The 1960s and 1970s were glory days for the new St George Leagues Club at Carlton.
Dubbed the Taj Mahal because of the expanses of white marble and overall opulence, it quickly became one of Sydney’s top entertainment venues, with big Saturday night stage shows rivalling those in the city.
Everyone wanted to join, but state government-imposed limits resulted in an 18-month wait for membership.
The original leagues club opened in 1953 at the corner of Princes Highway and Rocky Point Road, Kogarah.
When the club moved to Carlton, the original building became St Joseph’s Girls High School and later Bethany College. The site is now occupied by retirement and aged care community St Patrick's Green.
The Leader’s legendary sports editor Horrie Maher reported on plans for the new leagues club in 1960.
It was one of three leagues club projects announced at the same time.
The others were Arncliffe Scots looking to buy a site in Burrows Street, Arncliffe, and the NSW Leagues Club acquiring land at Kyeemagh for a bowling club.
The official opening of the new St George Leagues Club took place on July 20, 1963.
Former Governor-General and NSW premier Sir William McKell described it as “perhaps the most magnificent club not only in Australia but anywhere”.
“This club is a symbol of the tremendous advance that has been made in our social relationships,” he said.
“Who would have ever dreamt of such a club a few years ago?”
The Leader reported the club was “one of the most modern and palatial in the southern hemisphere”.
“With floors on three levels, it incorporates a gymnasium, squash courts, games room, library, spacious dining room and male bar with a floor area of 120 feet by 80 feet.
“Club members claim the building reaches an all-time peak in architectural design and functional interior planning.
“General styling throughout the building was so advanced it would remain tastefully modern for a lifetime, they said.
“So modern is the building that Kogarah aldermen said it would give the municipality a Commonwealth-wide reputation for advancement.”
Two weeks after the opening, the Leader reported Kogarah Council had received complaints about noise from the new club, with a meeting sought by the Beverly Park Progress Association.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you photographs of a news event from 58 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
Flashback Friday submissions are also welcomed.
Feel free to share your recollections with us on our Facebook page @SutherlandShireStGeorgeNews or email leaderletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au
