Community Center ~ Clubhouse

Before Archway on Pond Street

This building is now used for storage and houses many bats. The first time the New Clubhouse was mentioned in the programs was 1934. The 1947 program stated there was a bowling alley adjacent. We hope to raise funds to repair it so it can once again be used for Services, Board Meetings, Parties, Dances, Workshops and Bingo.

August 28, 2010 Circle singing Let There Be Peace on Earth at Don and Diane Jackman Skolfield’s wedding.

We believe this building was standing in 1901 because the program of that year says:

There will be a Social Dance each week night of the camp-meeting at Buswell’s Hall. They call it “Buswell’s Hall” in the 1902 program as well.

The 1903 program says:

There will be a Social Dance each week day of the camp-meeting at the Association Hall.

In 1911 the program states:

After the close of the evening meetings there will be a dance at “Society Hall” on the grounds each week night. Overlook’s orchestra will furnish the music.

In 1936 the program tells us:

Through the efforts of Byron C. Hodgkins, Mrs. Montana Farnham, Henry Smith and others the old Dance Hall has been transformed into a most artistic Clubhouse with a rest and reading room; with an adjoining Bowling Alley furnished through the generosity of our President, A. Lincoln Blaisdell. The public is cordially invited to make use of this Clubhouse at all times.

In 1941 the program states:

The Club House will be open every week night evening, after services at the Temple, for dancing, bowling, games and recreation. The public is cordially invited to make use of this Clubhouse at all times.

Throughout the decades The Clubhouse was used for dances, beano, seances, and lots of fun.

It appears they expanded their two-week program to four weeks in 1964 and in 1970 they invited people to their “newly decorated and lighted Clubhouse for speakers from Ohio and Michigan.”

We hope to raise funds to repair it so it can once again be used by the people of Camp Etna and the public of Central Maine.