Our History
Social clubs like the Arid Club have a long history.
“The Greeks and Romans had similar groups… but those of the modern sort originated in 17th century London.
In all of these early clubs firm bonds of friendship were formed over food, drink and conversation. Good humor, story-telling and speech-making characterized meetings. Boise’s Arid Club grew out of a felt need for such a retreat where members could socialize in private away from the clamor and relative crudeness of the city’s saloons and restaurants. Eastern sojourners in the little frontier town, who had the pleasures of eastern private clubs, made their first effort to form such a group in 1885 with a Sage Brush Club, predecessor of the Arid Club of 1890.”
-Arthur A. Hart
January 1885
“A Regal Banquet and a Regal Time”
(nod to the Idaho Statesman’s first official article on the Club’s opening)
Territory Governor William Malcolm Bunn joined community leaders in founding the Sage Brush Club, one of Boise’s earliest private social clubs. Though short-lived, it demonstrated the value of a place where civic and business leaders could gather, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships, helping lay the foundation for the Arid Club five years later.
November 1890
A Social Club Reimagined
As Idaho prepared for statehood in 1890, Boise experienced rapid growth as business leaders, politicians, and entrepreneurs arrived from across the territory. Local civic leaders recognized the need for a private gathering place where the city’s emerging leadership could meet, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of Idaho.
The name “Arid Club” was chosen, 60 charter members were enrolled, and Benjamin Wilson filed the Articles of Incorporation with the Idaho Secretary of State on November 28, 1890. Shortly thereafter, the Club established its first permanent home at 715 Main Street in Boise.
March 1934
The Owyhee Era Begins
The original Arid Club succumbed to the economic turmoil of the Panic of 1893, and the arrival of Prohibition further delayed its return. Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the Club was reestablished in 1934 with nearly 100 members and found a new home in Boise’s Owyhee Hotel. This marked the beginning of the Club’s most iconic era, when many of the traditions and customs still celebrated today first took shape.
September 1938
The Custom of Club Night
Since 1938, the first Thursday of every month has been reserved for Club Night, the Arid Club’s longest running and most cherished tradition. Originally created as an evening for members to reconnect with old friends, welcome new ones, and strengthen fellowship, Club Night quickly became the most anticipated event on the calendar.
Today, members still gather around the same signature meal enjoyed for generations: salad, shrimp, slow-roasted prime rib, baked potato, green beans, and apple pie served with cheese or à la mode. While seasonal specialties and modern additions have joined the menu over the years, the traditions of good conversation, warm hospitality, and this iconic prime rib remain at the heart of Club Night.
December 1975
A Bold Move Forward
By the mid-1970s, Club leaders recognized that the Arid Club needed to grow to remain financially sustainable. As chairman of the Planning Committee, Boise businessman Joe Albertson championed a proposal to relocate the Club from its longtime home in the Owyhee Hotel to the 12th floor of One Capital Center.
The decision sparked passionate debate, with many longtime members reluctant to leave the Club’s historic home or expand its membership. Ultimately, the move was approved, ushering in a new era of growth, breathtaking views of downtown Boise, and a stronger connection to the city’s evolving business community.
January 1988
A Legacy Built to Last
By the mid-1980s, rising lease costs at One Capital Center made it clear the Club needed a permanent home. Although many members initially resisted expanding membership to support such an ambitious project, years of planning and careful financial analysis built overwhelming support.
On February 6, 1986, the membership voted to construct the Arid Club’s first purpose-built clubhouse on the Boise River. Ground was broken later that year, and in 1988 the Club opened the doors to its new home at 1137 West River Street. While some longtime members wondered how the move would shape the Club’s future, owning its own clubhouse secured the Arid Club’s place in downtown Boise for generations to come.
February 1989
A Club That Continues to Evolve
As Boise’s business community evolved, so did the Arid Club. Throughout the late 1980s, members engaged in thoughtful and, at times, spirited discussions about the future of membership. In 1989, the membership voted to amend the Club’s bylaws to become gender neutral, reflecting both the changing role of women in business and the Club’s commitment to serving Idaho’s professional community.
In May 1990, accounting executive Sharon Allen became the first woman elected to membership. Today, women represent nearly half of the Club’s membership, and the Arid Club continues to grow while remaining true to its founding purpose: bringing together leaders to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen the Boise community.
September 2025
A Club for the Next Generation
In 2025, the Arid Club completed the most significant renovation of its clubhouse since opening its doors on River Street in 1988. While the project modernized the dining rooms, expanded the bar and lounge, and restored the Club’s historic character, it also reflected how the Club itself has evolved.
When the clubhouse was originally designed, areas intended for women were intentionally separated from the Club’s main gathering spaces. The renovation removed those physical divisions, creating a more welcoming and unified clubhouse while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and traditions that have defined the Arid Club for generations.
