In December of 1958 a public meeting was held with the intent of forming a club to provide programs for our children in the community. It was decided to name the organization
THE BIEHLE SOCIAL CLUB
The Club was opened to the public for the first time January 4, 1959. After one year an election was held and 12 members were chosen to serve as the Board of Directors. The first officers were Joe Kutz
, President, who conceived the original idea of a Club of this type. Eddie Kirn was elected Vice-President, Weldon Ernst, Secretary-Treasurer and Jesse Kutz Recording Secretary. In 1960 a small kitchen was added. June 27, 1960 was another memorable day as well, with many to follow in the next twenty years. On this date, June 27, 1960, The Biehle Social Club received it's Pro Forma of Decree Charter of incorporation. This is unique in so far as very few of this type are issued in the State of Missouri. THis Charter spells out certain regulations of the operation of The Biehle Social Club. We would now like to note that Leo Rozier spent many hours setting up the club and in obtaining this type of Charter. At that type he was an office holder in Jefferson City. Rozier donated his time and effort for the club. Probably the most important decision this young organization had yet to face came in February of 1961 when the owners advised us of their intent not to renew the lease. Their intentions were to sell. Since the Club had first option to buy, our 1961 March meeting was a very important one. What we all worked so hard for in the two years of operation depended on the outcome of this meeting. It was unamiously agreed to continue our programs and service the youth of our community. Therefore, it was agreed to purchase the property. In 1962 we undertook the task of providing a larger and better ball diamond. We think it is one of the best in the county. Not having the resources to do this enormous task, various committees were selected to contact the business places in and around Perryville for donations. The responses were excellent. did the grading and leveling of our baseball diamond. This project proved to be quite expensive, however, Ernst Bros. donated many hours of dozer work toward the building of the diamond. In March of 1963 the 4-H program was organized. It's first leaders were Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Hotop and Mr. & Mrs. There were about 30 members. Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Ernst have served as 4-H leaders since 1968. There are now 40 members in this organization. In April of 1967 the bleachers or grandstands were built at a cost of $798.81. In December of 1968 the State Health Department informed us of steps necessary to meet their health standards. They met with a committee in January, February and March of 1969 and set out various guidelines we had to follow. Various ways were discussed which would be satisfactory with their demands, a major expansion was decided. We chose to add a 14 x 30 foot addition to the present building. The restrooms were to be downstairs on the right and the rooms on the left to be for storage. The kitchen, which they thought to be a great idea, was to be upstairs on the right. The barroom was to be to the left of the steps leading to the basement. The cost of this addition was $8,268.00
This addition was made possible by the faith Mr. Edgar Biehle had in the Board members of this organization. Through his efforts a loan was arranaged, the final payment being made in September, 1979. At this time we would like to thank Mr. Biehle for the time he took out of his busy schedule to meet with us and the help and advice he gave us. A well had to be dug. This was done as a group of five equal shareholders. It was to be known as The Biehle Water Corporation. The cost of the well was $2,729.00. In 1975 the Federal Government informed us that we must have a Federal Tax Exemption number to remain a non-profit organization. After many letters and phone calls by our C.P.A., Carl Buchheit we received our exemption number in March of 1977. All penalties and back taxes were not enforced. In the Centennial parade of 1975 our organization received a lot of praise and comments on the job we did and should continue to do for the youth of your community. In concluding this little brouchure on the "Highlights in the History of The Biehle Social Club", we would like to thank all who have taken the task of being officers and even more so the other Board members who worked so hard through the years toward the success of the Club. Our thanks also to the 4-H leaders and any others who helped us along the way. We might point out that Joe Kutz served as President 1959-1960-1964-1965-1966. Wally Blechle in 1961-1962-1963-1967-1968-1969 and 1970 until June of 1970 at which time Syvester Kirn took over the Presidency the balance of 1970 as well as 1971-1972-1973-1974-1975-1976-1977. Jesse Kutz was elected President in 1978, re-elected in 1979 and is currently serving as President of The Biehle Social Club. Since progress seems to be the motto of The Biehle Social Club, this is the first update since the history booklet was printed in 1979. Joe Pingel was elected President of the Club in 1980 to serve the term 1980-1981. In order to keep our ball diamond #1 in the County extensive repairs were in order for 1980. A new backstop was installed at a cost of $245.65. The bleachers were repaired and painted at a cost of $221.62. This work was done by the board members. Two new dugouts were built with concrete blocks. This work was done by Clements Construction at a cost of $1,424.08. A new fence around the diamond was installed at a cost of $362.45. Donations for this project were received totalling $770.00. In 1981 it was decided to build a new concession stand. The board members decided to do this work. The major portion was done by Walter Hotop, William Kutz and Jess Kutz. The cost of this project was $1,817.63 and was paid out of the club treasury. With all these improvements the stage was set for the biggest project of all, the installation of lights for our ball diamond. After several meetings it was decided to select a committee to seek bids on this project. After this was accomplished it was decided to enter into a contract with Robinson Electric Company to install the lights. This was completed in August. Although several games were played under the lights, a grand opening is planned for next spring. The board members are currently selling advertising signs along the outfield fence to help in paying for this large project which will cost $11,322.00. There were several more things which need to be done. When??? Time and cooperation throughout the community will decide. As we enter the year 1982 we look forward to continued progress. Now year is 2012 and the Club is still alive. Since 1982 the club has redone the bleachers, added a new ball fence, score board, volleyball courts, volleyball lights, and redone well house. Many new ideas on the table and more club members joining. Updates to come.
