The Portland Club is organized to develop and promote activities for its membership, and demonstrate a socially responsible role by serving as a creative and enterprising forum for social, economic and political discourse in the context of good fellowship. To that end, The Portland Club seeks to maintain and restore an historic landmark structure commonly known as Hunneywell House located at 156 State Street in Portland to serve as a home for The Portland Club with a respect for tradition and a commitment to the present.

In 1886, Fred N. Dow and a group of influential male friends organized their informal gatherings into a club – The Portland Club.

The men’s club’s purpose was to “discuss current events,” and, though never part of the official by-laws, to promote the Republican party agenda. Because Republicans controlled Maine’s government, the club was widely recognized as the de facto seat of political power for decades.

The club purchased the Shepley-Hunnewell mansion at 156 State Street in 1920, and it has been the home of The Portland Club ever since. Shortly after it was bought, an addition was built to the back of the mansion for the purpose of incorporating an elegant ballroom on the first floor and an extraordinary pool and billiard room on the second floor.

Though the mansion remains very much as it was in the 19th century, the membership has undergone some important changes in the 20th century, including the admission of Democrats and women. Today, of course, anyone who is at least 21 years old is welcome to join The Portland Club.

The club’s 21st century mission still focuses on spirited discussions of current events, but also includes preservation of the mansion, providing a comfortable social setting, and hosting special events to benefit non-profit organizations.

Members have free access to the house and to the finest pool room and billiard hall in New England. The Club’s exclusive Pool Room contains the original one billiard and four pool tables – antiques which are kept in top playing-condition for members.

Officers

President

Trisha Cobb

Vice President

Ben Moses

secretary

Mary Bennett

Treasurer

Matt Early

Assistant Treasurer

Andre Tranchemontagne

Clerk

Mary Bennett

SERGEANT OF ARMS

chip Martin

President

Trisha Cobb

Vice President

Ben Moses

Secretary

Mary Bennett

Treasurer

Matt Early

Assistant Treasurer

Andre Tranchemontagne

Clerk

Mary Bennett

Sergeant of Arms

Chip Martin

Board of Directors

Mary Bennett
Libby Donovan
Dan Jacques
Philip Lekousi
Ben Moses
Doug Owen
Karl Silander

Trisha Cobb
Matt Early
Kenny Goodrich
Ron Kramer
Chip Martin
Madeline Rudman
Andre Tranchemontagne

Ready to join?