History
1890 to 1892
1890
The Lougheed Block and Mariaggi's Restaurant, where the Club first rented rooms.
1891
Rooms are leased above Mariaggi's Restaurant on Stephen Avenue and on May 5th, the 'Pack of Western Wolves' formally establishes The Ranchmen's Club. The population of Calgary was 3876.1892
The Club purchased 3 lots on McIntyre Avenue (7th Ave. S.W.) for $2,250. The new clubhouse was completed in July. The total cost for the building, furniture and a billiard table was around $8,000.
1894
Calgary is incorporated as a city1904 to 1912
1904
COM proposed providing meals to members. Construction began to include a bar, bedroom, dining room, and kitchen at the club.1908
Membership reached 135.1912
E.B. Johnson was hired as the first Club Manager. Sir James Lougheed arranged for The Club to buy our current property for $78,000. The original clubhouse and property were sold for $300,000. Member A.E. Cross co-founded the Calgary Stampede.
13th Avenue looking west: the Peter McCArthy/Van Wart house is on the right and across the street is the Lougheed House. Sir James Lougheed arranged for The Club to buy our current property for $78,000. The Van Wart property was demolished to build the clubhouse we have today.
1914 to 1917
1914
The new clubhouse, designed by architect R.E. McDonnell, opened. On the east facade is the classic image of a cowboy riding a bucking bronco that would become the club crest. On August 5th Canada declared war on Germany.
On the east facade is the classic image of a cowboy riding a bucking bronco that would become the club crest, said to have been designed by A.E. Cross.
1915
First Henry Smith golf tournament.1917
The entire Chinese kitchen staff quit. After lengthy debate, the COM decided to employ women in the kitchen.1919 to 1925
1919
Mortgage was paid in full. In September, The Club held a white tie dinner in honour of Edward, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
Following dinner member, Bob Newboldt, removed his white tuxedo shirt for signing by members and guests including the Prince.
1925
The Lady Associate membership was created, giving women limited privileges, and confining them to the new Sports Annex, ladies lounge and ladies dining room. The Ranchmen's Club members in 1925
1933 to 1941
1933
The First New Year's Day Levee was held. It was the only function where ladies could enter through the front door.1937
Internationally recognized artist, Edward Hagell, was commissioned to sketch the founders' names and brands. He was paid $20.
1941
The Club's 50th Anniversary. The Rogues' Gallery was created.1949 to 1967
1949
The Picture Club was formed, launching The Club's art collection.1952
Guy Weadick was a guest of The Club during the Calgary Stampede.1953
The Ranchmen's Club: A Slight Historical Sketch, 1891-1952, by member George Ballantine Coutts, is the first published history of The Club.1954
The Club's first television was purchased to be used on a trial basis.1966
A colour TV was purchased and the first Grey Cup Buffet Luncheon was held.1967
Motion passed by the COM, that it is the unanimous approval of the committee that from this date there will be no barriers in the club regarding race, creed or color of a member's guest.1975 to 1982
1975
A Short History of the Ranchmen's Club: A Light-Hearted Account, by John James Saucier, was published to celebrate Calgary's 100th Anniversary.1981-1982
During a routine inspection the clubhouse was declared unsafe. The cooks claimed to have patched cracks in the kitchen with dough to keep out the cold. Membership decided to demolish and rebuild the interior of the 1914 clubhouse but to keep the exterior walls in tact. All Ordinary Members were charged a special assessment of $2,500. The Estates condominiums were built.
The building of The Estate
1983 to 1989
1983
A President's Reception and grand re-opening celebrated the clubhouse reconstruction.1984
Third floor rooms were named for people associated with the history of The Club; the Lougheed Room was the first.1987
Box Car Days commemorated the life and times of the early years of The Ranchmen's Club.1988
Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, Hollywood producers and I.O.C. members enjoyed The Club during Calgary's Winter Olympics.
1989
The Club purchased its first fax machine.1990 to 2000
1990
In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Club a Black Tie Dinner was held and Don Begg was commissed to create a commemorative sculpture. Begg used the horse in Edward Hagell's 1937 drawing as a model for the bronze. The centennial family picnic was held at the Highwood Ranch.1991
The Centennial Ball was held. The Palliser Hotel closed its bakery, ending The Club tradition of picking up fresh baked bread, to accompany The Club's famous cheese.1993
Members voted 147 to 24 to allow women to join The Club as full voting members. Bev Foy became the first female member.1996
Introduction of casual Fridays in the Wolves Den.1999
Election of the first female member of the COM.2000
COM passed a motion to give women access to the entire clubhouse. The 'Gentlemen Only' sign was removed from the billiard room door.2004 to 2015
2004
The new wine cellar and dining room opened.2007
Smoking was banned throughout the clubhouse.2014
The 100th Anniversary of the clubhouse was celebrated and the new historic gardens and exterior lighting were unveiled.
2015
100th Anniversary of the Henry Smith Golf Tournament and the first Dixon-Lang Ladies Gold Proper Tournament. 100th Anniversary of the Henry Smith Golf Tournament.
2016 to 2019
2016
125th Anniversary Black Tie Dinner and Gala was held. The Terrace officially opened. The COM hired The Ranchmen's Club's first female General Manager, Kimberley Iwamoto, CCM, CCE. 125th Anniversary celebrations continued at the Stampede's OH Ranch.
125th Anniversary with President Don Herman.
The Terrace officially opened.
In 1990 Don Begg was commissioned to create a commemorative sculpture, Free Reins, for the 100th Anniversary (right). In 2016 Don Begg was again commissioned and he created Free Spirit (left), in celebration of the Club's 125th Anniversary.
125th Gala with Her Honour, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, and President Don Herman.
125th Member photo
