The Eunomic 13 Club, an African American men’s social organization, was created on September 15, 1933. The Eunomic Club Collection include photographs, administrative documents, ephemera, newspaper and magazine clippings, and letters from between 1933-1994.

The Eunomic 13 Club, an African American men’s social organization, was created on September 15, 1933. Its original 13 members were Earl Adams, Edward Alley, Jr., Harold Braan, Albert Browning, William Carpenter, Cornelius Chandler, David Derrick, Richard Ellis, Paul Green, Jr., Theodore Miller, Carlos McLean, Henry Steward and Eleyette Worth. Because most of the charter members resided in San Francisco, it was decided that the club would be based there. The club’s mission, as stated in its original constitution, was “to promote friendliness among our members, improve our social condition and above all to provide clean and wholesome recreation.” The name “Eunomic,” stemmed from the Greek word “Eunomy,” meaning “well organized and togetherness.” Membership was open to any male over the age of 21. In 1940, the club expanded to include two new members, and was renamed “The Eunomic Club.” Along with the original 13 members, the club would go on to include Walter Thomas, Bernard Baquie, Robert Flippin, Herman Pope, Shirley Lewis, Theodore Bomar, Raymond Herring, Percy Menzies, Wesley “Duke” Ellington, Kline Wilson, Cleat Oliver, Emmit Abels, John “Billy” Sunday, Murville Abels, Thad Johnson, Joseph Godfrey, Wayne Gaskins and James Franklin. Over the course of its 61 years the Eunomic Club hosted a variety of outings, including picnics, barbecues, trips to national parks, and many different parties and galas. Most of these outings were in the Bay Area. The club would continue to host these events up until 1994, when the organization was dissolved.

1.5 linear ft. (1 box)

Permission to publish from the Eunomic Club Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.