According to researcher Wally Graves, the club was founded "to own and maintain a club headquarters for the meetings and enjoyment of its members; to create, establish and maintain an association of gentlemen for the preservation and protection of historic 'Carson Mansion'; to promote interest among its members in athletics, yachting, golf, swimming and related activities; to promote good fellowship, and to associate together those interested in the field of fine arts, music and culture"[1] More recently, the club defines its mission as one of maintaining the historic home while providing dining and social outlets for its members.

[6] After the 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes, the house suffered damage as it did in 1932, requiring the club to add a surcharge to member dues to complete significant repair and restoration work.

[1] In 1974, Ellen Stern Harris, vice chairman of the California Coastal Commission, was not allowed to join her fellow commissioners for an informal tour of the Carson Mansion because the private Ingomar Club, housed there, admitted women "only on specified days.

"[7] The state attorney-general's office filed suit against the club in July 1974 after the Ingomar board of directors decided not to change the rule.

It did not involve membership, though, "since state law does not prevent a private social club from barring members on the grounds of sex, religion or race.