In 1975, The Pampa Senior Citizens Center opened its doors with the purpose of providing a place for seniors to have lunch, participate in activities and socialize.
Wanda Talley was the first director of the Center and little did she know the impact the beloved establishment would make through the decades.
What started as what Nancy Looper, the previous director of the Center would call a recreational area for retired teens, the Center would become something so much more to its members: a home away from home.
“The purpose of the Center was for the senior citizens to have a place where they could go to play games and have a good meal with friends and have fellowship,” said Teresa Dalrymple, current director.
The Center would become a place of routine and familiarity, playing a major role in many of the members’ lives and well-being.
“Routine has a lot to do with it. There are some people that if they didn’t have this place, they wouldn’t know what to do. There would be no place for them to meet friends or see anyone and it would be really hard on them, because that’s what a lot of them do. This is just their place to go.”
Growing up at the Center when my grandmother was the assistant director, most of my favorite memories are within the walls of that place and remembering those members that have come and gone brings a tear to my eye despite all the years that have passed.
More than 20 years ago, the Center had a dance every Friday night and my grandmother was in charge of taking the $2 it required to get in, collecting the money in an old, wooden cigar box.
Sometimes they would feature a live band, but usually it was old country songs on cassette tapes that would play through the tall, black speakers, and there was always an intermission for ice cream that was made fresh in-house.
To see those folks glide effortlessly across the dance floor was mesmerizing and sometimes I would even be asked to join in a two-step.
After a while, attendance had dropped and the Friday night dances ceased to be.
Fast forward about ten years later and I’m working in the kitchen at the Center and as the janitor after hours.
I was the one in charge of setting up the Sunday School room for the many different clubs that would come in throughout the week, such as the Retired Teachers Association, Quilter’s Guild and of course the men’s Sunday church group, as well as setting up for Bingo.
So the first time I had to set up for Bingo, Nancy told me where to find the equipment, which was in the bottom cabinet of the large bookcase in the Quiet Room, a room where I would go to as a kid to watch television until my grandmother was good to leave for the day.
First thing I saw when I opened the door of that cabinet was the cigar box.
Nostalgia hit me like a ton of lead and tears filled my eyes until they spilled over. I couldn’t believe it was still there after all those years.
Even today when I go in there, it still feels like home, and to see that it’s the same as it’s always been means the world to me.
Teresa Dalrymple has been the director now for three years, but has worked at the Center for over 30 years and has the same sentimentality.
While very few changes have been made such as adding new and different items to the weekly menu and putting in a brand new floor, Teresa has kept the Center the same and welcomes every new face that comes in.
With a solid crew, faithful volunteers, and the advice and mentorship that Nancy provided kept close to her heart, Teresa keeps the Center’s operation running in full speed.
While the membership age is “55 to Heaven”, anyone of any age can come in to enjoy a hot lunch: with a live band every Monday that will have you tappin’ your toes while enjoying a chicken fried steak or the roast brisket on Wednesdays that is to die for.
For those who are interested in becoming a member can enjoy the full perks, such as discounted lunches and full access to the Center’s activities for only $20 a year.
Members can engage in multiple activities such as playing a riveting game of pool, joining an art class or trying their luck at Bingo on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month with a wide variety of prizes to choose from: these are just to name a few.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 10:45 AM until 1 PM and is $8.50 for members, $9.50 for nonmembers and always $8 for first responders and veterans, and includes your choice between two different meats, two servings of vegetables, one trip to their new, full salad bar, your choice of bread, a drink and desserts that are regular or sugar free; you’re guaranteed to walk out of there stuffed.
Carryout and delivery options are also available.
With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the Center is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who steps through its doors.
For more information, call 806-669-7414, or to view their weekly menu, visit their Facebook page, Pampa Texas Senior Citizen Center.
