The Historic Preservation and Education Fund of the Racquet Club of Philadelphia
The Racquet Club has been a historic Philadelphia institution for over 125 years, serving the social and athletic needs of the local community. In 2015, The Historic Preservation and Education Fund was created to help grow the game of squash through active engagement with the local community and to preserve and restore the historic Racquet Club clubhouse.
Historic Preservation
Built in 1907 by famed architect Horace Trumbauer, The Racquet Club is a unique and historic Georgian Revival clubhouse. One of the purposes of the Fund is to educate the public on the structural magnificence and history of Philadelphia’s best kept architectural secret. Recognizing the importance of a remaining Horace Trumbauer building, the Fund seeks to preserve and memorialize the history and architecture of The Racquet Club and its environs.
Squash Education
The Racquet Club of Philadelphia has been a historic Philadelphia institution for over 125 years, serving the social and athletic needs of the local community.
The Club passionately accepts the responsibility to improve the surrounding community by way of offering both educational and athletic services to youth without the opportunity. As such, the Club is partering with SquashSmarts, a free intensive out-of-school time program supporting the lives of Philadelphia’s public school students.
Our Mission is to develop character, confidence, and athleticism through active participation in the game of squash.
The Racquet Club of Philadelphia, in coordination with its non-profit foundation, The Historic Preservation and Education Fund (the “RC Fund”) and with support from Chase Lenfest and his family, is proud to announce a newly formed partnership with @squashsmarts, Philadelphia’s award winning out-of-school time youth mentoring program, to provide high quality squash-and-fitness instruction and career development opportunities for Philadelphia’s children.
Through this partnership and thanks to a lead gift to the RC Fund from Chase Lenfest, twenty SquashSmarts students & alumni enrolled in a six-week intensive summer squash program at the Racquet Club from July 6th to August 12th. The group has been visiting the club four days per week to work with the Racquet Club’s athletic professionals in developing their squash skills in match play, stroke production, overall physical fitness and learning the game of Court Tennis. To be eligible, each student must also be a team member of SquashSmarts’ year-round academic mentoring program.
The RC Fund continues to demonstrate a commitment to support historic preservation and education initiatives that benefit the local community and provide enhanced exposure to the game of squash, as well as other racquet sports. The Racquet Club and RC Fund are proud to partner with SquashSmarts to advance these worthy endeavors.
SquashSmarts is a non-profit academic and athletic mentoring program dedicated to improving the lives of underserved youth from Philadelphia public schools by providing intensive, long-term academic tutoring and squash instruction, while imparting high standards of personal integrity, health and fitness, and service to the community.
We had a blast working with these great kids! Special thanks to @johnlumley7, @jamesasher1992, and @rob_whitehouse1 for running this great program. If you would like to make a donation to support this program, please visit our donation page!
Visitor Information
Hours Open to the Public
Guided tours of the Clubhouse are open to the public every first Monday of the month at 6:00pm. Reservations are required at least 24 hours prior to the tour. To schedule a tour, email thefund@rcop.com.
Dress Code
Acceptable Attire
Collared shirt, Polo shirt, Sweater, Blouse, Khakis, Slacks, Jeans (free of holes, fading, and fraying), Skirts/Dresses, Loafers, Boat Shoes, Leather Sandals, Bermuda Shorts (only between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shorts are to be in good, presentable condition).
Not Permitted
T-shirt (except in fitness facilities), Hooded sweatshirt, Sweatpants, Spandex, Halter Tops, Cargo pants, Denim shorts, Sneakers (except in fitness facilities), Flip flops, Hats (acceptable only while in use in athletic exercise).
BOARD MEMBERS
Christopher Yaracs
Chair
Jonathan Crowell
Director
Allegra Rich
Director
William Green
Treasurer
Eamon Egan
Director
David Seltzer
Director
William Cook
Director
Gene Lefevre
Director
Schuyler Wickes
Director
Douglas Cox
Director
James Price
Director
The Historic Preservation and Education Fund of The Racquet Club of Philadelphia is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Historic Preservation and Education Fund of The Racquet Club of Philadelphia are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The tax identification number is 47-2109241.
Copyright ©2021
The Historic Preservation and Education Fund
of The Racquet Club of Philadelphia
215 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
All Rights Reserved