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One of the groups was the Keatnicks who also had a record that made the charts with their song, Three Long Days and Nights. The downstairs, affectionately known as the pit, was for men only and was where pool and high-stakes poker was played.
It was established as a non-profit club. Any money made during the fiscal year was then divided between local groups and associations. The club also sponsored local men, women and youth sporting teams such as broomball, basketball and skiing.
When the club was first built, its popularity was due in part to it being the only club in town. There was no competition because IOCC held title to all land and had somebody built outside the town, they would not have had access to city utilities or roads. In the mid 1970s IOCC changed this policy and people could finally purchase land, homes or businesses.
After IOCC sold the club, there was a succession of private owners. After loosing the monopoly for beer and liquor, other clubs became more popular and eventually lack of patrons lead to the closing of the club. The building sat vacant for over two years while the town struggled to finance the money to purchase and renovate it for use as a teen center. The question remains, "How many bake sales are required to finance a $1,000,000 building?" After finally arranging the necessary finances to buy the club; the townspeople donated time, money and materials to renovate the facility. The local RNC periodically visit the club and some help sponsor events.
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