A look back at the Winfield Community Building in the ‘50s and ‘60s

[Editor’s note: This is the third article in a series that offers some information about the history of Winfield’s former Community Building.]

Once the decision was made to remodel the theater into a community building, the transformation was soon underway. Two things were essential to accomplish this transformation: money and volunteers. The former being the biggest challenge.

In March of 1958, a campaign was underway to be used for kitchen equipment. Donations of $2,600 were needed. The Amitie purchased a new double tub stainless steel sink for the kitchen, women put up drapes upstairs, the basement walls were plastered, and the upstairs restroom was completed.

Charles Young, chairman of the finance committee, announced that $2,000 had been raised by the end of March of 1958. He urged people to continue to support the community building fund saying, “Let’s get together and put this over for once and for good.” Unfortunately, there wasn’t a “for good” as there was a continuing need for funds to support the building. To help raise money, the firemen held a dance featuring Vince Lucas and his Rhythm Kings. Admission was $1.00. There was no mention of how much money was raised, but any amount was welcomed by the committee.

While the upstairs of the community building was nearly complete, there was still considerable work to be done in the basement and to the small apartment upstairs to make it livable. At the September 1958’s Chamber meeting, plans were discussed for completing the refinishing work on the basement. The request for donations once again was put before the community, which responded with enough money to proceed with the basement project. Besides monetary donations, some organizations donated items. The local TTT chapter donated a water fountain for the basement, the Lions Club sponsored a Pinochle Marathon to raise money to purchase four tables for the community building.

In February 1959, an ad in the Beacon announced the opening of a roller rink in the basement of the community building. It would be known as “Ted’s Roller Rink.” A teen board had been elected to give teens an opportunity to have some input into activities at the community building. The teen board was made up of Mick Haines, President, V.P., Ronnie Owens, Secretary, Charlotte Widmer and Dennis Deal, treasurer. They expressed an interest in making the basement of the community building more presentable and a place for recreation.

They thought the building should be used by younger people, (6th, 7th, and 8th grades). An auxiliary board was elected with Tim Haines representing 6th grade, and two members each from the 7th and 8th grades. They were Jared Williams, John Seybe, Patty Kelly, and Merrill Crawford, and from 9th grade Neil Hillyard and Barbara Marshall. To raise money for equipment for the basement, the teen board decided to have an ice cream social using the profits to purchase a ping pong table, disks for the shuffleboard. With money from their dances, they had already purchased six loudspeakers for the record player.

Even while additional improvements were being made, the community building was not lacking for use. Scouts, Brownies, the Chamber of Commerce, 4-H clubs, Corn Growers, elections, square dance lessons and auctions, were only a few of meetings and events held there. There was no doubt that the community building was fast becoming a vital part of the community. Unfortunately, it was also an expensive asset and there was an ongoing need to raise funds to remodel and maintain the building. Donations also came from outside the community. The Iowa/Illinois Telephone Company donated $500 toward on-going remodeling projects of the community building. Many organizations in town held events to raise money so work on the community building could continue.

When the upstairs was ready to host major events volunteers were needed to clean the building before the Henry County Federated Women’s Club held their county convention there. Volunteers were asked to bring their own cleaning supplies and men were welcome to come and wash windows on the outside. One hundred and twenty-five members of the Women’s Club were welcomed into a sparkling clean community building.

In January of 1959, it was announced that a roller-skating rink would seem to be available in the basement of the community building. The hours would be Wednesday and Saturday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 and Sunday afternoons from 2-5. A small fee would be charged and plans included having at least one volunteer present to the chaperone.

Through the years, rummage sales were held each spring and fall with proceeds going to support the community building. Sometimes over $1,000 was raised, other times just a little over $500 making it hard for the board to make a standard budget. When funds were needed, they asked for support from the community.

In February 1963, the board again needed help. The expenses were approximately $2,000 per year and the current income from rent and donations was not able to keep up with necessary maintenance needs. The need for a new roof was on the horizon. The board was hoping to sell more shares and again they were asking for donations. The increasing use of the community building made the need to maintain it even more necessary. In one month alone the building hosted 30 events. Besides maintenance on the building there were still items needed to complete the inside. The board discussed the need for folding chairs and found they could be purchased for $3.88 each. Donations of $35.00 from the Amitie and $5.00 from the Marsh Busy Bee Club helped with the cost of purchasing them, but the board was anxious for other organizations or individuals to contribute to the fund.

In February of 1965, the board was seeking funds for ceiling tile. Plans were to put acoustical tile on the basement ceiling and if enough funds were raised to also panel the basement walls. This, a board member declared, “Would make the basement a meeting room of which the community will be proud.” People were urged to leave their donations with Lloyd Lindell or Garrett Van. The request for funds ended with this admonishment, “All you need is a sense of pride in your community.” (and some money?)

A photo on the front page of the March 4,1965 pictured Bill and Joe Klopfenstein Marvin unity building. Lambert and Chan Schinder installing the new ceiling tiles in the basement of the community building. The walls had been finished with knotty pine paneling. On April 3 the board held an Open House to show off the new improvements in the basement. Prior to the Open House dn’t were asked to come and do a complete cleaning of the basement. April 11th the Henry County Republican Woman held their meeting there.

The community building was host to so many events through the years it would be impossible to list them all. One only has to skim through Beacons of that era to see that one or more events were scheduled there every week, and many times every day. It was a vital part of Winfield and the surrounding area.

For more about the life and times of Winfield’s Community Building, watch for more articles in future Beacons.