Discover the Legacy of The Toledo Club:
Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Long before sleek boardrooms and buzzing networking events, Toledo's business pioneers gathered in lively taverns, exchanging ideas over drinks and camaraderie. Among them was David Ross Locke, a newspaper mogul whose sharp wit and advocacy caught the attention of President Lincoln himself.

In 1879, Locke envisioned something bigger—a club where Toledo’s brightest minds could connect and shape the city’s future. Thus, The Draconian Club was born, officially incorporated in 1882. The name may have changed to The Toledo Club in 1889, but its mission remained: to bring together Toledo’s movers and shakers in a place as sophisticated as their ambitions.


A Legacy of Greatness

The Toledo Club was home to more than just businessmen; it became a hub for visionaries. Founding members included Edward Drummond Libbey, the force behind The Toledo Museum of Art and the glass industry giants Owens-Illinois and Libbey-Owens-Ford. John North Willys, the mastermind of Willys-Overland (Jeep’s predecessor), and Morrison R. Waite, a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, were also among its ranks.

This wasn’t just a clubhouse—it was where history was made. Deals that shaped industries were inked here. Political strategies were whispered over dinner. Even Prohibition couldn’t slow down the fun; a hidden panel in the club ensured members could still enjoy a good drink behind closed doors.

Presidents from William McKinley to Franklin Roosevelt walked through its grand doors. And in 1915, when the club had outgrown its original home, members took a bold leap, building a stunning five-story Georgian Revival masterpiece at Madison and 14th—where it still stands today.

Beyond Business: A Hub for Lifestyle and Connection

From the start, The Toledo Club wasn’t just about work—it was about a lifestyle. By 1924, an athletic wing was added, featuring a full basketball court, a bowling alley, and a swimming pool that hosted Olympians like Johnny Weissmuller and Eleanor Holm. The squash courts became legendary, producing national champions. The club swim team even took home the Ohio State AAU title in 1956.

As times changed, so did the club. Women gained access to the Main Dining Room in 1920, and renovations transformed gym spaces into elegant dining areas. The purchase of the former Trianon Ballroom expanded private parking, making the club even more accessible to its ever-growing membership.

A Club for Today—and Tomorrow

The Toledo Club isn't just about its past—it’s about creating a vibrant present and future. Today, it stands as a premier destination for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and social go-getters looking for the perfect blend of business, networking, and an upscale social scene. Whether it’s fine dining, fitness, or an unbeatable setting for making connections, The Toledo Club continues to be where Toledo’s best and brightest come together.

So, if you're looking for more than just a place to meet—if you want to be part of something truly iconic—The Toledo Club is waiting for you. Step inside and become part of history in the making.