Eventually the social nature of the club overtook the sports functions and the Footscray Club became a purely social club. In 1909 the club began the construction of its permanent facilities in its present location on Paisley street a two storey building complete with offices storage and a bar.

Up until the present day the club remains like many social clubs a non political and democratic organizaton serving the local Footscray and wider community.

Here is the earliest article found to date from 1899 taken from the Argus newspaper on the running of the club under its first president Dr. C.L McCarthy. (Argus Newspaper 10 Feb 1899).

Our club's sporting interests have never waivered as this advertisement from 1915 shows (Argus Newspaper May 7, 1915)

The announcement of the passing of Dr. C.L. McCarthy in 1916.

A very interesting controversy reported in 1920. According to this article, the club was originally owned by the original president Dr. CL McCarthy and was sold to the club after his death. However because of the consumption of alcohol in the club (which was apparently not licenced) a faction of the club claimed ownership of the club (with the blessings of Dr McCarthy's executors) and claimed the sale was void. A new club was formed by the faction and the club members were excluded from both the new club and club house. This was the basis of the law suit by the original members of the club. Despite agreeing with the motives of the executors and new club members, the judge found in favor of the original members on the basis of law. (Argus Newspaper 21 Dec 1920).

These aluminium tokens were recently up for auction in Melbourne. What were they used for? Club tokens (for drinks, etc.) were popular early in the last century. But how many drinks could 4 shillings buy??

Does any one know the origin of these tokins? Are they from our club or the Football club?