EATONVILLE, Fla. – Neighbors in Eatonville gathered Wednesday at AME Church to reflect on memories of Club Eaton.
It’s a historic venue that, for more than six decades, served as a vibrant community hub for music, dancing, and performances.
Opening its doors in 1946 during segregation, the club became a staple for live entertainment, hosting legends like James Brown and Aretha Franklin until its closure in 2008.
Now, efforts are underway to restore the beloved landmark.
A $1 million state grant aimed at preserving Eatonville’s cultural heritage will help fund the project, led by Malcolm Jones, owner of MAJ Architecture and Design.
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He is working with David Barany, who has owned the building for the past seven years.
Jones held a community visioning session Wednesday night to gather local input.
He distributed pamphlets to attendees, inviting them to share their thoughts.
One of the questions listed inside was: “When you walk past Club Eaton, what emotions do you feel, and what memories come to mind?”
For Angela Johnson, the club, formerly known as Mr. B’s Nightclub holds a special place in her heart.
“In May of 1986, I met the love of my life there in Mr. B’s on a Friday night,” she said.
Johnson described it as a safe and welcoming place.
“I remember the times when we were there, we could leave our drinks uncovered, you could leave your purse at the bar and go to the dance floor,” Johnson said.
Wanda Jackson shared a childhood memory of being sent by her mother to get her father from the club.
“I walked in there and said, ‘Daddy, come on, Momma said come home; it’s time to eat,’” she told News 6.
The night was filled with nostalgia and excitement for the club’s revival.
“I’m so grateful that they got the town involved to give the town a voice instead of just coming in and doing stuff,” Jackson said
Jones echoed this sentiment.
“Their input was wonderful; it was exactly what we were looking for. It’s very important that we include people who have direct history and connection to the project,” Jones said.
When asked how he felt about the community input, Building owner David Barany said, “Goosebumps.”
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