Center still the place for senior socializing

The oldest senior citizens center in New Mexico is here in Clovis, and it’s about to celebrate its 47th anniversary.

I’ve always known our senior citizens are treasures as they know so much more than us younger ones.

The late Alice Converse thought the same thing. Until April 14, 1957, Clovis had no plans to meet the challenge of providing social and recreational services for these seniors. Converse and members of the local Soroptimist Club started the movement to secure a place where seniors could gather.

The first place senior citizens met was at the chamber of commerce; in 1961, they moved to the Youth Recreation Building on East Seventh. On April 14, 1957, an organization meeting for senior citizens was held. That’s when W. W. Stanfield was made charter president. The only requirement for membership was to be 50 or older.

One day in 1963, Converse was driving down Merriwether Street and came upon a house for sale in the 600 block. The Frank Burns family, who were original settlers here, donated most of the cost of their home to the senior citizens. It had been built in 1907.

Shorty Burkett moved that home to 908 Hickory St. The city of Clovis provided the land on a long-term lease to this group, but the cost of the home and moving it was paid by money donated by many people. The city rakes in $1 a year from the seniors’ use of the land. The Burns home was considered a hospitality house where seniors could meet.

George Baxter bequeathed $5,000 to the center and a quilting club sold quilts, which added another $2,000. The money was needed to provide more space for the center’s growing population. This money started the building of a beautiful 40-by-60 foot building. In May 1967, at the opening of this building, the center was debt free. In 1976, the late W. E. Curren, a pioneer of this area, willed $90,000 plus, and the Curren addition was built.

Today the senior citizens group still meets at 908 Hickory. Members are excited about the 47th anniversary of the founding of the Clovis senior citizens. A celebration is scheduled on April 14.

Around 11:30 a.m., a potluck dinner will start. Visitors can see displays of scrapbooks, arts and crafts, prior to the dinner. Entertainment and a guest speaker are scheduled.

Sue Dobbs is the organization’s president. Other officers include Daryle Stephens, vice president; Margurette Spradlin, secretary; Moselle Bonds, treasurer. Other board members are Kay Knapp, Ted Gillham, Leonard Horton and Wanda Elliott.

Debbie Bowman is the executive director of the older adults department with her office at senior citizens. She works with City Manager Raymond Mondragon and Assistant City Manager Joe Thomas.

Brenda Browning, activity director, said quilting, art classes, crafts and other social functions are held each Monday through Friday at the center. Browning is handling the arrangements for the 47th anniversary.

The center also has Gospel singing the first Sunday of each month. Several volunteers, including Duane Howard, are busy helping seniors with their income tax forms. They’ve also hosted a computer class.

Since some of us old-timers have memory lapses, this is a reminder that the 47th anniversary celebration commences about mid-morning on April 14.

Come join the fun.

Don McAlavy is Curry County’s historian. He can be contacted at:

[email protected]