Winter Park club offers 38 groups

Have you ever ridden down Park Avenue and wondered about the cream-colored building located on the corner of Park and Webster avenues? In fact if you have, you might have asked yourself, what’s going on in there? Judging from the parking lot filled with cars, it must be something interesting — and that it is! The distinguished building is the University Club of Winter Park, and what’s going on inside is any number of the many intellectual, educational or cultural activities that serve its members.

This unique club was founded in 1934 by a group of Winter Park pioneers, who, in a moment of jest remarked, “It will benefit us to get together out of hearing of our wives and tell each other how great we are.” Their first meetings were called ‘powwows’ and were intended as intellectual feasts for college professors, clergymen, lawyers, doctors and others of similar education and background. In time, the University Club of Winter Park became known as the “Athens of the South.” Famous artists, musicians and opera stars, enticed by the beautiful winter weather, performed at the club and membership swelled to more than 900. Begun as an all-male establishment, the club charter was changed in 1977 to include women.

Today, the University Club of Winter Park is run entirely by its members, dedicated volunteers who make the club a remarkable establishment of learning. As well as providing intellectual opportunities for those interested in continuing to learn, the club assumes a philanthropic responsibility in the community. It offers scholarships for worthy students, grants assistance to nonprofit agencies and provides services through specific projects.

The current goals and purpose of the club still reflect the intentions of those original members. These are to promote education and to engage in literary pursuits, including the conduct of public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures and similar programs. Some of today’s most popular programs are philosophy, classical music with live virtuosos concerts, history, foreign affairs seminars, current events, book reviews, book discussion groups and foreign language classes. Many activities meet during the day, sometimes at luncheon programs, or in the evenings either at group meetings or at dinners in a more social setting with programs that educate and entertain.

In an attempt to stay abreast of the expanding interests of its members, the club has broadened its focus to include arts and crafts, ballroom dancing, Trivia4U, bridge and mahjong. The club presently offers 38 different groups of interest to its members and the public.

So the next time you’re on the corner of Park and Webster avenues, why not drop in? You might find a group in progress that will pique your interest. Remember, you’re never too old to learn.

Linda L. Dunlap is a long-time member of University Club of Winter Park and co-chairs the book review group. The club is located at 841 N. Park Ave. Visit www.uclubwp.org or call 407-629-2125 for more information and a schedule of groups.