Old club, new times

WOMEN’S ROLES HAVE CHANGED AT Kitchi

Gammi Club

SINCE ITS START IN 1883

By Andrea Busche

Duluth’s Kitchi Gammi Club is one-of-a-kind, a fine venue for members to dine and gather, but also a place where plenty of work gets done.

Is it a civic club? A social institution? A professional organization? As it turns out, it’s all this and more.

“I would call it a business club,” said Leanne Joynes, the club’s general manager. “We are busiest during the week when we are hosting business meetings and conferences,” she said. “Lots of deals have been done here.”

The “Kitch,” as it is known to locals, has come a long way regarding its membership protocol for women. Similar to many other clubs of its day, it was originally only for men. At one time, women had to enter through a separate doorway, were required to wear skirts or dresses and could dine

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