Series V. Tough Club objects, [19th-20th century], inclusive
Tough Club shillelagh or cudgel, [19th century?], inclusive
Scope and Contents
A cudgel or shillelagh (a wooden club associated with Irish folklore), possibly of oak, carved on its knob with an image of a building resembling a church. Its handle is drilled through with a wire for hanging. That, and the overall dark (almost black) color of the wood suggests it was displayed for a long time, likely in the Tough Club's barroom. It is unclear if this object served a ceremonial purpose at club meetings. It is not mentioned in the organization's constitution and by-laws (Box 2, Folder 6), or written histories (Box 2, Folders 2 and 4), and the Tough Club's mission was not officially or explicitly Irish in focus. (That said, the Toughs hosted an "Irish Night" on St. Patrick's Day, 1993. See Box 2, Folder 5.) Perhaps the shillelagh was donated by a member and kept for its symbolism, i.e., a "tough club," as in a "sturdy stick," for the Tough Club.
Tough Club corporate seal embosser, [19th-20th century], inclusive
Scope and Contents
Produces a monogram of the entwined letters "TC" (for "Tough Club") encircled by the legend "TOUGH CLUB ORGANIZED NOV. 10, 1865."
Tough Club return address rubber stamp, [after 1963], inclusive
Scope and Contents
Reads "The Tough Club Inc. / 243 W. 14th St. / New York, N.Y. 10011"