In 1866, little Port Elizabeth was growing steadily and was prospering.

Settlers who arrived with little or no money became wealthy businessmen. The names of rich merchants and professional men of the mid-19th century made quite a list, considering the small population, and a number were destined to become founders and members of the PORT ELIZABETH CLUB (as it was then known). Along both sides of Main Street of the town stood shops, stores and spacious warehouses owned by, many of these men who eventually made their mark but are too many to mention.

These pioneers of commerce worked hard throughout the day. 

Upon returning home of an evening there was nothing for them to do and nowhere to go, as the town had practically nothing to offer in the form of amusement or pastimes.

The dimly lit streets were highly dangerous because of the increasing number of hard-drinking undesirable characters who had drifted into the Bay in search of work and easy money.

A drink or a game of billiards at night were obtainable only at one of the canteens to be found in abundance, but these were not places where respectable men could relax in comfort.

The nucleus of the Port Elizabeth Club was formed in the Algoa House Hotel in Pearson Street in 1866. The existing billiard-room was a very small building until it was leased by the newly formed Club.

The proprietor enlarged the building adding a glass dome and extra rooms for the requirements of the Club.

On 1st June 1866, with an increasing membership, the Club leased premises in Bird Street and became known as the PE ClubHouse and on 8th December in the same year, opened it's doors to approved guests. 

By 1874 the club was flourishing and on the 25th September that year the trustees purchased the grounds and buildings for the princely sum of £3,750.00.

The outbreak of war in Zululand in the late seventies brought steamships daily into Algoa Bay en route to Natal. 

This resulted in brisk trade to the local merchants and the overcrowding of the club with military and naval officers high government officials, visitors and travellers. 

The Committee realised that the premises were becoming too small to cope with the rapid expansion of the town itself, the increase in membership and the influx of constant visitors.

Between 1879 and 1881 properties at the back of the Club were purchased and utilised as an annex for resident members.

In 1886, the conception of a "junior'' club was formed. Many of the younger generation felt the need for a social club more suited to their years and where they could meet and relax without being conscious of the critical eyes of their more staid elders. In 1892 several influential citizens rallied to the cause and in January of that year the St George's club was founded.

The Club gained a great deal of favour amongst the younger set and also proved popular with the older generation who were young at heart.

The St George's club moved three times in it's 106 year history and from it's inception up until the 1990's, seemed to prosper and was well supported. In 1997 it was evident that the city was not large enough to support two Clubs and a merger took place between the Port Elizabeth Club and the St George's Club. The latter property was sold and members moved over to the Port Elizabeth Club building in Bird Street.

In 1904 the present building of the Bird Street club was erected on the ground occupied by stables, sheds and the coach house, directly behind the original Club house. 

It was completed in 1905. During building operation, the Club operated as usual. The electrification of the building was decided upon and completed in 1908, this being the final modernisation of the Club at the time.

Despite the fact that both clubs, over the years, to all outward appearances seemed always to be enjoying great prosperity, in reality they had both passed through many various stages of dark periods but always rallied in one way or another with the support of their Members.

At it's inception, the Port Elizabeth Club was the third oldest in the Country. By 1908 it had gained such an excellent reputation throughout the entire land for it's hospitality and amenities, that the Committee was approached to consider affiliation and reciprocity with other such institutions. The Cape Town City Club followed within a year by Bloemfontein, Bulawayo, Pretoria, Rand, Pietermaritzburg and later the Kimberley Club.

It is interesting to note that during it's long and glorious history the Bird Street Club House was always known as being the most suitable venue for the entertaining of visiting dignitaries to the City, the following of whom were accommodated in the Club at one time or another.

• Sir Cecil John Rhodes,
• Major-General Baden-Powell,
• Their Highnesses The Duke & Duchess of Connought & their daughter Princess Patricia
• Governor-General Viscount Gladstone,
• The Hon. J C Smuts,
• General the Rt. Hon Lord Metheun,
• Major-General Sir R Clare Hart,
• Governor-General The Earl of Athlone & Princess Alice with Princess Beatrice,
• His Royal Highness Edward Prince of Wales and the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire.
• Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with The Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, were entertained to a Royal dinner during their visit in 1947
• Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit in 1995 during her state visit to South Africa and enjoyed a high tea with the Members.

Anecdotes dating back to 1901 taken from our complaint's/suggestion book (the same book is still in use today):

• "Can something be done to prevent Club servants from dashing into one's bedroom without knocking on the door and waiting to be told whether they can come in or not? Personally, I strongly object to Natives bounding in when I am practically naked"!

• 'It is suggested that a little variety be shown in the vegetable dishes supplied. Cabbage and pumpkin are apt to pall when supplied with unfailing regularity".

• "The undersigned suggests that mosquito curtains be provided for the bedrooms. The insects being most plentiful on the premises".

• "The Boer Brandy is simply very bad, and I cannot understand why the Club persists in supplying it when better liquor may be had-".