The Social Benefit Dance Club was founded as the Townsend Club in the 1930's as a part of a nationwide financial group of clubs. Dr. Townsend started the movement as a way for people to retire with "thirty dollars every Thursday". They met at the Knights of Pythias Hall in Medford, Oregon. When Social Security became a fact, the movement gradually died but the local membership continued to meet socially.
On June 27th, 1962 twelve members of the club attended the Townsend Convention in Washington State. Upon their return to Medford, the members of the club changed their name from Townsend Club to "The Security Club" and members continued to meet at the Knights of Pythias Hall for dancing and socializing. On August 8th, 1962 they changed the name to Social Benefit Club and in 1985 the club moved it's meetings to the Eagles Lodge in Medford, Oregon. They continued to meet there until year 2002.
After leaving the Eagles Lodge, the meetings were held at the Roxy Ann Grange Hall in Medford, Oregon until in 2003 President Joyce Meyer moved the club to the Moose Lodge on Ross Lane in Medford where the club continued to meet until the end of March 2005. On April 5, 2005 under the leadership of President Gene Reedy, the club held it's first business meeting and dance at the Rogue Valley Square Dance Center at 3377 Table Rock Road in Medford, Oregon.
On March 2, 2005, Gene Reedy presided over the name we have today, Social Benefit Dance Club. Our organization registered with the State of Oregon as a domestic non-profit corporation on January 20, 1978. The purpose of the club shall be to provide a weekly opportunity for dancing, social fellowship and entertainment for members and guests in keeping with the laws of the nation, the state and the immediate community. Social Benefit Dance Club is a membership organization. Dues for year 2022 is $10.00 per year. If you are interested in knowing more about the club or becoming a member, please email your request to President EstherFreeman@aol.com.