Poinsett Club History

"A group of interested citizens has approved the idea of organizing a social club to occupy what was originally the Lewis W. Parker home on Washington Road."

Interested citizens, headed by John W. Arrington, sent a letter on March 26, 1935, including the above passage, to a select group of prominent men in Greenville and the surrounding territory. The letter was an invitation to join what would become one of the finest private clubs in America, the Poinsett Club.  On April 16, 1935, by-laws were adopted and the Club was named Poinsett after South Carolina statesman Joel Roberts Poinsett. The first day of the Club's original lease was May 1, 1935.

The 20th century Colonial House, the home of the Poinsett Club since its organization in 1935, was built in 1904 by well-known textile executive, Lewis Parker. Parker and his family lived in the home until the beginning of WW I. After the War, the home was owned by Joseph McCullough and Mr. and Mrs. Allen Graham, along with their family. Just prior to its purchase by the Poinsett Club, it was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Brawley.  Mr. Marion Brawley was hired as the first General Manager of the Club.

The original main floor had two parlors, a lady's lounge, and a main dining room and bar; the upper floor included a billiards room and card room for Members' recreation. In 1958-59, the Ballroom and an additional dining room were added. In the early 1960s, the cellar area was renovated for Member use.  The current Ballroom, President's Bar and Governor's Room were added to the main floor in 1982.