Final Club Owes City $34,541 in Back Taxes

The Delphic Club, one of Harvard's nine selective, all-male social clubs, reportedly owes the City of Cambridge $34,541.78 in unpaid taxes. Cambridge city officials said last week.

If the final club does not pay the total sum by February 21, a lien will be placed on its 9 Linden Street property, said - Phillip Cyr, a spokesman for the Cambridge Treasurer's office.

If the sum is still not paid in full six months after that, the property "will be eligible for foreclosure," Cyr said.

"It is not our intention to foreclose the lean," he said.

Most club members declined to comment on the fiscal status, but were eager to comment on the organizations's 100th anniversary party, which was held this weekend.

"I've never had a better time or felt any better about Harvard," one member said. Concerning the club's financial status, however, he said. "If we owe that much money it's a big deal, but its not a big issue, and someone is blowing it out of proportion."

"I'm tired of reading biased stuff about our institution, which is really very similar to organizations like the Crimson," he added.

Several other club members contacted said they were unaware of the financial problems.

"I had no idea there was a crisis going on. I haven't heard anything," said one club member who asked not to be identified.

"Most club members aren't aware that anything is wrong and those who do know, don't think it's a big issue," said John G. McCallister '85, a Delphic Club member.

Another claimed that the amount quoted is incorrect.

"I think you have your facts wrong," he said, but declined to elaborate.

Lawrence Johnson, under whose name the property listed in the Cambridge city register, could not be reached for comment.

Cyr said this is not the first time one of Harvard's final clubs has faced such financial difficulties.

"Every once in a while, they choose not to pay their taxes," he said.