Oldtimers Club Central Ohio, About Us

Oldtimers Club Central Ohio

"Great Friends Getting Together"

Oldtimer’s Club Central Ohio was first conceived in the late 1970’s by two people who had the foresight to envision a club that could bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to recognize the bonds of friendship in our community. With that in mind, Colonel Dennis Thompson and Larry Wilson approached Herby Leach, owner of Herby’s Tavern in 1982 and the three formed the club. Then with much planning in 1983 the first OCCO party was held at Herby’s Tavern. Through the networking set up by the three of them the party was a huge success, attracting almost 200 people. All who attended had a great time and promised each other to keep the spirit of the party rolling. So over the next few years parties were held at several other locations. In 1986 OCCO held a party at the Attic and downstairs at the Grotto to help raise funds for AIDS research. This party had entertainment provided by several well known performers like Brandy Lamont, Cari Wayne and many others. The proceeds from the show raised several hundred dollars for AIDS work.

               As the 80’s progressed into the 90’s the club started holding parties more often and added ceremonies honoring former bartenders and later bar owners. The original members were now starting to see the need to become more organized and elect a board of directors. In 1993 the first incorporation papers were filed with the Secretary of State and the club was then official. We operate as a non profit social organization with a board of 5 members and 5 officers. The name Oldtimer’s Club was never meant to depict age but instead refers to those who appreciate the wisdom and experience that can be learned from those who have been in our community for some time. We welcome people of all ages. Like any viable organization OCCO has evolved over the years. We are constantly looking for new and better ways to serve our members and our community. In the past several years we have added fundraising for charity as one of the missions of the club. Our favorite charity of choice is Pater Noster House. In 2005 and 2006 we carried out a calendar project in which area entertainers and bar employees posed for funny to suggestive shots for calendars for both years. We sold the calendar through sponsor bars and at several fundraising parties. For both years combined we were able to donate over $5000 to Pater Noster House. Each year the club sponsors a booth at the German Village Yard Sale to raise funds for charity.

                Over the past few years we have added member outings to places like the Columbus Zoo, The Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad, The State Fair and other places. Each year we hold several themed parties at sponsor bars including our annual St. Patrick’s Party at Tremont, our Holiday Party at Pyramid II, our Spaghetti Dinner and Show and our annual benefit picnic and barbecue on Labor Day Weekend. One of our most fun days of the year is the annual OCCO Bar Crawl.   On the first Saturday in May we supply transportation and set out to successfully conquer several bars in one afternoon. Each crawler who survives the trip wins a t-shirt listing all the bars involved on the Crawl.

                One of the latest additions to the club is our website, www.occoclub.org. At the website visitors can learn more about club activities and projects, view pictures from club events, pay dues, donate to charity, connect to our sponsor websites, and post ideas and thoughts. Our webmaster Jim Mineer (jimbo, www.graphicreign.com) is constantly working to update the website. In the future we have several new fundraising projects and member activities in the planning stages. The board is working very hard to make sure the club keeps fresh with new projects and fun events.

                We hope you feel as we do that OCCO is a wonderful club filled with exciting members of all ages. We are proud to be part of the first 25 years of the club and excited to see who steps up to lead us through the next 25 years. The board of directors invites you to join in the fun and become a member. Become part of the heritage we are seeking to keep alive in our Central Ohio Community. We need and want you to be an active member and serve on committees and/or run for one of the board seats or for one of the officer positions. So join us for a great time. To learn more about us or become involved please call us at 614 256-3768, email us at occo@columbus.rr.com, visit our website at www.occoclub.org, or write us at PO Box 06371 Columbus OH 43207 or attend one of our great parties!

We look forward to hearing from you.

Top of Page