One of Johnstone’s longest-running social clubs has closed its doors after almost a century.
The United Social Club in MacDowall Street, known locally as the Soldiers Club, closed on Sunday. It is believed the club had been operating at a loss.
The club’s history in Johnstone dates back to 1919, when United Services clubs were being established to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families following the First World War.
The first meeting of the United Services Club in Johnstone was held at Johnstone Town Hall on 8th December 1919.
The meeting was opened by Provost Lang and chaired by Captain D Biggart, who represented the federation alongside others. Mr Dell represented unattached ex-servicemen.
An agreement with the United Services Fund was signed on 9th September 1920 and the club was formally registered on 30th September 1920.
Its first premises were in a building still known locally at the time as the Band Hall. However, the premises were soon considered too small for the club’s needs.
The club later moved to the upstairs of a building in MacDowall Street, including a large attic area which had previously housed Murray’s Pawn Shop.
The premises were converted into a club room with a bar and games for members.
In 1926, the club moved into 26 MacDowall Street after the building became vacant. It had previously been used as the local labour exchange.
After alterations, the building provided a large games room with four billiard tables, a bar and several smaller rooms.
Membership cost six shillings a year, with members able to pay the fee in instalments over six months.
Records show the club’s name was changed to The United Services (Johnstone & District) Club in 1938.
During the Second World War, sons of members were called up for service while some of the club’s older members joined the local Home Guard.
The club also provided a social environment for the families of those who had gone to war.
In 1999, it changed its name to the United Social Club, although it continued to be known locally as the Soldiers Club.