The Red River Community House celebrated its 85th anniversary on July 31, welcoming over 250 people to honor its long-standing history as a central gathering place for residents and visitors. The celebration was a vibrant tribute to a legacy that began with a simple idea around a campfire and has since become, as Mayor Calhoun put it, the very “heart and soul of the town.”
The story began in 1938 when Ruth Yeager and four others envisioned a place for people to meet and build fellowship. “Let’s build a community house with a fireplace,” were the words echoed by the group which sparked the idea for the Red River Community House. Ruth Yeager, a resident from Wichita Falls, Texas, and her companions envisioned a space where people could meet and create a fellowship under one roof. Just two years later, on July 11, 1940, a lease was secured for just $1 per year. After a campaign that raised $700, a 30-by-50 foot building of peeled spruce logs was constructed with help from anyone who could drive a nail.
In her book, “Red River Community House,” Yeager shares a humorous story of the early days when women served chuck wagon meals to help raise building funds. An attempt to serve chili, which had been left to cool outside overnight, left the women uncertain about serving it the next day. The chili looked suspicious, but it was served anyway because they didn’t want to lose their investment, and to their relief, “everyone was still upright, and no one went to the hospital.” The group wisely decided to stick with hot dogs and coleslaw after that.
As the community and attendance grew, a generous $1,000.00 donation (the equivalent of about $22,000 today) funded an expansion, adding a large Sunday School room, a director’s apartment, and a kitchen. The first director, Harry Trygg, and his wife introduced popular activities like picture shows, dancing, and games—traditions that continue to this day.
Today, the Community House welcomes 20,000 visitors each year. The beautiful, log-cabin-style building, located right off Main Street, features a wood floor installed in 1952, which is perfect for line dancing. The Community House has offered non-denominational services since its beginning and has hosted many weddings and other celebrations over the years.
Current President Doug McCormick and his wife, Tana, along with a dedicated summer activities team, serve as the activity directors, offering a full schedule of events for all ages throughout the summer, including line dancing, hiking, building and racing boats down the river, and movies on the grass.
The 85th birthday/anniversary celebration featured a delicious barbecue spread from Shotgun Willies. The day was filled with presentations from past President Blanche Hudson and current President Doug McCormick, and was highlighted by a history presentation of Red River from Fritz Davis. Dulcimer music was provided by David and Annette Lindsey and the Vanderveer Brothers String Band, and guests enjoyed a lively square dancing demonstration. Mayor Linda Calhoun read an official proclamation and heartfelt speech stating, “When people think of Red River they think of our mountains and seasons. But those of us who live here, we know it’s really about the people. It’s the spirit that brings neighbors together, welcomes newcomers, and keeps our traditions alive. And there’s no better example of this than this building we’re standing on.” The celebration continued with presentations and live music.
The Red River Community House is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates entirely on donations and grants. Its mission is to provide free, family-friendly activities for both residents and visitors, fostering a spirit of community that has thrived for 85 years. If you would like to support their mission, all donations are fully tax-deductible.
