Love Gleneden Beach? Join the club.

By Linda Turner Griepentrog

For the TODAY

Some people buzz by on Highway 101 without even looking to the west, but there’s a hidden gem of a community not to be missed — Gleneden Beach.

First dedicated in 1927, this unincorporated area got its name from the founding Cary family whose daughter was named Glen. They paired that with their perception of the area as a “land of Eden” and thus the moniker was born. Beach was added a few years later as a marketing tool to promote the sale of local properties. Initially, there wasn’t even a bridge over the Siletz River, so crossings were by boat to access the burb from the north.

After World War II (and a bridge), Gleneden Beach became a desirable weekend getaway spot and a thriving community. In 1947, local residents filed articles of incorporation for the Gleneden Beach Community Club and, the following year, construction began on a community hall. With land donated for the hall, local families and businesses were invited to purchase “shingles” on the Little House, a replica of the proposed building, to help finance the construction project. Most of the work was done by volunteers and the bricks were made at the local factory, now the site of the Side Door Café.

Construction wrapped up in 1949 and, as the saying goes, the rest is history. The Gleneden Beach Community Club is still thriving today with more than 100 members, both full-time and part-time residents. And the hall continues to serve, now offering more than 3,000 square feet of space, including a commercial kitchen, tables, chairs and plenty of room for events. The Lincoln Pops Orchestra holds frequent events in the hall, and there are many business and private get-togethers held in the facility. Groups and individuals can rent the hall when club activities aren’t being held.

The non-profit Community Club is run by a board of directors.

“We hope to continue making the club a true ‘hub of the neighborhood,’ offering educational and social events regularly,” current president Carolyn Mullen said. “We welcome new residents, and appreciate those who have helped for years.”

The group has sponsored many events over the years including pet parades, bridge groups, dances, parties, potlucks, fitness classes, walking groups, game nights, quilting bees, holiday markets, craft classes, pet photo sessions, emergency preparedness classes, gardening groups, bake sales and more. At one point, the hall’s beautiful hardwood floors were used as a community skating rink.

The club also rallies in the face of need. In the days after Hurricane Katrina, members gathered to make 42 quilts for victims in a single week. In the aftermath of the 2019 Christian Church fire in Gleneden Beach, the community hall became the congregation’s new meeting place. The club has sponsored scholarships for local students, and supports several groups including the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, My Sister’s Place and the local food pantry.

A variety of social and educational events continue, and one of the big ones is a pancake breakfast on the first Sunday of every month except January that has been going on for more than 25 years. The fare includes scrambled eggs, ham or sausage, orange juice, a variety of hot beverages and all-you-can-eat pancakes. Phil Jensen, one of many breakfast volunteers, has been cooking pancakes for 23 years, and he’s not ready to hang up his spatula yet.

“I enjoy working with the team that puts the breakfast together,” he said.

According to Mary Ann Phillips, current breakfast committee chairperson, the breakfast attendance continues to grow.

“In addition to the good food, it’s a great way for community members to get together and visit with each other, and for visitors to meet local residents,” she said. “There are wonderful friendships that develop. People spend time talking with each other long after they’re done eating.”

The emergency preparedness committee maintains a disaster cache and offers regular updates in coordination with Lincoln County Emergency Management.

Upcoming activities of the Gleneden Beach Community Club include the next Pancake Breakfast and Book Sale on Sunday, March 5, and a Meet Your Sheriff event on March 21. April 15, the club provides a stop on the Great Oregon Coast Garage Sale and in May, there is a Mother’s Day Tea. The annual Holiday Market takes place on November 18.

So the next time you’re tempted to speed by on 101, know that there’s a vibrant club of volunteers working hard just to the west; you can help them out and enjoy the fruits of their labors.

For more information on activities, club membership and hall rental information, go to glenedenbeach.org. The Gleneden Beach Community Hall is located at 110 Azalea Street.