The Union League of Philadelphia

Cigar-Therapy · June 30, 2022

A friend of mine, that I met through the cigar club I started, gave me the opportunity to visit an amazing place while on travel to Philly. (Many scenes of Trading Places were filmed here)

Background:

Founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln, The Union League of Philadelphia laid the philosophical foundation of other Union Leagues across a nation torn by civil war.
As they did in 1862, today's members represent the Philadelphia region's leaders in business, education, technology, healthcare, law, government, religion, art and culture. The Union League Legacy Foundation is the new, single, unified nonprofit charity of the Union League. It is dedicated to the same values of freedom and free enterprise upon which the League was founded.

The League House occupies an entire city block in the center of Philadelphia's commercial and cultural district. The building is representative of the classic French Renaissance style, with a brick and brownstone façade and dramatic twin circular staircases that lead to the main entrance on Broad Street. Built in 1865, the building was added to the National Historic Register in 1979. Approximately one – quarter million square feet in size, the building is spread out over eight floors, has entrances on all sides and is home to five unique dining rooms, 84 Inn rooms, a fitness center, two business centers and 14 private event rooms, and an indoor cigar lounge that dates back to its founding.

Summary:

Had dinner and toured the priceless pieces of artwork, then we retired to the smoking lounge. Nothing quite like the feeling of smoking in a place where great leaders have enjoyed a cigar. Almost all GOP presidents have visited, and many Generals, Admirals, Abolitionist leaders have been members . The high ceilings, decor, and outpouring of advice from members really made the experience amazing.

Too Long Didn’t Read:

I got to smoke in a historic building with great people who have all been brought together by cigars