North Ward Social Club holds open house

Jun. 20—SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Saturday was a day of food, fun and entertainment as the North Ward Social Club held an open house at their new headquarters.

The open house was held three days after the organization celebrated the 80th anniversary of its formation on June 16, 1941.

Ray Gradwell, head trustee, said the new one-floor building is located near its original location, inside a former hotel at Dock Street and Route 61.

The previous bar was located on the lower level of that building which also once housed a Democratic Club.

As it worked out, Gradwell said, a few people got together and made it a social club for people to come and enjoy, and a place for something to do in Schuylkill Haven.

The new building was 10 years in the making, Gradwell said.

He explained the site, adjacent to the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store, was purchased for $400,000 with the club paying it off within four years.

Although the open house was Saturday, Gradwell said, the new building officially opened its doors on Jan. 4.

Not only did the new building give members a bright and cozy place to socialize, it also attracted new members since it opened.

Gradwell said the North Ward Social Club boasts of having over 1,000 members, which keeps growing.

"Since we opened, (in January) we're getting about 80 new members a month," he said.

Member Leo Fessler, of Schuylkill Haven, built the large bar in the social room, which also has four pool tables, gaming machines and more. He said the group is also planning to designate an area for a permanent kitchen.

In addition to the purchase of the land, Fessler said, the new clubhouse cost the club about $750,000, making the total project over $1 million.

Fessler said the building could have been done and in use earlier than January, but the project, along with others throughout the country, were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID slowed us down a little, but here we are," he said.

Gradwell said that besides being a place to socialize, the club assists the borough in many ways.

The club also makes donations to nonprofits and other organizations with its state small games of chance license permit.

"What we do is make donations to the fire companies and other organizations who need it," he said. "We're a community club and help out whenever we can ... it's a win win for everyone."

John Moyer, of Schuylkill Haven, is a 30-year member of the club and also a past president.

He said the new headquarters had been in the making for more than a decade and in the end, it was worth the work and time.

"We have a beautiful building that everyone can enjoy," he said.