Political clubs were killed by the Internet. Below is an email I received from the Mount Royal Democratic Club. It explains the situation. Thanks for the memories, Senator Jack Lapides!
"This year, the Mount Royal Democratic Club will hold its annual Holiday Cocktail Party on Saturday, December 12, 2009, from 5PM until 7PM at the Maryland Institute College of Art, 1300 W Mt Royal Av in Baltimore. Please note that the date is different this year
The club is disbanding and this will be our last Holiday Cocktail Party, "The Last Hurrah"
If you have already received an invitation in the mail and can forward your check in advance, please do so per the instructions on the invitation
If this is your first notice, or you prefer to pay at the door, please indicate how many will attend by return email
In either case, your advance notice will permit the Club to better plan in arranging for appropriate amounts of food and beverages
The Governor and other political figures are expected to attend. As always, live music will be provided
The Mount Royal Democratic Club has a storied history, and has been in existence for over 50 years. Now with a more dispersed population and vastly improved and more diverse communications options, the logic underlying monthly club meetings and events such as picnics has eroded not only for this local democratic club but for many political clubs throughout the country
We hope you will be able to join us in writing this last celebration into the club's history and add your voice in congratulating the club's long-time president, Senator Jack Lapides on this extraordinary accomplishment
Look forward to seeing you on December 12. And please let us know if you are coming"