Gloucester Community Club

Overview

Gloucester Community Club was organized in November, 1955, at the home of Richard and Olive Whitehurst, with about 25 members, all residents of the Gloucester-Straits area. Originally, there were no dues, but each member paid fifty cents when present. Area beautification was a primary goal, initially. Hundreds of crepe myrtles were planted, rubbish dumps cleared and signs reading "This is Gloucester - Please help us keep it clean" were erected at each end of the community.

Three residents, Elizabeth G. Williams, Josie Pigott and Lillian Pigott Willis, gave land at the triangle junction of Pigott Road and Ferry Dock Road for a permanent clubhouse. Chicken barbecue suppers were, and continue to be, the chief source of income for the club, paying for the clubhouse and major repairs to it, plus its operating expenses. A covered barbecue pit was built on the grounds and the first supper was served in a potato grading shed owned by the Pigott family and located in the club triangle. The potato house also served as a meeting place and for dances sometimes, given by the club. Originally, members gathered at various homes for the business and social sessions.

Now there are more than 85 members on the club roll and dues are $5 annually. About half the members are classed as inactive because they own weekend homes in the area and usually are not in Gloucester on monthly "second Tuesday" meeting days.

The club continues to focus its attention on community needs and concerns.

Its programs vary from speakers on assorted subjects to square dance teams and documentary movies. Covered dish suppers are held several times a year.

Down East Community Assets Map
updated 07/2011 by Down East Ocracoke Hatteras North Carolina