For much of the 20th century, the Stork Club was the epicenter of New York City’s social scene. Nestled at 3 East 53rd Street in Manhattan for much of its existence, this glamorous nightclub was more than a hotspot—it was a cultural institution that shaped an era of high society. From its founding in 1929 to its closure in 1965, the Stork Club attracted the world’s most influential figures, spun fascinating tales, and left behind a legacy that continues to enchant, thanks in part to its now-iconic memorabilia, which remain cherished collectibles.

Sherman Billingsley, a former bootlegger turned entrepreneur, opened the Stork Club during the Prohibition era. Starting as a humble speakeasy, the club initially operated in a small location on West 58th Street. It later moved twice, first to 51st Street and finally settling at its famous 3 East 53rd Street address. With each relocation, the Stork Club grew in prominence and grandeur, eventually becoming synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and Manhattan’s elite social scene.

By the 1940s, the Stork Club had solidified its reputation as the ultimate gathering spot for the rich and famous, with entry strictly reserved for those on the invite list. Walter Winchell, the legendary gossip columnist and a regular patron, famously dubbed it “the Yorkiest joint in town,” a playful nod to its Manhattan address and unrivaled glamour. Winchell’s status was so entrenched at the club that he was assigned a private table—Table 50—strategically located near the entrance. This placement allowed Winchell to see and be seen, gathering scoops for his columns while holding court with his famous guests. Table 50 became a hotspot of its own, where deals were struck, gossip was exchanged, and history unfolded.

The Stork Club’s guest list read like a roll call of Hollywood royalty, literary greats, and political powerhouses. Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and Lauren Bacall were regulars, as was Grace Kelly before her ascension to royalty. Frank Sinatra often entertained guests with impromptu performances, while Elizabeth Taylor celebrated milestone moments within its hallowed walls. The club wasn’t just for entertainers. Politicians and presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, were known to frequent the venue. Literary legend Ernest Hemingway was also a fan, famously enjoying its martinis. Socialite Babe Paley and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland brought high-fashion allure, while Winchell himself ensured the Stork Club’s escapades were the talk of the town.

The Stork Club’s influence extended far beyond its walls. It set the standard for café society and established a template for the kind of intimate yet opulent environments sought by the elite. Its blend of exclusivity, impeccable service, and a glamorous, curated atmosphere served as a precursor to the private membership clubs and upscale nightclubs that define contemporary high society. Venues such as Soho House, Annabel’s in London, and exclusive speakeasies owe a debt to the Stork Club’s groundbreaking ability to create spaces where the rich and famous could relax, network, and revel in privacy.

One of the Stork Club’s most enduring legacies is its matchbooks. These seemingly simple items became iconic symbols of the club’s sophistication. Designed with the club’s signature logo and elegant typography, the matchbooks were far more than functional—they were coveted souvenirs that offered a tangible connection to the Stork Club’s glittering world. But the matchbooks were just one piece of the club’s charm. Lucky treasure hunters attending estate sales might stumble upon other pieces of Stork Club history, such as its famous ashtrays, perfumes, or lipsticks. These items, often emblazoned with the club’s logo, are not just collectibles but artifacts that evoke an era of elegance and exclusivity.

In the mid-20th century, these items symbolized the Stork Club’s lavish and unparalleled attention to detail, where even everyday objects became luxurious keepsakes. Today, collectors prize these mementos as rare and tangible links to one of New York’s most legendary institutions that though it may no longer exist, its spirit remains as a shimmering reminder of a bygone era.