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Our Purpose
Even though the Club has changed over the years, many things remain very much the same. Tradition plays
a huge part in what makes the Petroleum Club unique and wonderful. The doors open each morning to what is called "Coffee Shop."
Friends and colleagues gather in the Charcoal Room over hot coffee and biscuits as they begin the day discussing all matters
of business, politics, hunting, sports and general discourse. The dinner dance each Friday night is always well attended and
has hosted top musicians through the years. Names like Sammy Lesco, Harry St. Pierre, Earl Parquette and Sonny Bourg have
headlined in the Walnut Room to large groups of members dancing the night away. Every other Thursday is Bingo Night at the
Club. For nearly fifty years families and friends have congregated to enjoy a great meal, a good laugh and maybe even a chance
to win the evening's jackpot. The Petroleum Club's Sunday lunch buffet is another popular family event that has become a tradition
for members.
Excellent food and service have been the cornerstone of the Petroleum Club's longevity and success. Top
managers, chefs and dedicated service professionals have catered to the high levels of quality expected by the Club's members.
The employees create a "home-away-from-home" atmosphere that makes any visit to the Petroleum Club both comfortable and memorable.
Brothers Clovis and John Constantine, along with Irvin Bernard, have tended bar at the Club for more than40 years. Assistant
Club Manager McKinley Simmons Jr. has worked for the Petroleum Club for 27 years and epitomizes the caring and warmth that
distinguishes the Petroleum Club from all other establishments in Lafayette.
When you enter the Petroleum Club and start walking down the red brick hallway lined with pictures of
past board members, you begin to understand the pride and tradition that has been maintained for so many years. The building
is resplendent with beautiful hardwood paneling, gorgeous chandeliers and plush leather chairs. Completely remodeled in the
midand late 1990s the Petroleum Club continues to reflect the rich history of our industry and the grandeur of our times.
Our Past
The origin of the Petroleum Club dates from 1952 when the first oil companies started moving into offices
on St. Mary, between Heymann Boulevard and Pinhook Road. The late Maurice Heymann owned a large nursery for retail shrub and
tree sales, a part of which he ultimately developed into the Oil Center. A small group of oilmen approached Heymann with interest
in building a "club room" for the purpose of relaxing, socializing and discussing mutual problems after a long day's work.
Heymann liked the idea and told the oilmen that if they created a legal corporation and built the club themselves, he would
donate the land. Ten oil company representatives formed the Southern Building Company for the purpose of selling stock. Their
goal was to sell 200 shares at $200 per share. They accomplished this goal in several months with 200 charter members in place.
On April 12, 1953, the original charter was organized and the Petroleum Club of Lafayette was born.
The Petroleum Club kept pace with the oil industry, and after expansions in 1959, 1964, 1968 and 1981, the
club grew to more than 44,000 square feet, becoming the largest Petroleum Club in the world. Until 1986 Petroleum Club membership
was comprised of only men in the oil and gas industry. Today, however, the Club has a more diverse membership and is made
up of men and women representing most of Lafayette's professional sector. The Petroleum Club has become Acadiana's melting
pot of social and business interaction.
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