilities, including bowling, billiards, and a reading room. The six regulation-sized bowling lanes are open for recreational bowling anytime they aren’t being used for league bowling. The lanes are not staffed during recreational bowling, but if members have special needs or experience any problems during recreational bowling, they can contact the Main Office for assistance. The lanes can be turned on by flicking the white switches found on the gray box to the “ON” position. Club balls are located along the wall, and club shoes are located in a locked cabinet. Members are encouraged to ask for assistance in getting shoes. The lanes are closed during the month of July for maintenance.
The Bowling Room
Men’s Bowling League bowls from September to March, with league sign-up sheets mailed in early August. Men bowl Wednesday and Thursday nights. The Mixed League Bowls from October to March, with league sign-up sheets mailed in September. Mixed League bowls are on Friday nights. For more information on Club Leagues, members can call the Main Office. The bowling alleys are also available for parties, and the “bumpers” have been a big success for children’s birthday parties. Members can contact the Banquet Office for more details.
The Billiard Room
The Billiard Room is located on the first floor through the glass double doors. This room contains two pool tables, pinball machines, televisions, along with casual seating and dining areas. Many members choose to dine in this room, as it offers a more casual atmosphere than the main dining room. The Billiard Room is open during regular club hours and is available for private parties.
The Reading Room
The Reading Room, located on the second floor, is a quiet space for members to relax and read. It offers comfortable seating, a fireplace, and a collection of books and magazines. The Reading Room is also available for private meetings or events.
In addition to these recreational facilities, the Binghamton Club also hosts a variety of member events throughout the year. These events range from formal dinners and dances to casual mixers and wine tastings. Members are encouraged to bring guests to these events, which provide an opportunity to introduce others to the club and its members.
Overall, the Binghamton Club offers a unique combination of fine dining, recreational facilities, and social events that make it a valuable resource for professionals in the Binghamton area. Its long history and reputation as a hub for networking and social interaction make it a highly sought-after membership for those looking to expand their professional and personal connections.