The CDBC was founded in 1964 and for years was held in various locations, one of the last locations was the YWCA. After several years there, the club was forced to relocate because of a disageement with the head of the Y and several CDBC officers. A location at Sears Town was found and all the independent directors were asked to move their games into that site so it would be possible to afford it.
The Sears Town store was unacceptable to play without some adaption. With the combined help of members Earl Baker, John Cordes, Bill Callahan and several others the store soon was put into shape. The CDBC aligned with us to hold their games at this site thus providing a whole week of bridge games. This site became the Center for local bridge games.
The Center stayed at this site for about 6 years. Unfortunately, the Center had to relocate, again, as the rent and assessments grew to be greater then the revenue.
Another search was made for a new location and the AM South Bank on Sunset was secured and all games were. The Center continued to experience financial problems at the bank as the rent was increased by 4% each year. This increase coupled with the competion for players from the games held by the City of Clearwater placed our continued existance in jeopardy.
Then, in 1994 the Clearwater Duplicate Bridge Club (CDBC) and the Bridge Center joined forces to form the Clearwater Duplicate Bridge Center. Even after the consolidation, it was obvious the Center could not renew the lease at the bank without financial help. An attempt to convince the Bank to lower its monthly fees failed. When the Bank was notified the CDBC was going to leave to a new location they asked for a reconcideration. A new arrangement was made allowing the Center to continue holding games at the bank.
