Members of the New York Yacht Club 1905-6

This photogravure commemorates the NYYC membership in the year of 1905-6. From the turn of the century through 1906 was a very important period for the NYYC. J. Pierpont Morgan donated a tract of land to the club in 1898 where the current NYYC club house now stands on West 44th Street. This club house opened to the membership in 1901 and by 1905 the membership had swelled to over 2000 members. In the background of the image sold here is the first club house at Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey, which symbolizes the evolution of the NYYC from its modest beginnings to the stately club it had become. In addition there are three yachts in the background, a steam yacht which symbolizes the opulence and power of the period (the NYYC had more steam yachts over 100' than any other club in the world at this time) and two sailing yachts which represent the NYYC sailing prowess having just defended the America's Cup in 1903 in Reliance, the largest yacht to ever race for the cup. Members who are obviously depicted are: J. Pierpont Morgan, Commodore Frederick G. Bourne, Vice Commodore Henry Walters, Rear Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, Commodore E.D. Morgan (owner of Gloriana, the undefeated Herreshoff sloop), and many other prominent figures in New York business and society.