The Heights Casino

Sports Center Today

The Heights Casino at 75 Montague Street is not a large building, but it contains what is today an important center of racquet sports, hosting several prestigious squash tournaments, including the Women's Weymuller US Open Squash Championships. A visitor on any weekday afternoon can see children of various ages there for squash and tennis lessons. Behind its relaxed atmosphere, the ornate, somewhat worn décor provides a hint of the club’s storied past.

History

The Casino has a rich history. It was founded in 1904 to serve the wealthy residents of Brooklyn Heights. According to the March 3, 1905 New York Times:

No other clubhouse in America is quite like the Casino, for it will combine in the heart of the city many of the attractive features of a country club…. Most important of all from the point of view of Brooklyn society, the tennis courts can be used as a ballroom.

Indeed, the Casino is currently home to the Yuletide Ball, formerly the Brooklyn Debutante Ball, and was the home of the Ihpetonga Ball.

Ihpetonga Ball

According to club member Craig Whitney, in 1904, “the most important event of the Brooklyn social season [was] the Ihpetonga Ball…. Ihpetonga meant ‘on the heights’ in native American, but nowadays the word practically means ‘Brooklyn’s aristocracy.’ Ihpetonga members came from many of the same families that built the Casino.”

Decline in Exclusivity

The Casino’s exclusivity would wane, however, in the 1950s. Seth Faison, club president from 1958-60, proposed a series of reforms which kept the club solvent despite deficits and substantial member resignations. Among the changes were “cutting membership dues in half,” and “eliminating any racial or religious restrictions.” As a result, by May 1960, “the overall membership was significantly more representative of the community.”

Membership Policies

However, becoming a member was still not easy. According to club president Stuart Hume (1962-63), “Enormous efforts went into mobilizing campaigns to attract new members while attempting to maintain the standards for which The Heights Casino has always been known.” The admissions process would cause turmoil for the Casino in the 1970s. Club president Bill Stutt’s (1972-74) recollection of his administration:      

We streamlined the interview procedure for new member candidates but left in place the “black ball” rule, i.e. one negative vote would disqualify a candidate. This was changed several years later following the controversial rejection of a prominent labor leader [in 1976]. An unfortunate rumor at the time had it that a member of the Admissions Committee was heard to comment at the bar that “…labor and management really should not mix in the same club!” Times have changed dramatically.

The changes to the admissions policy according to club president Earl Weiner (1981-84):

A membership policy that had been divisive was revised to be more welcoming and inclusive, reflecting the role of the Casino as a family gathering place and not an ultra-exclusive club.

Encountered Problems

Other problems in the 1970s included a club manager who was found to be embezzling from the Casino, and a restaurant that consistently lost money. The solutions came from the community in Brooklyn Heights. A local retailer, Ginny Hoyt, and caterer, Yura Mohr, were hired as club and restaurant manager, respectively. As a result, according to club president Michael Keehner (1979-81), “the red ink began to abate… the Yuraburger became the stuff of Casino legend.”

Modifications

The Heights Casino in recent years has expanded its facilities, notably with off-site squash courts. It is a center for youth squash classes and tournaments. As one member put it, “As Vidalia is to onions, as Bordeaux is to wine, Brooklyn Heights is to junior squash.