The motto of the Clover Club, a prestigious group of Philadelphia journalists, was “Who enters here leaves care behind, leaves sorrow behind, leaves petty envies and jealousies behind.” This motto captures the essence of what the club aimed to provide for its members – an escape from the stresses and negativity of their daily lives.
The Clover Club was established in 1882 and continued to meet until the 1920s at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. It served as a gathering place for journalists to come together, enjoy good food and drink, and engage in stimulating conversations. The motto, prominently displayed at the entrance of the club, set the tone for the atmosphere and purpose of the gatherings.
The first part of the motto, “Who enters here leaves care behind,” suggests that once inside the club, members were encouraged to let go of their worries and troubles. It was a place where they could temporarily escape from the pressures of their profession and personal lives. This sentiment resonates with anyone who has experienced the weight of responsibility and the need for respite.
The second part of the motto, “leaves sorrow behind,” further emphasizes the club's intention to provide a space of joy and camaraderie. In a world where sorrow and hardships abound, the Clover Club sought to create an environment where members could temporarily leave their sorrows at the door and find solace in the company of like-minded individuals.
Lastly, the motto states that those who enter the club also leave behind “petty envies and jealousies.” This suggests that the club aimed to foster a sense of unity and mutual respect among its members. It discouraged the toxic dynamics of envy and jealousy that can often arise in competitive industries like journalism. Instead, the Clover Club offered a supportive and inclusive space where journalists could connect and collaborate.
Personally, I find the motto of the Clover Club to be incredibly inspiring. It speaks to the power of community and the importance of finding moments of respite in our lives. As a sommelier and brewer, I have often witnessed the transformative power of good food and drink in bringing people together and creating a sense of shared joy. The Clover Club's motto encapsulates this sentiment beautifully.
The motto of the original Clover Club was “Who enters here leaves care behind, leaves sorrow behind, leaves petty envies and jealousies behind.” It reflects the club's aim to provide a sanctuary for journalists, where they could temporarily escape their worries, find solace in the company of others, and foster a sense of unity and respect. This motto serves as a reminder of the importance of creating spaces that allow us to leave behind our troubles and embrace moments of joy and connection.