House Rules

A visitor to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello called the private portion of his marvelous home his “Sanctum Sanctorum.” Similarly, The Founders Club exists to provide a sanctuary from the clamor of the world in which our members can relax in a genial atmosphere and indulge in great food, hearty spirits and enlightening conversation.

Our rules are designed to promote the time-honored standards of decorum for the Gentlewoman and Gentleman. It is nearly impossible to live up to the standards put forth below but what are aspirations if not just a little out of reach? To wit:

The True Gentleman

“The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.” —John Walter Wayland (circa 1899)

The True Gentlewoman

The true gentlewoman is gracious, poised, thoughtful, kind, intelligent, and strong. She is a model of civility and honor, consistently living according to lofty morals and in harmony within her community. She lives to empower those around her. She is careful to choose words that will encourage, enliven, and enlighten; shuns harmful gossip and communicates with deed rather than word.

Display of her dress is more the ornament of her soul than fashion. She is a beacon of virtue, grit, and perseverance. A gentlewoman is at ease in both social and professional environs; she does not neglect to extend amicable respect to all from various walks of life. A kind word to a stranger falls from her lips as readily as a breath. A gentlewoman is possessed of a strong work ethic, she is undaunted by doing more than her part, even when no one is present to laud her.

She is at once both humble and proud and the joy of those around her animates her as if it were her own.

Clubhouse Attire

On weekdays, until Friday at 4:00 pm, business casual dress is required of all members and their guests. Business casual is defined as collared shirts and proper trousers for gentlemen.

On weekends, starting at 4:00 pm Friday afternoon, members and guests are expected to dress in a manner respectful of the membership and the Club. Collared shirts are required for men, and jeans and trousers must be in good condition.

On Saturdays and Sundays members and guests may wear dress (e.g. Bermuda style) or golf shorts in the Clubhouse.

ON PRIVATE EVENT DAYS members and their guests are encouraged to dress appropriate to the event as designed..

Members are at all times responsible for ensuring that their guests are aware of and comply with the Club's dress code.

Gratuities

The Founder’s Club and The Republic staff is there to aid you in your Pursuit of Happiness. It is our hope that you will be there for theirs as well.

Reciprocal Club Members

Visitors from reciprocal clubs are required to register at the front door, indicating clearly their name, home address, and the name of their home club. Local residents who are non-resident members of reciprocal clubs shall not be extended any privileges of the Clubhouse. Visitors from reciprocal clubs must comply with all House Rules.

Other Details

Rely only on information in this plan: No person has been authorized to give any information or make any representation not contained in this Membership Plan, and if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Founders Club.

Permitted Use: Memberships in the Club are being offered exclusively for the sole purpose of permitting persons acquiring a membership to obtain social and recreational use of the Club facilities.

Investments: Memberships should not be viewed or acquired as an investment and no person purchasing a membership should expect to derive any economic benefit or profit from membership in the Founders Club. No Federal, State, Municipal or any other governing authority has passed upon or endorsed the merits of this Membership Plan.