The Scene

Poem written about the ClubHouse by Ernestine, 1978.

For a generation of Washingtonians, a night at The ClubHouse was the capstone of a night out.  Local oral histories recall starting an evening at Nob Hill, The Brass Rail, La Zambra or the Bachelor’s Mill, and finishing up at The ClubHouse, where the party often lasted until dawn – or later.  Most members arrived in the early morning, around 2 am.   Balloons filled the 10,000 square feet of dance hall and ‘aging’ balloons were hauled up to the ceiling for climactic balloon drops.  On more than one occasion the party lasted while snowstorms and blizzards raged outside.

The ClubHouse took the art of partying seriously, working up a unique mix of music, lights and atmosphere that created hot hard nightlong dance parties.  The staff prided themselves on creating “the party you never had in your house.”  Aundrea Scott, who became the club's general manager, took responsibility for sounds and light, as well as training in the club’s DJs and staff to the owners’ high standards.