History
Over a century ago, as news spread of a proposed saloon north of Watchung Avenue—what we now call Upper Montclair—a group of determined men set out to create something different. They formed a social organization centered on sports and games, offering young men and boys a positive alternative to the temptations of alcohol. Thus, the Commonwealth Club was born.
Times have certainly changed. Some might find a touch of irony in the club’s recent renaissance, notably marked by the addition of a bar on the porch. That evolution would likely bring a knowing smile to all but the most Puritanical among the thousands of men, women, and children who have been part of our extended family over the years.
People gather here to play, converse, and connect in ways many find unique in their lives. Yet if you ask, “Who are we?”—there’s no simple answer.
Our club’s first home was the original Union Congregational Church, which we eventually purchased.
In 1907, just three years later, we completed an addition. The original church became our ballroom, and the new wing remains the heart of the club we enjoy today.
The Club was founded “To promote sociability and good fellowship among the men of our community; to foster manly ideals in the boys and provide them with Club facilities; to stimulate the interest of this community in all local and general questions which concern the commonwealth.”
The Beginning
The club almost went bankrupt just before the First World War. Because of a $10,000 debt, we lost our baseball and cricket fields. That same land is now home to the Commonwealth Gardens Apartments next to Valley Road.
Our baseball teams used to play organized games on that field, often drawing large crowds. The grandstand was always full, and one day our team even took on the New York Giants.
Fire Guts Club
December 9, 1984, marked one of the club’s darkest days: a fire—sparked by a carelessly discarded cigarette—devastated the original church and severely damaged the newer clubhouse. Amid the sadness of that early Sunday morning, one act stands out. Unable to host the annual Christmas party, a generous club member and his wife welcomed nearly 150 grieving members into their home, keeping the club’s spirit alive.
In the months and years that followed, the Commonwealth family rallied as they had since the beginning—offering time, skills, resources, and unwavering support. Together, we rose from the ashes and rebuilt, stronger than before.
Still, economic challenges persisted. After the fire, we were not only a smaller club but also had thinned numbers. It was a time of rising costs and stagnant wages, forcing many families to rely on dual incomes or multiple jobs. Formal social gatherings became harder to sustain—there simply weren’t enough hours in the day for the kinds of associations earlier generations enjoyed.
Looking Towards the Future
Today, the club boasts more than 200 dues-paying members, representing a vibrant mix of backgrounds from across the region. If you’re interested in joining, we invite you to contact us for a tour, email us, or drop by one of our lively events. Each September, our annual Open House offers prospective members a chance to experience the club’s welcoming atmosphere, great food, and camaraderie.
After weathering a lengthy shutdown during the Covid pandemic, the Club has fully reopened—reenergized and bustling with new and returning members alike. We’re booking rentals and eagerly preparing for a full calendar of social and bowling events this spring and summer. Our next Open House for prospective members will be held on the first Thursday evening in September.
