ForgottenBuffalo.com, the region’s authority on unique landmarks, classic taverns, old world neighborhoods & “Nickel City” oddities celebrated the 80th anniversary of the building of the Corpus Christi Athletic Clubrooms on Saturday April 26, 2008. The stop was part of a ForgottenBuffalo.com bus tour conducted by Eddy Dobosiewicz & Marty Biniasz.
For over many years, the Men’s Athletic Club of Corpus Christi Church was one of the most active social centers on the Eastside. The building, built in 1928, was the brainchild of a young, energetic priest named Michael Cieslik who wanted to cultivate the youth of the parish. A women’s club on Clark Street, and currently named the Kolbe Center, was also built at the time. During the 1950s, the club sported a roster of over 800 members who took advantage of a gymnasium, full-size bowling alley, shuffleboard and a spacious private lounge. Social functions, including polka dances, would host thousands. For a time, alcohol was banned and only beer and wine was served, as the Franciscan Friars did want consumption so close to the church. In 1964, the current automatic pin setting system was introduced. At present, the Club is closed due to lack of membership, although the building is used for weekly bingo games and other parish events.
The visit to Corpus Christi was part of Forgotten Buffalo’s “Secret Societies and Private Club” tour” and will be repeated on May 8th. For more information on how to attend, visit www.ForgottenBuffalo.com
How neat would it be to have the CCC Club opened up again!!!!!!!!!! I would bowl there!!!!!!