Thursday, July 24, 2008
The history of the Creve Coeur Club of Peoria is marked by quiet beginnings, tremendous growth, civic and business leadership, and service to the entire community. This tradition began in 1894 when 12 prominent Peorians met "to talk over the matter of organizing a Young Men's Club." The Club quickly evolved into a business and social force in the community and now counts membership approaching four hundred of the area's most prominent citizens, regardless of race or gender. The name derives from Fort Creve Coeur (meaning "broken heart" in French), which was established in the Peoria area by Rene Sieur de La Salle in 1680.
Originally located in a renovated home on South Jefferson, the Club built new quarters at 300 S.W. Jefferson in 1904. With several relocations over the years, the Creve Coeur Club relocated to the Twin Towers in 2003.
In addition to offering lunch Monday through Friday, private meeting space, special event evening dining, and other social activities, the Creve Coeur Club also maintain a worldwide network of over 250 reciprocal clubs throughout the country and abroad for business or vacation use by all members.
As we celebrate our 114th year in the community, the Creve Coeur Club continues to better serve its members and, as stated in our first charter, "To promote the business interests of the City of Peoria and the social enjoyment of the members."