[3] The club's founding, in 1854, is considered the "dawn of organized athletics in the University of Pennsylvania.

"[4] Known as "the upper-class rowing club," UBC is a founder, and the most senior member, of the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States, the Schuylkill Navy.

[8] Club members wore sailor uniforms from clothier Jacob Reed that were monogrammed with "U.B.C."

[8] As the club's membership became dominated by Old Philadelphians[10] from the upper-class[5] aristocracy, student enthusiasm waned.

[7] In 1887, University Barge Club leased an additional upriver clubhouse for social functions called The Lilacs on the west bank of the Schuylkill.