The Tampa Yacht and Country Club, which holds the debutante ball each year, is a very exclusive aspect of Tampa social life. The club advertises itself as a member owned, family oriented private club known for fine dining and entertainment. Founded in 1904, it is one of the most exclusive private clubs in the city. While the facilities are impressive, these numerous amenities can be viewed as excessive. With nine tennis courts, saunas, a fitness center, a lap pool, swimming pool, kiddie pool, an equestrian center, several dining rooms, and a ball room, nothing is not provided for the members of the club.
Tradition is taken very seriously at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club and all events are very ritualized. Several events are held each year that all members are expected to attend. They wear their finest attire and parade around the ball room, socializing with other members. All members are expected to know each other's names and their current social and financial standing. Even with their high social standing, members are not safe from the judgements of other members. In fact, especially in high-status groups, in-group favoritism manifested in stereotyping is common.
Most members of the club are rich, middle-aged to elderly men and their families. The dues they pay to be in the club help pay for the club's marina, sailing club, stables, as well as the dining rooms and pool service. A majority of these members, however, only participate in a few of the services provided. My family, for example, is a due-paying member of the Yacht Club, but we do not sail, dock our boat there, or ride horses at the barn. Instead, we eat at the club's restaurant once or twice a month. Membership into this club is not about having the opportunity to ride a horse or sail a boat; it is about having the social status that comes with it. To truly be viewed as a Tampa socialite, your family must be a member of the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. Unfortunately for new families to the area who are eager to climb the social ladder, this process is easier said than done. Not only must a potential member be viewed as elite enough to join, but the entire board of directors must agree to admit the man and his family.
About fifty years ago I worked at the TYCC as a dishwasher and busboy for a summer. I remember how uptight the matronly social director was, telling us basically that hard work would be a credit to our class. By contrast, the general manager was the kindest, most down to earth I've ever met--George Woodam, I think his was. This was around 1971.
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