Our History
The rich history of the Commissioners dates back to 1933. The club was founded by a group of prominent Philadelphians, including Wilbur Strickland, William Ramsey, Charles Chew, Robert Nelson, Tanner Moore, Dr. Roland Milburn, Hobson Reynolds and John Hopkins.Robert Nelson, a former Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner, is the source of the club’s name.
The club started with members gathering at each other’s homes to enjoy poker games, cocktails and discussing politics. Given the racist policies at that time, they could not meet in restaurants. They often met following the Penn Relays and were joined by friends from Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C., to socialize.
Members from those areas connected with friends in Wilmington Delaware and that led to the beginning the Commissioners in Delaware. The Atlantic City group was started by Dr. Roland Milburn.
Please read additional articles and stories about our history as listed below!
