FALL AT THE UNION LEAGUE

Isn't this a beautiful picture?  It is of The Union League in Philadelphia.  What is the Union League?  The Union League was founded in 1862 to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln.  It has given support to the American military in all conflicts since the Civil War.  Its motto is "Love of Country Leads."

The members of the Union League prize tradition and represent the Philadelphia region's elite in business, education, religion, arts and culture.  It used to be exclusively Republican and very much male.  No women were allowed to enter the doors.  But this is no longer true.  It has, however, maintained its identity as distinctly traditional and politically conservative.  The club has hosted U.S. presidents, heads of state, industrialists, entertainers and visiting dignitaries from around the world.

The club's building is a classic Second Empire-style structure with a brick and brownstone façade and dramatic twin circular staircases leading to the main entrance.  It was designed by John Fraser and completed in May 1865.  It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The walls and hallways in the building houses the club's collection of art and artifacts showing Philadelphia's impact on America.  There is a Heritage Center that stores and displays the extensive collection of Civil War-related documents and objects.  There is also a large library housing more than 26,000 volumes for the use of the members.

There are also three restaurants, each with a distinct cuisine.

But this isn't just a social institution.  The club has three charitable foundations:  The Abraham Lincoln Foundation which educates the public about U.S. history, the Youth Work Foundation which recognizes student role models in schools and the Scholarship Foundation which provides awards and scholarships to deserving students.

Many years ago I was privileged to actually enter this historic building.  I was working for a law office and one of the lawyers was a member there.  He was able to use part of the building for our Christmas party.  There were two rooms for the ladies upstairs where we could freshen our makeup, use the restroom, etc.  Being the history major that I am I was in ecstasy looking at all the historical artifacts and documents that were displayed.  I thought about all the many people who had been in those rooms.  I actually had met a minister who lived at the Union League.  Dr. G. Hall Todd was the great-nephew of Mary Todd Lincoln.

So besides the picture for today being a beautiful photo, it has great meaning.  Hope you enjoy this glimpse into one of the historic sites here in Philly.  Just one of the reasons I love living here.

Kathy