About Us
The Denver Petroleum Club was established in 1948 to facilitate the economic growth of the oil and gas, and other energy industries through business, social and networking events. Spanning more than six decades and boasting a membership of 2400 in the 70’s and early 80’s, the DPC was THE place to make contacts, or meet with friends and clients.
Today, the Club remains committed to bringing together energy professionals in the Rocky Mountain west to socialize and network, as well as discuss issues, learn about various energy-related topics and engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers.
History
“…members of the Petroleum Club are quite capable of enjoying almost any kind of occasion that includes good food, good drink and good conversation….as eager to explore new frontiers as they are to remember old traditions.” (from the Thirtieth Anniversary Edition of Crude ‘n Refined, 1978
1946—Bill and Maury Goodin hosted a Christmas party for local oil and gas folks at the Albany Hotel that was such a rousing success the attendees conceived the Denver Petroleum Club for the “exchange of ideas.”
1948—Touting a full lunch and dinner menu, and a slot machine that favored the house, the Club officially opened in the Ranch Room of the Albany with a $25 initiation fee and a $5 monthly membership fee.
1954—By now a successful enterprise, the Club quickly outgrew the Ranch Room and moved to the Edelweiss Cafe on Glenarm for a brief period. As it expanded, the Club struck a deal to lease the top three floors of the new Columbia Savings Building a.k.a the “Old Petroleum Club” under construction at 16th and Broadway. In the interim, the Club operated at the Mile High Center in 1955-1956.
1956—The Ladies of the Petroleum Club formed. While not involved in the Club’s operations, members recognized the importance of the women’s social skills. Denver was the only club to have an associated women’s organization. 1957—This was a splendid year for the Club as it moved to its new digs at Columbia Savings. With its own kitchens, card room, meeting rooms, several plush dining rooms, lounges and offices planned by a prestigious Los Angeles design firm, the Club was in its heyday.
1978—More than 5,000 wells were drilled in the Rocky Mountain Region and the Club attained unprecedented growth with more than 2400 members. The Club also expanded to even larger quarters occupying the top two floors in the tallest building at the time in Denver. The 37th and 38th floors in the new Anaconda Tower at 555 17th Street, featured stunning views of the Colorado Rockies complete with a lounge, bar, library, conference room, card and billiard room, and three separate dining rooms that could seat 300 persons. For 27 years the Club operated in this location, and for a time was known as “Top of The Rockies” and later as the “Pinnacle Club.”
2005—A 50 year time capsule located in the old Columbia Savings building was opened. It contained a sample of uranium, gold, and oil as well as the membership directories for the Petroleum Club, the Baptist Church and an oil and gas publication from a company called Petroleum Information which had been started and managed by Bill, Maury, George and Ed Goodin. Unfortunately in 2005, the Pinnacle Club declared bankruptcy and reorganized as the Denver Petroleum Club LLC and relocated to its present home at the Denver Athletic Club. Charles W. Goodin, son of Bill Goodin, led the reorganization effort, keeping the club alive.
2007—The new Denver Petroleum Club started with 16 Founding Members on March 30, 2007 and grew to a membership of nearly 300 members in just a few short years. The Club’s mission to “facilitate economic growth of the oil and gas, and other energy industries through business, social and networking events” lives on.
2010—Today, the Club offers education through a “Guest Speakers Series”; charity through an annual Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball; and fellowship through monthly “Happy Hours” and other social events such as the annual Holiday Party and summer Hawaiian Luau. Members also enjoy a room fee and catering discount at the Denver Athletic Club for their company’s events.