In recent Quarterly articles, we have published excerpts from The DAC’s history book, published in 1984, recalling our rich and interesting past. One section of the book details the history of women in the club. The DAC was ahead of its time in terms of female admittance into private clubs in Colorado, with the first female members being admitted in 1931.

From the book (1984):

Although The Denver Athletic Club began as a men's club, women have played an increasingly important role. They have been the key to the DAC’s emergence as one of Denver’s premier social clubs. Initially, “ladies accompanied by members,” as the 1892 DAC book phrased it, “may be admitted to the out-of-doors grounds, to the ladies’ reception room and dining room in the club building, and to the bowling alleys.”

As The DAC rose to fame for its athletic accomplishments during the 1890s, male members became aware that “ladies are intense admirers of athletics.” Wives, daughters and lady friends flocked to club events inspiring the inauguration of Ladies Days during the 1890s. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., women were allowed use of the baths, reading room and gymnasium. 

In 1931, an amendment to the club's constitution allowed unmarried women or widows “18 years of age or older” to be admitted as “Lady Members” for a reduced fee with the same privileges as the wives of the members. 

Women quickly added new dimensions to the club including new play and book review lunches that filled the gym to capacity and attracted nationally prominent authors and literary critics. In 1982, for example, this series welcomed Adeline McConnell talking about her book Single After 50 — How to Have the Time of Your Life.