From its founding in 1946 by Black professional and business men of Boston until its closing in 1987, the Professional and Business Men's Club, also called the P&B, was a unique community institution at 542 Massachusetts Avenue. It was 'a place where you could get know ‘something' or ‘somebody' that could be of help to you, a place where you could have a good time socially, get professional and personal support through friendship and social exchange,' said John Bynoe, the club's owner and director during its last 25 years. The P&B was a place where ideas were nourished which led to the creation of a number of community programs and agencies.