This 116-year-old Democratic Club in Bethlehem and others could fold under financial strain of

[TexasTowelie]

This 116-year-old Democratic Club in Bethlehem and others could fold under financial strain of coronavirus


The 540 Democratic Club opened the same year Bethlehem Steel was formed, and for 116 years has been a gathering spot for anyone with an interest in the party politics, from businessmen to steel workers looking to relax with a cold beer after a long shift.

For some, like Carol Gower, the club has become a family tradition, with memberships spanning generations. Gower’s grandfather Aloysius Almer was one of the founders and Gower herself has been on the club board for 42 years. She has childhood memories of Christmas parties and Easter egg hunts at the private club, which is at 540 N. New St.

By the end of the year, however, more than a century of socializing there could come to an end.

“COVID-19 cut us off at the knees,” said Maddie Barrett, chairwoman of the 700-member club.

Read more: https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-540-democratic-club-20200925-uic46ytsvjc5hl43pxj2iosabu-story.html