HOUSE AND GARDEN 
Septem her. 
I9 1 5 
city. Too many clubs have groaned for years under the taxes 
due to the over-ambitious aims of its architects. 
Just because a club house must be built economically does 
not mean that it must be unattractive. I have seen so many 
of these small country clubs which could be made much 
more attractive if only a little taste — not money—had been 
employed. The English have learned the secret of attractive 
club houses. You can see them all along their beloved Thames, 
and the building which I am describing as ideal for America 
resembles a Thames club house in many ways. 
It is called the River Valley Club and is on the Ohio River 
about seven miles out of Louisville, Ky. — only two miles from 
the Louisville Country Club, which is not on the river. A great 
many members of this little club are also members of the big 
club. They wanted, first of all, a club where they could indulge 
in water sports—but they also wanted a place that would be 
more cozy and informal. 
Looking at the building from the road you would hardly 
recognize it as a club. It is, of course, quite small and the 
style is not one that one usually associates with clubs. The 
view of the exterior shown here was taken shortly after it 
was completed, so it looks a trifle bare. You can readily imagine 
what an attractive picture it will present in summer with bright 
flower boxes and awnings against the white clapboard and green 
shutters. ' 
The first floor is entirely one big room, with the exception 
of the kitchen, pantry, etc. The room is shaped like a right 
angle, one side being almost all windows overlooking the river. 
The secret of the club’s interior attractiveness is the fact 
that its decorative scheme has been carried out with the utmost 
simplicity. There is no jarring note in the way of an ornate 
clock, heavy picture or any one of the many things which a 
poor decorator might have allowed to be introduced. 
White paint and chintz are the main factors of decoration. 
The walls, rafters, ceiling and woodwork of the main room are 
painted white, or, I might better say, ivory. The floor is finished 
for dancing and on it are light, woven rugs in a neutral shade 
so as not to detract from the brilliant coloring of the chintz 
hangings and upholstering. 
The chintz has a black background on which is a profusion 
of bright flowers and gorgeous birds. Except for the two large 
couches before the fireplace, the furniture is wicker or else plain 
painted wood of graceful lines. 
The wicker chairs are strikingly upholstered in broad black 
and white stripes. There are many round pillows made in the 
bright colors which predominate in the chintz. Llower pots and 
the lighting fixtures take care of the necessary coloring. 
Lor Saturday night dinners and for parties where many are 
From the club windows a long stretch ot the Unio can be seen—a view which makes 
the location priceless 
The prill and card room 
has been fitted up down¬ 
stairs, from the windows 
of which can be seen 
the view shown above 
Looking at the building from the road you would scarcely recognize it as a club. It is small, and the architecture is not the usual club style, but is sufficiently 
commodious and complete to answer the needs of a small community 
