Organizations
American Legion
Hazleton is home to Friar-Watson Post #642 of the American Legion. The Post is named in honor of Roy L. Friar and Vernice M. Watson, the first two men from the Hazleton community to give their lives for their country during World War One. On 7 April 1931, the United States Congress formerly chartered the Post. The present cement block structure was dedicated on January 29, 1956. The building is used regularly for meetings by both the Legion and Legion Auxiliary, along with a number of groups within the community.
American Legion Community Hall
105 Hayes Street West
Hazleton, IA 50641
Phone: 319 636-2304
American Legion Community Hall Rental
The American Legion Community Hall is available for rent for your special occasion or event.
It features a full kitchen and seats 100 people.
Hazleton Commercial Club
The Hazleton Commercial Club is a non-profit group that works to create a fun and safe community for the citizens of Hazleton.
Hazleton Commercial Club
111 3rd Street South
Hazleton, IA 50641
Phone: 319 361-7236
About the Hazleton Commercial Club
The Hazleton Commercial Club formed in 1988 as a way to unite the community in a common goal to promote Hazleton in a positive light and to work together in economic and social matters.
Haze Daze Celebration
The main labor intensive activity of the Commercial Club is the annual Haze Daze Celebration. Held the second full weekend of June, vendors from around the area descent on City Park to sell various antiques and wares. A morning parade with many kids’ games, music, food, and other fun complete the weekend. The large raffle is another drawing card.
Thursday Night Bingo
Weekly Thursday Night Bingo started in March of 1988. Local organizations and groups provide the lunch stand using the profit for their own projects. 75% of the profit from the bingo sales must be used to support charitable causes.
Other Projects
Previous profits have helped build a basketball court, purchase welcome banners & playground equipment, build a shelter, and support the Mill roof and the Depot in Independence. Current donations include scholarships for Hazleton graduates of OCHS, sponsorship of a Fontana Park animal, monies to Oelwein Area Kitchen Cupboard, Independence Food Pantry, Operation Threshold, Cedar Valley Hospice, Early Head Start, Kids Halloween party, Santa Shopping & Visit, as well as providing Christmas gifts for a Hazleton family in need.
Commercial Club Meetings
Club meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the Legion Hall. Members are encouraged to bring prospective members to the meetings to share information about the agenda topics.
United Neighbors
The goal of the United Neighbors group is to improve life in Hazleton
After attending a ‘Healthy Church Initiative’ workshop, the leaders of the United Methodist Church embarked on a way to connect more with community members outside the church. Thus, United Neighbors was born. A Matthew 25 grant from the Methodist northeast district, which was made possible through gifts from across Iowa, provided financial support for the group.
A few positive people wanting to make a difference has grown to include community leaders, business owners, members from other churches, city officials, and neighbors of all ages. With the goal of wanting to improve life in Hazleton, the group as done several projects including cleaning up two vacant lots where a new home now stands. The first community Thanksgiving dinner drew 57 people to enjoy the feast. Bringing cheer to others was accomplished by caroling at homes and area care centers. A New Year ’s Eve party rang in the New Year! Other activities have included a float in Haze Daze parade, helping with children’s garden plots in the Community Garden, singing patriotic songs to veterans, having a Back to School Bash in the park for children and families, and building a ramp for a lady so she can get in and out of her home safely.
United Neighbors welcomes and encourages others to join or contribute financial support as the group works to improve life in Hazleton. Contact Ronda McAllister (319 636-2119) for more information.
Hazleton Museum Committee
The members of the Hazleton Museum Committee are Vickie Buckman, Roger Carson, and Kevin Minton.