Hesperia Leisure League Senior Center

About Hesperia Leisure League Senior Center

The Hesperia Leisure League For Senior Citizens was organized Monday evening, November 20, 1961 in a meeting at Joshua Circle School. Joe Emmons was elected as the first president of the Hesperia Leisure League on Monday, January 17,1962, with Herman Nelson as vice president and Louise Mendendorp as secretary. On this date the league had a total of 34 charter members. February 1962, the league had it's first meeting at the Joshua Circle School. Helen graves offered her inventory at her "Pollyanna Shop" with no charge if the Hesperia Leisure League would open a thrift store for the benefit of the community. This was the beginning of the successful thrift shop located in a small house, 16400 Main Street. The Kiwanis Club donated books which enabled the club to start a library. One year later, a building was built, 16063 Main Street. This housed the leisure league thrift shop, library and lounge for the league members and the Hesperia Chamber Of Commerce. In 1968 they had a new vision. A larger center was needed. After loans were paid off, more money ws borrowed and the present property on 3rd Avenue was purchased. Men hauled lumber from Silverwood Lake for a start on the building and one lady drove her truck and hauled railroad ties to the location. Women furnished food and helped pull nails from the lumber. Ground was broken for the present building at 9122 3rd Avenue on July 4th, 1971. They say their dream came true a year later on may 13,1972, when the present main building, "The Hesperia Leisure League" on 3rd Avenue, Hesperia was dedicated. Since then, a caretaker's house, memorial garden, workshop, pool room and card room have been added. The main street thrift shop has been expanded and another thrift store was built on walnut street. This store is used as a furniture and appliance store. The thrift stores and the senior center on 3rd Avenue in Hesperia were financed and constructed by senior citizens, never subsidized by government loans. The Hesperia Leisure League continues to operate as a senior center for seniors in the Victor Valley, which is open six days a week, with lunch available each day for members. Thanks to our bingo operations on 3rd Avenue and the two thrift stores, the League has been able to continue to thrive and make donations to the homeless shelter, yearly scholarships to all Hesperia High Schools, Veterans Home, St. John Of God, domestic violence and yearly donations to worthwhile causes. Members enjoy the league each day, playing card games, shuffleboard, pool, ballroom and line dancing, visiting and making new friends. The Leisure League continues to be a "home away from home and an adventure in old fashioned neighborliness".