Racquet and Tennis Club, Private sports club on Park Avenue, Manhattan, United States
The Racquet and Tennis Club is a five-story building in Renaissance Revival style with stone and brick exterior located at 370 Park Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets. Inside, it contains four international squash courts, one North American doubles squash court, one racquets court, and two tennis courts available to members.
Founded in 1876 on West 26th Street, the club relocated to its present location in 1918 following mergers with other sports organizations. This move to Park Avenue marked its transformation into a prominent institution in Manhattan's most exclusive neighborhood.
The club's name reflects its focus on racquets and tennis, the two main sports practiced by members within these walls. These games shaped the social life of Manhattan's elite for generations and continue to define the club's identity today.
This is a private members-only club not open to the general public, so casual visits are not possible. The building sits on busy Park Avenue where parking is limited, though public transportation nearby offers easy access.
The International Laws of Backgammon were established here in 1931 under Wheaton Vaughan's leadership, making it a global reference point for the board game. This surprising detail shows how the club influenced leisure activities far beyond the sports played within its courts.
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