Building Our New Clubhouse — From Demo to Done (almost)

In January 2025, we signed a 10‑year lease for the old bathroom building at the north end of the Jay County Fairgrounds. What followed was months of demolition, rebuilding, and steady progress as we transformed the space into the new JCARC clubhouse. As of the first week of March, 2026, it still has a little to go, but we're planning on having it fully operational by the time of the East Central Indiana Hamfest on July 25, 2026.

Much of that progress is thanks to Carl McDowell, our 2025 East Central Indiana Hamfest Ham of the Year. His craftsmanship and countless hours of work moved the project from “ideas on paper” to a finished space we can all be proud of. In December 2025, the club recognized his dedication by voting to make him a lifetime member.

We also owe a big thank‑you to Dave Wood, whose Marketplace savvy helped furnish the clubhouse with chairs and other essentials at unbeatable prices. Dave — along with Krystal and Kim — was instrumental in securing the grant that allowed us to finish the renovation strong.

To Carl, Dave, Krystal, and Kim: your teamwork and commitment didn’t just move this project forward — they shaped the future of our club.

This photo history captures the journey from the first day of demolition to the moment the lights came on in our new home. Enjoy the look back at how far we’ve come.