The Montreal Press Club was established in 1948 by foreign correspondents returning from World War II as a kind of sanctuary where they could share the burden of their common experiences and talk shop. Other press people soon joined in. Over the years, the club met in various locations around the city finally opening its own private premises at the Mount Royal Hotel in downtown Montreal. With its long mahogany bar, four stewards and sumptuous red leather furniture the club soon became a favourite watering hole for journalists and public relations people of all stripes. Another popular feature was the locked front door which permitted the club to remain open until the wee hours to accommodate night owls and members working for morning newspapers.

Originally incorporated as the Montreal Men's Press Club, the club moved with the times and in 1969 women were invited to become full-fledged members. At the same time, the club dropped "Men's" from its name and became simply the Montreal Press Club.

Over the years, the MPC hosted some of the world's leading journalists as well as a panoply of movie stars, sports figures, political leaders and business personalities - particularly during Expo '67. The club has also been home to many celebrated Montrealers.

Most of Canada's Governors-General in the past 50 years have been members of the Montreal club including Romeo LeBlanc - seen here signing in at the club's 50th anniversary celebrations in 1998.

Today the club is focused on promoting friendly relations among professionals engaged in journalism and the communications arts. It also serves as a kind of "networking central" where members can make new contacts, exchange information and keep up with developments. Membership is open to journalists of all kinds as well as a wide range of communications professionals in television and radio, video and film production, and public relations.

In 2006, the MPC inaugurated the Robert Stewart Essay Competition to honour the memory of longtime member Robert Stewart - a gifted essayist, author and newspaperman who died in 2003. With prizes of $2,000, $2,500 and $1,000, it is the richest annual essay competition ever offered in Canada. For information please click on "Robert Stewart Essay Competition".

Our meeting place is at The Claddagh Irish Pub on Crescent St. in the heart of Montreal's downtown entertainment district. In addition to a variety of social events, the club organizes guest speakers and discussions on topics of current interest as well as workshops on media issues. The MPC is also affiliated with other press clubs across Canada and around the world where our members are granted guest privileges.

People working in the media or communications (including the new technologies) are invited to apply for membership in the Montreal Press Club and become part of a great living tradition. They are also invited to join us when we meet for lunch at the Claddagh on the second Wednesday of every month.

We'll look for you there.