The Continental Club was founded in 1961 to offer people of Germanic ethnical background a social rallying point in Seattle and to promote and preserve their European cultural heritage. The Continental Club at that time offered discount travel to Europe by renting charter flights for its members. After the airlines were deregulated, inexpensive flights were available to everyone and the travel purpose of the club was no longer needed. Club members continued to gather at frequent events throughout the greater Seattle-Tacoma area and in 1971, proceeds from the Club were used to purchase property and to build the Berghaus at Hyak, which became a place for families and friends to enjoy time together. In 1973, a dormitory building connected to the day lodge was built to offer a larger sleeping area for its members. Today the Continental Club is open to people of all nationalities and continues to offer a base for numerous winter and summer activities.
