Press clubs always appealed to me with the image of hard-boiled reporters sitting in overstuffed chairs, drinking, smoking, telling tall tales and stealing story ideas from each other.
But I never had the chance to go to a real press club until this week when I was invited to the Denver Press Club, one of the oldest press clubs remaining in the U.S.
The event was a presentation of Pronghorn Passage, a multimedia show produced by two UW students about the annual migration of antelope from Grand Teton National Park to winter range in the Red Desert. One of the students, Joe Riis, was funded by the Larsh Bristol Photojournalism Fellowship. I am on the committee that selects the annual award winner.
The press club had loads of atmosphere and history. A bookcase held Damon Runyon books. Plaques announced Pulitzer Prizes for the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. On one wall were caricatures of Hall of Fame winners. There was a beautiful hardwood bar. A pool table was in the basement.
The Press Club was formed in 1877 and has been housed in the current building since 1925. The club has hosted numerous presidents, including the current one. Now, the club regularly schedules such events as book readings, music and other presentations.
I would join if I lived near Denver. I ran into one of our alums, Dan Haley, who is a member. I also met a Metro State photojournalism student whose father bought her a membership. Funding was raised to renovate the two stories of the club, but the club retains its 1920s charm.
If I ever go again, I hope to wear a smoking jacket and a green eye visor.
