By Monty Siekerman
J.R. and Linda Mason have purchased the building south of Railroad Park and are remodeling it for a party place called the Center on Central.
Old-timers will recall the one story structure at 111 Central Ave. as Hal and Jean's Restaurant, built by Hal and Jean VanAtta in 1962, a time when Ada had few eating-out places. Twenty years later, the restaurant was purchased by the N Men's Association and used for Thursday night bingo and as a rental place for parties.
Bingo will resume at Center in Central every Thursday beginning on Feb. 2, supporting the Ada Music Boosters, Ada-Liberty Fire Department, and Lions Club.
The association's rental proceeds supported the ONU athletic department. The association will continue to meet, but the group will not have a building of its own.
The new owners look forward to renting the facility for baby showers, birthday and anniversary parties, small weddings, and other gatherings.
The Masons are installing a television and stereo system and doing a major updating inside.
Those interested in inquiring about rental may email: [email protected].
Jason's day job is a sales rep for All Phase Electric. Linda works in the ONU financial aid office.
They would like to thank their family, friends and the N Men for their help and support.
Pictured, from left:
J.R. Mason with Jerry and Jean Ann Dearth. Jean Ann was interested in seeing the changes since it was her parents who had the structure built. She recalled where the kitchen was, the seating area, even where the cash register was located years ago.
