Although I have never been much of a country club wife, being married to a golfer, I have become familiar with many of Los Angeles’ private golf clubs.  But what always intrigued me were the social clubs such as the Jonathon Club, Los Angeles Athletic Club and Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club.

The Jonathan Club offers a beach front location and Downtown Los Angeles venue as well.   While in high school I was invited to the downtown location for dinner prior to my junior prom and it was quite impressive.  Later, I was invited to the beach location for a day of swimming and sun. In the late ‘70’s I worked in Downtown LA in the mortgage banking industry.  Many of the bankers were members of the local private clubs and I was often invited to lunch at many of their clubs such as the Los Angeles Athletic Club,  LA Jonathan Club and the California Club.  The California Club has an incredible terrace and boasts the distinction of being the oldest private social club in Los Angeles. 



According to Wikipedia: The Valley Hunt Club is a private social club located in Pasadena, California, that is most noted for starting the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1890.    My buyer’s agent, Lisa, had been to the club several times, but until Dickson Podley hosted their annual Christmas Party, I had not had the pleasure of an invitation.  The club is beautiful and offers, pool, tennis, bar, dining room, ball room and salons for gathering or quiet reflection.