Gadsby’s Hobby Club, the red brick building at the corner of 3 Street and Alberta Avenue has finally closed its doors to residents and community members it has served for 38 years.
On Friday, Aug. 7, the club held a garage sale to dispose all the items and furniture at the venue.
The building, which was established in 1913 and served as the offices of the Royal Bank till 1937, was home to various groups throughout the years, some of which were the Cubs and Scouts, a woman’s club and the Gadsby Legion.
The Gadsby Hobby Club was started in the late 1970s by a group of 11 residents of the town.
When the town council restored the building and furnished it, the hobby club took over the lease for 99 years, commencing in 1985.
Activities over the years have been diverse, including a fashion show, fabric sale, bake sale, teas, rummage sales, flea markets, raffles, Bingo and Christmas crafts workshops.
In the past year the hobby club has also hosted a monthly supper, with special meals to celebrate various occasions throughout the seasons.
With a pool table and shuffle board, the club has been a hub for the town’s youth and residents.
The club was also a venue for the county’s Winter Games.
Although efforts were made to keep the club running, it was quite difficult to keep it operational.
Coincidently, one of the founding members, Helen Bailey, who “saved the building and created Gadsby District Hobby Club” recently passed away at the age of 97.