On September 13, 1903, the Missouri Athletic Club strategically opened its doors before St. Louis made history for hosting two major international events: the 1904 World’s Fair and the Olympics. Dignitaries from around the world attended these events and stayed at the MAC. Nearly 10,000 people, including many of the great names of that time, filed through the building and inspected its splendid appointments. Among the guests were Mayor Rolla Wells and President D. R. Francis of the World’s Fair. During the Olympic Games, MAC athletes competed in boxing, wrestling, water polo, swimming and track.

Since its inception, companies have wanted to be associated with the MAC. Trorlicht, Duncker & Renard Carpet Company took out an ad in the August 1903 “Missouri Athletic Club Journal,” saying their retail space was located “on the corner directly across from the Missouri Athletic Club.” In the same publication, John Haig & Co. Ltd., based in Markinch, Scotland, touted their connection to the MAC with an ad reading, “Barley Cream Old Scotch Whisky specially selected and bottled for The Missouri Athletic Club.”

Today, when people think about the 1904 World’s Fair, they associate it with the famous movie, musical and catchy song, Meet Me in St. Louis. The theatrical performance is set in 1903, with the main characters looking forward to attending the World’s Fair. Drawing from that famous line and remembering the Club’s rich history and longstanding role in St. Louis, Meet Me at the MAC is the ongoing theme for the 120th anniversary of the Club. 

Throughout 2023, the MAC will honor the history of the Club’s opening date and the generations of extraordinary Members that have made the Club what it is today. All Members are invited to Meet Me at the MAC all year long to celebrate the Club’s 120th anniversary at social, dining, athletic and fitness events. The gala on Feb. 11 will kick off the lineup of exceptional festivities. Stay updated with all anniversary celebrations through the MAC in a Minute e-newsletter, mac-stl.org and social media. In the Club’s 120 years of existence, exceptional Members joined to connect in the spirit of excellence, service and tradition of the Club. Visit mac-stl.org/History to learn more about the MAC.