Epicurean Civic Club disbands
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on April 17, 2016 1:45 AM
After nearly four decades of community activism and service, the Epicurean Civic Club has disbanded.
Formed in 1967 by a small group of Seymour Johnson airmen, the club was originally conceived as a social group for people who enjoyed good food and drink. The club members soon decided that they wanted to give back to the community, and received their charter in 1979.
The Epicureans' goal was to help members of their community in any and all conceivable ways. This included helping pay for utility bills, transporting seniors to the doctor, providing Thanksgiving meals and even taking children to the store to shop for Christmas gifts.
Originally, money for these activities came out of members' pockets. The group eventually opened up their first club building, La Carousel, which provided them with a steady stream of revenue. They later moved to the Studio 25 Club on U.S. 117. The club was named for the 25 members of the Epicurean club, a number which never changed. Members worked at Studio 25 strictly as volunteers to provide funds for the club's philanthropic activities.
"We didn't get a penny from working at Studio 25," said Epicurean Howard McLean Jr. "It all went back to the community."
Club president Elwood Croom said the club did not care where the people they helped came from, or what they looked like.
"We didn't see race," Croom said. "We just saw the need."
The decision to disband did not come lightly, but the Epicureans said that it was simply time to move on. Having joined as young men, the club members are now physically not able to do the kinds of things they once did.
Though they are disbanding, the Epicureans are fiercely proud of that they accomplished. Croom said that the club was like a family for both the members and those who they helped.
"People have come up to me very sad that we're disbanding." he said.
Just because the formal club will no longer meet does not mean its impact will disappear. The Epicureans' assets will be divided among at least six charitable causes, such as the community soup kitchen and sickle-cell anemia research.
The legacy of the Epicureans will live on in its members as well. The members intend to meet up every three months to laugh, reminisce and enjoy one another's company.