Acorn's Founding

Founded in 1889, The Acorn Club owes its conception to a walking club: The Outing Club. On returning from a tramp one day in the spring of 1888, one of its members said that it would be a pleasant thing to have a room of our own to which we could go after our walks, where we could hold our meetings, keep some books and magazines and make a cup of tea. The suggestion was warmly acclaimed by all present, and from it The Acorn Club was evolved.

At its inception the club had ten charter members. The first meeting place was a house with a small narrow room on Pine Street. The first clubhouse was located at 1504 Walnut Street, and larger nearby locations were purchased as the Club grew, until settling at 1519 Locust in 1956. The present clubhouse, designed by Architect Sydney Martin, has been the Club's residence for over 50 years and provides a gracious and welcoming environment in Center City Philadelphia. The clubhouse is beautifully decorated with art acquired over the past 130 years.

The Club was formed as a perpetual body for the promotion of literary, musical and artistic tastes, and for social enjoyments and such other kindred purposes as the Club may from time to time determine. Founders of The Acorn Club felt confident that the club would continue to grow and develop with the times. The younger generations have fulfilled the founders’ vision for the club and continue to develop its culture and personality.