Macabee Club was a club of Jewish high school students in Portland from 1955 to the 1970s. A selective organization, this Jewish fraternity based its yearly program on religious participation, social affairs, athletic activities, and community service. The club was associated with several other Jewish groups in the community, including Mu Sigma Fraternity and Iota Phi Sorority.
The club’s social affairs included several dances, a spring formal, and excursions for members such as mountain climbing and trips to Boston to see the Celtics. The club also participated in many athletic events as well as sponsoring tournaments and sports teams. According to the official Macabee Club Objectives, “At all times sportsmanship and fine play are encouraged. These contests inspire much healthy spirit within the Club.”
In addition to social and athletic events, the club participated in community service, directing their efforts into projects such as the Pride Training School for Retarded Children, the Blind Classroom Building Fund, the Center Day Camp Athletic Fund, Pineland Hospital, and the Greater Portland Mentally Retarded Children Fund. The club also encouraged religious participation with services following many of the weekly meetings, in addition to recommended attendance at the programs of the Brotherhood and the United Synagogue Youth. The club self-published several newsletters and booklets, including “The Hammer,” “The Peeping Tom,” and “The Damned Macabee,” that recount the efforts of the group and individual members throughout the year.
The Archives contains organizational records of the group. The materials range from weekly meeting minutes and newsletters to programs for the club’s annual spring formal. The material reflects their serious commitment but is infused with many humorous anecdotes reflecting the camaraderie between members.
For more information consult the Finding Aid.
