Save the French Social Circle of Hartford, aka "The French Club" in Vernon, CT

Our 100-year-old French-Canadian heritage club is struggling to keep its home in Vernon, CT. Help us preserve the French Social Circle of Hartford’s building — a gathering place that has united generations.

Our Story

For over a century, the French Social Circle of Hartford has brought together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate French and French-Canadian culture. What began as a small gathering in Hartford over 100 years ago has grown into one of the region’s oldest and most cherished cultural clubs — a place where generations have shared meals, music, language, and lifelong friendships.

In 2020, our members took a bold and hopeful step. After decades in East Hartford, we purchased and renovated a new clubhouse in Vernon, Connecticut, giving new life to our historic organization. The move was powered entirely by member effort and volunteer spirit — countless hours of work, donations, and dedication to ensure the Circle had a bright future.

But now, that future is uncertain.

The Challenge

Our building is owned and maintained by a separate, member-run organization — the French Social Circle Building Association — which holds the mortgage and handles all upkeep and insurance. The Social Circle itself (the tenant) operates as a non-profit cultural and social club, relying on events, dues, and gatherings to sustain operations.

Unfortunately, in recent years, event attendance and memberships have declined. The club can no longer afford to pay full rent, and the Building Association is struggling to cover its mortgage, utilities, and maintenance costs. Without help, we risk losing the very home that has become the heart of our community.

Our Goal

We’re raising funds directly for the French Social Circle Building Association, Inc, which owns the clubhouse located at 341 Kelly Road, Vernon, CT so we can:

• Pay the mortgage and keep the building secure

• Cover insurance and critical maintenance

• Protect the club’s new home in Vernon for future generations

• Support cultural programming once financial stability is restored

Every dollar goes toward keeping this property — and the traditions it shelters — alive.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a building.

It’s where families have gathered for generations, where French and Canadian heritage is celebrated through song, food, and friendship.

It’s where newcomers are welcomed, languages are shared, and history is kept alive.

Losing it would mean losing a century of identity, pride, and connection in the Hartford area’s French-Canadian community.

Your contribution — large or small — helps keep this legacy thriving for the next hundred years.

Merci beaucoup! ❤️

About Us

The French Social Circle of Hartford is a 100-year-old community club celebrating French and French-Canadian heritage. The building in Vernon, CT is owned by the French Social Circle Building Association, a member-managed non-profit corporation that maintains the property for the club’s use. This fundraiser benefits the Building Association directly, helping us meet mortgage and maintenance costs so the club can continue serving our community.

Transparency & Governance

This fundraiser is officially authorized by the Board of Directors of the French Social Circle Building Association, a registered 501(c)(2) nonprofit corporation. The Association owns and maintains the French Social Circle’s clubhouse in Vernon, Connecticut, and all funds raised will be deposited directly into the Association’s account. As Treasurer, I will report donation activity and fund usage to the Board in accordance with our bylaws and standard accounting practices.

The French Social Circle Building Association Board of Directors:

Organizer

Paul R., Treasurer — French Social Circle Building Association, Inc.

I serve as Treasurer for the French Social Circle Building Association, the nonprofit that owns and maintains the clubhouse of the French Social Circle of Hartford in Vernon, CT. This fundraiser is authorized by our Board of Directors, and all donations will go directly to supporting the building’s mortgage, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. I will provide transparent reporting to the Board and to our community on the use of funds.

Photos & Media

The French Club @ 341 Kelly Rd, Vernon

A 10/7/2021 clipping from the Journal Inquirer about our club moving to Vernon.

Our members proudly renovated the Vernon clubhouse in 2020.

"It's a beautiful club."

Closing Message

If you’ve ever been part of this club, attended one of our events, or simply believe in preserving local cultural history — we ask for your help.

Your donation will help keep the lights on, the doors open, and the laughter and music of the French Social Circle alive for generations to come.

Merci beaucoup for standing with us in this important effort.

— The Board of Directors

French Social Circle Building Association, Inc.

Vernon, Connecticut