History

The Bachelor-Benedict Club traces its origin to 1910 when five prestigious men in Washington, D.C., organized the Bachelor’s Pleasure Club. They were: Bismark R. Pinchback, son of the only African American to serve as Governor of Louisiana, who was medically trained and employed with the New York State Comptroller’s Office; Dr. Arthur Curtis, a surgeon, who later became Clinical Instructor at Howard University Medical School; Frederick D. Wilkinson, an attorney; John F. M. Wilkinson, who taught manual arts in the District’s public schools for nearly fifty years; and Dr. William H. “Billy” Wilson, a physician.

Due to the prevailing tumultuous atmosphere prior to World War I, the Club’s activities were limited for the next nine years. In 1919, however, as many your men returned from that conflict, the Club reorganized. At that time the word “Benedict,” was added to the name, meaning a member who was once a confirmed bachelor but had married during the Club’s period of inactivity.

By the 1930s the Club social calendar included a smoker and four dances per year. From 1940-1970, the Club sponsored Debutante Presentations to introduce young ladies to D.C. society. Presently, the Club sponsors a series of social events for its members and their invited guests.