HERE, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAST CENTURY, "SARSAPARILLA" TOWNSEND BUILT IN BROWN-STONE, AND A.T.STEWART LATER BUILT IN WHITE MARBLE] In Clinton Place the Century stayed until it went to its Fifteenth Street house, where it was so long to remain.

Gulian Verplanck's presidency lasted for many years.

At first it was a happy tenure of office.

But the Civil War came, bringing with it grave dissensions.
Verplanck may be said to have invited the divisions that crept into the club, and which led to his overwhelming defeat in the election of 1864.

He was succeeded by the historian Bancroft, who held office until 1868, when he resigned because of his departure for Prussia as the United States Minister to Berlin.
From the very day when it took form the Century seems to have had an atmosphere--almost a history.