Stateclubs

State of Origin Clubs

The state Clubs are the predecessors of all activities, clubs and in fact the Senior Center itself.

The oldest state club on record is the Ohio Club organized on February 23, 1911. It's name then was the Ohio Society of Saint Cloud. The Iowa Association was formed in 1914. New England and Wisconsin Clubs were formed in 1916. The Pennsylvania and New Yourk Clubs were formed in 1917. At some point the clubs combined forces to become the Saint Cloud Tourist Club. A club house was built and opened in 1923. In 1926 a meeting was held in the new club house. Four hundred and seventy five members were present with the Ohio Club having the largest contingent at 107. In 1996-97 hall B, now known as the Annex was opened.

Deed #3392 conveys Block 68 with its 24 lots to the "town" of Saint Cloud from the Seminole Land and Investment Co., Inc. The land was "conveyed solely and only for use as a public park for the benefit of the inhabitants of said town and is to continue in force and effect so long as said land is used for said public park purposes by said town". Other wise it shall revert to he company or its successors. This is the land now occupied by the Annex and the Shuffleboard Club. The original Senior Center, also on that site was demolished afer the new Senior Center on 17th Street opened.

At some pont, building operating costs became too much of a burden for the seniors. The City purchased the building and took over their maintenance.

In about 1963 the Saint Cloud Golden AgeClub joined forces with the tourist clubs. At that time the musical groups with the Golden Age Club became the Silver Clouds Chorus and Orchestra.

Dances and musical shows were held in the old senior center sponsored by individual clubs. Gradually these evolved into the Monday Social Dance, the Tuesday Shows and the Saturday Country Dance we have today. At some point a central staff was elected, and charged with coordingating meeting space, dances, events and shows.

The concept of state-of-origin-fellowship has evolved over time into something more inclusive. The Clubs have responded by combining forces and including shall we call them "pre-seniors" and full time residents. The current list of clubs includes:

New England-NY-NJ Club

We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 12 Noon in "B" Hall at the 17th Street facility from November to April. Meetings consist of a potluck meal and entertainment. All seniors are welcome. Call Esther Kilborn 407 957-2728 for more details.

Ohio-KY-MI Club

We meet on the 2nd Monday of each month from November through April at noon in "B" Hall. A prayer, pledge to the Flag, a meal and entertainment are common to all meetings. We have guest speakers, and sometimes musical entertainment. Group size varies, but up to 32 during the high season. Contacts are Fern Fulton 407 892-5807, Donna Zimmerly 407 892-6312, and Larry Kinny 407 891-7396.

PA-VA-MD-WV-NC Club

Formerly known as the Keystone Club, the group meets in "B" hall on the 4th Tuesday of the Month from November through March at Noon. Th meetings consist of a meal, a meeting and entertainment. For more details, call Nada Grimes, 407 957-9870.

Central Florida Indiana Club

The Club meets the first Monday of each month, November through April. Meeting are held at the Annex at 702 Indian Street in Saint Cloud, beginning at 11:45 AM and sometimes lasting until the hall scheduled for another group. Bring a dish and your eating utensils. Coffee, Ice tea, and and assorted soft drinks are furnished. No Dues. No Newsletters. No boring programs. Our meeting are built around the premise of us "Hoosiers" entertaining "Hoosiers".

Each meeting is themed. We have Bring-a-Joke-Day, Easter Bonnet Day, St. Paddy's Green Day. We celebrate birthdays, and anniversaries and enything else that we can think of. We are never without amusement. We are an all age inclusive club, no ankle biters. We even invite anyone whose state borders Indiana, no questions asked. We are always looking for piano players, the last one retired last year.

All who attend any club or function are considered members of the Senior Center.

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