Manila Army and Navy Club

The Manila Army and Navy Club founded in 1898 was the first American social club to be established in the Philippines for the exclusive use of the U.S. military personnel and civilians, and later Filipinos. Since the time it was established, it was one of the center of Manila's social life. It was the site of many important events in Philippine-American relations.

The building was designed by William E. Parsons and has his characteristic trademark of the generous use of arches. It was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It was completed in April 17, 1911

In his book, McCallus described the current state of the Army and Navy Club as:

a dignified white structure, nearly hidden by beautiful palms and acacia trees, and guarded by a well-carved wrought iron fence. The original was a spacious H-shaped affair (...). The club has a reputation of being among the best of its type in the world with excellent food, a superb staff, and a swimming pool. It also boasted a bowling alley, tennis and squash courts, and a huge officer's bar.

The Army and Navy Club of Manila was organized in December 1898. The first president was Col. Smith of California. Notable persons who became its presidents were Adm. George Dewey, Gen. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. and his son Douglas MacArthur, and Leonard Wood.

Originally, the Club was housed in a building in Intramuros, Manila and then in April, 1911 transferred to its present site near Rizal Park, an area along the shores of Manila Bay reserved by urban planner Daniel Burnham in his plan of Manila. The club shared a lot with the Manila Elks Club, a local branch of the fraternal lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks whose membership was open to civilians and is still operating. Together they were the center of the social life of Americans in Manila for many decades.

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