History Following the Civil War, Toledo's businessmen gathered in simple taverns to discuss trade and enjoy camaraderie. Among this pioneering group was David Ross Locke, Toledo Blade Publisher, famed nationally as Petroleum V. Nasby, whose letters on slavery and temperance were widely read and especially noted by President Lincoln. In 1879, Mr. Locke proposed the formation of a regular club for the group. The name "Draconian" was selected. Mr. Locke was elected the first President of the Club and on May 15, 1882, The Draconian Club was incorporated. Notables of this founding group include: Edward Drummond Libbey, founder of The Toledo Museum of Art, the Owens Bottle Company and the Libbey-Owens Sheet Glass Company (later known as Owens-Illinois and Libbey-Owens-Ford respectively); John North Willys, President and founder of the Willys-Overland Company; Michael Joseph Owens, who together with Libbey organized the Toledo Glass Company (later the Owens Bottle Company); and Morrison R. Waite, Seventh Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In 1889, the thriving membership, then limited to 250, changed the name to The Toledo Club. The Club began its stand as one of the most outstanding city clubs in the nation. During its long history it has played host to pivotal business deals, lavish dinners and irresistible intrigue, including a secret panel used to hide beverages during the Prohibition Era in the Roaring 20's. United States Presidents entertained at The Toledo Club include McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft, Harding, Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt. On June 15, 1915, a new $500,000 Clubhouse was formally opened on the southwest corner of Madison Avenue and 14th Street. The handsome five story edifice was immediately acclaimed as one of the most notable and beautiful works of architecture in the city. Designed by architect Lawrence Bellman in the style of late Georgian Revival, the walls are made of Harvard brick and the stonework is Indiana limestone. Originally exclusively for men, the Toledo Club's Main Dining Room opened to women in 1920. In 1924, the $172,000 athletic wing was added to provide a wide range of recreational facilities. Since then renovations have taken the Club into the 21st century as Toledo's premier social and business destination.