TIMELINE OF EVENTS

1950 – First Informal Meetings led by H.F. “Tax” King

1954 – Board of Directors & Officers Elected,
Committees Appointed & Club Incorporated
as a Nonprofit Organization

1960 – Club moved to Northern Hotel

1981 – Club moved to Sheraton Hotel

2002 – Club temporarily changed its name to the
Billings Professional Club

2016 – Club completes major renovation

a RICH HISTORY
OF EXCELLENCE
since 1954
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For more than 60 years, the Billings Petroleum Club has provided thousands of members, their families and the community with an exceptional environment for fine dining, social gatherings, business meetings and special celebrations.

Petroleum Club membership encompasses the wide spectrum of business found across the region, from the oil and gas industry and health care to law firms and banking. Corporate members are joined by hundreds of resident members who are passionate in their support of this nonprofit organization. 

LANDMAN LAUNCHES NEW CLUB
—

In 1950, the first informal, invitation-only meetings of what would become the Billings Petroleum Club were led by self-appointed president H.F. “Tax” King, a landman with Continental Oil Co. Four years later, the Billings Petroleum Club became a reality. On Jan. 30, 1954, a general meeting was called, a board of directors and officers elected, and committees appointed. The club was incorporated on April 16, 1954, as a private, nonprofit organization. John T. Rouse was the first official president. A vacant building next to the Stockman Bar and Café became the club’s headquarters, with service provided by the Stockman.

NEW LOCATION,
FINANCIAL BOOST

Significant discoveries of oil across the region fueled growth in the oil and gas industry in the early 1950s, but in 1959, activity slowed and major oil companies and large independents were moving out of Billings. Club membership was in decline. Through the efforts of then-President Darrell Black and other business leaders, the club was saved. The club agreed to lease for 15 years a new two-story annex to the Northern Hotel and moved there in June 1960. Some 50 members, led by a group known as the “Sheepherders,” volunteered to prepay their dues for the life of the 15-year lease, providing a great financial boost to the club’s capital improvement fund.

HIGH IN THE 
BIG SKY

In January 1979, members voted overwhelmingly to accept developer Harrison Fagg’s invitation to relocate the club to the 22nd floor of his Sheraton Hotel, then under construction. On Jan. 2, 1981, just 28 days before celebrating its 27th anniversary, the club opened the doors to its current home.

In fall 2002, the financially struggling club changed its name to the Billings Professional Club to try and broaden its appeal. A January 2003 deadline was set for the club to create a survival plan or close for good. Several members came forward with five-year loan commitments and changes in service and finances were adopted. A new program for Club Sponsor advertising was introduced. Later that year, a survey of members, most who are not in the oil and gas industry, showed that 89% preferred the “Billings Petroleum Club” name, and it was restored.