HISTORY OF THE
IRISH AMERICAN CLUB – EAST SIDE, INC.

In January, 1978, a small group of East Side Irishmen gathered together, before the Super Bowl game, to hold the first organizational meeting of what evolved into the Irish American Club – East Side, Inc.

In less than two months, the small group grew in such numbers that the original meeting place, O'Brien's by the Tracks, could not handle the crowd.  The group then moved their meetings to Smith's Restaurant in Euclid, Ohio.  On March 17, 1978 the Club was officially chartered as a corporation in the State of Ohio.  The Club was formed to promote Irish heritage as a family organization, and to sponsor social, cultural, educational and athletic programs for its members. The first election of officers was held in May, 1978.

The membership continued to grow and shortly after the second election, the Club relocated to the Elk’s Lodge in Euclid as its permanent “temporary” headquarters.  By now the Entertainment Committee was scheduling one major event a month, the Schanachie was printing a monthly newsletter, and the Building Committee was looking for a facility to purchase for a Clubhouse.

Shortly after the third election of officers, the Building Committee was realigned to become the Financial Planning Committee for the purpose of determining the feasibility of purchasing property and strategically planning the financial growth to achieve the goal of a Clubhouse. Early in 1981 the Financial Planning Committee determined that we were nearing the financial base and monthly income levels to make a purchase.

Various properties were investigated, and in the spring of 1981, the Financial Planning Committee made a formal presentation to the general membership, on viable properties in Euclid and Mentor. The membership authorized the Executive Board to proceed with negotiations on the Euclid property. On Monday, October 12, 1981, the general membership overwhelmingly approved the purchase of the Furniture Land Building, 22770 Lake Shore Blvd., Euclid, Ohio. Two days later a purchase agreement was signed and down payment was made.

A construction committee was formed and on Saturday, November 15, 1981, the construction crew began transforming the Furniture Land Store into the Irish American Club, East – Side, Inc. The December 14th General Membership meeting and the Children’s Christmas party were the first activities held at our new Clubhouse.  Our Grand Opening Celebration was held on January 23, 1982.

Throughout the years our membership has worked hard for the continuing advancement of our Club.