It is located beside the 1847 stone arch in Market Street and is one of Goulburn’s earliest buildings.

Market St saw many changes during the 1800s and early 1900s, developing from a muddy side-shoot off Sloane St to a principal business precinct. It was so named because it was the original market place for the town. 

The Goulburn Club building occupied about half the present frontage and was initially called the Medical Hall.

It was built about 1853 as a residence, surgery and chemist shop for Dr Robert Waugh. He also manufactured baking powder there. 

After Dr Waugh died in 1870, the building had mixed uses.

In about 1880 it was taken over by a group of gentlemen who, in 1877, had formed a whist club at the nearby Commercial Hotel.

The old Medical Hall became the Goulburn Club—perhaps more commonly known as the Gentleman’s Club. It had many prestigious members at inauguration and thereafter.

In 1898 the club bought the building becoming known as the Gentleman’s Club.

As the Gentleman’s Club there were many prestigious members. The club purchased the building about 1898 and at intervals until 1930 made major structural and internal changes. These included extending the building to its present frontage.

In 1972 there was a restructure and it became known again as the Goulburn Club. 

Through the 1970s and 1980s the Goulburn Club reinvented itself to throw off the Gentlemen’s Club label, but it was not until 1988 that women were allowed to join as full members.

In 2001 the club was revamped again. This historic building and club continue thanks to the continuing efforts of dedicated volunteers. 

The club is now particularly known for its vibrant live and community music scene.

History Goulburn is hosting Anna McCormack to speak on the history of the Goulburn Club and on early Market Street.

Mrs McCormack said Dr Waugh was a fascinating fellow.

“He was the first manufacturer of baking powder in the southern hemisphere,” she said.

“This was because baking powder did not travel well on ships through the tropics. It would spoil. Waugh’s Baking Powder was widely used across the country up until the 1920’s.” 

Her talk is on Monday, November 12, at 6pm at the Goulburn Soldier’s Club. 

RSVP by 8th November, historygoulburn.events@gmail.com, subject line ‘Goulburn Club’