Picture the Rainier Club. A majestic brick building stands before you. Its presence whispers tales of Seattle’s powerful past. This isn’t just a club it’s a living monument. A testament to the city’s rise from a frontier settlement to a global hub.
The Rainier Club opened its doors in 1904. Its founders were prominent businessmen. They envisioned a place for Seattle’s elite. A place to network and shape the city’s destiny. The building itself is a masterpiece. Its architecture reflects the ambition and sophistication of its members. The building was designed by Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter. It’s a beautiful example of Jacobethan Revival style.
But the Rainier Club’s story is more than just brick and mortar. It’s a story of evolution. Initially a men’s only club it later embraced diversity. In 1966 it welcomed its first Japanese American member. The first African American member joined in 1978. That same year the club welcomed its first female member Betty Binns Fletcher. A remarkable woman and prominent lawyer. She was the first female president of the Seattle-King County Bar Association.
The club played a vital role in shaping Seattle. Many crucial meetings took place within its walls. This included planning meetings for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Eddie Carlson the fair’s mastermind was a club member. In 1993 President Bill Clinton held APEC meetings at the Rainier Club. These meetings were significant. They marked the first high-level US meetings with China after Tiananmen Square.
The Rainier Club also boasts a remarkable collection. It includes over 35 photogravures by Edward S Curtis. Curtis was a club member from 1903 to 1920. He accompanied Theodore Roosevelt on a visit to Mount Rainier National Park. These images are a priceless glimpse into the past.
The Rainier Club’s history reflects Seattle’s own journey. From its exclusive beginnings to its embrace of diversity. The club remains a symbol of Seattle’s enduring spirit. A place where the city’s past present and future intersect. Its doors may be closed to the public but its story continues to resonate. A story of influence power and the remarkable evolution of a city.