The Joymen Club of Atlanta was originally formed on November 15, 1912, by twelve students on the campus of Atlanta university. The official organization of the club occurred at the home of Bertram Hamilton. Others present were L.Bell, H.Winbish, A. Edward, H. Thomas, and C. Luckie. The Joymen club went through several name changes before finally adopting its current name. The first name was M.T. C. or the merry Twelve Card Club. In 1915, the name was changed to the Royal Twelve Club. On November 19,1919, the current name "Joymen" was adopted by the club.This last change was made to accommodate an increase in membership in size from twelve to a larger number which eventually became thirty in 1997. As the organization evolved, adaptations were made in the scheduling of meetings. Until 1972, the club met approximately three or four times per year. The Joymen were forced to suspend many of its regular meetings during world war 1 (1917-1918) but did not ever disband. The major social activity of the Joymen is the annual formal dance which initially was held in the private residence of member. Later, the site for the annual dance moved to larger public facilities such as the OASIA club, the Waluhage Ballroom, The Hellenic Community house, the AKA House and the Marriott Hotel. festivities during the dance included dinner being served , photographs taken,and the introduction of members,special guest, ect. It is the prayer of all that this unique social diversion "The Joymen Club" will be around another 100 years for members, friend and guest.
