The Eagles Club has been a Bozeman landmark for decades, this we know, but did you know that the FOE (Fraternal Order of Eagles) founded Mother’s Day? Or that they donate over ten million dollars a year back into communities all across the nation through fundraising, donations and charities? Their mission/statement is, “The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ill and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.” Long known for its contribution in charitable endeavors and helping in the community, the Bozeman Eagles Club is still to this present day involved with giving back a portion of all money made into the beautiful city of Bozeman. Bozeman’s ‘nest’ was founded in 1903, and was the 326th aerie (nest, or home of the Eagle) formed in the US; hence the number behind the name of Bozeman’s Club. Currently, there are more than 1400 Aerie’s in the United States and Canada. Pat Iwanski, President of the Bozeman Eagles #326, gave us the grand tour and brought us up to date on all the changes the Bozeman Eagles Club #326 has undergone. “We have made some major changes to the Eagles Club, but it is still the same place where you can come and throw peanut shells on the floor.” He quips.

There is a new manager in the house, and he too, could be considered a Bozeman landmark. He has worked in food service around Bozeman for many, many years and is a familiar face to copious amounts of Bozeman dwellers. Tom Pratt started out at the Elks club here in Bozeman and was the owner of The Gourmet Gas Station during its 15 years of operation, then went on to help manage the Castle Rock Café for a year and a half before taking the position as the manager of the Eagles. Pres. Pat Iwanski tells us “how happy he (Tom) is to be managing the Eagles and that he has definitely come in and added a little more ‘flavor’ to the Club, if you will.” Pat jokes. Tom is wearing two hats at the Eagles, one as the aforementioned manager, and the other as the culinary master. “We ran a Prime Rib and crab leg special for Valentine’s Day.” Pat tells us, “It was fantastic and was a huge hit with the customers! Keep your eyes open for tempting future cuisine specials we will run at the Eagles!”

In addition to the new management and the changes to the menu, there are also several new events that take place every night of the week. “Monday nights is Billiard nights with mini-pool tournaments starting at 6:00 pm. There is also a new cribbage tournament on Tuesday nights that has become very popular.” Pat tells us. “We have Open Mic night every Wednesday, alternating every other week with music/poetry and comedy. So come out and show Bozeman what you’ve got!!! There are Karaoke Thursdays, and Friday nights are burger night from 5-7 pm. Served up with the burgers is baked beans, potato salad and brownies. Also, on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, we have in the past traditionally hosted steak night, but now our culinary master, Tom, has added the choice of a delicious Prime Rib as well. Friday and Saturday nights are live music almost every weekend so if your band is interested in playing a gig at the Eagles Club, please visit our newly expanded and updated web page at www.eaglesclub326.com. And then finally, rounding out the week is the open darts on Sunday afternoon. It is open to anyone that wants to come out and shoot. So, there is literally something new and exciting to do every night of the week at the Eagles Club. And along with some delicious grub, and fantastic drinks, come check us out, especially if you haven’t in awhile; let us knock your socks off!”

Billiards is a very popular past time at The Eagles, and coming up for the next three months are a few dates to mark on your calendar if you are a pool fan. March 16th there will be a “Good-bye Winter, Hello golf season” golf-pool, where the lowest score wins. Also, April 12th there will be a “Chips Pool Classic”. It is $10 to enter and there will be quintuple elimination and a race to one, in which you are paid for every match you win. And finally, May 3rd, there is Open Nine Ball Singles. The cost is $25 per player, and the limit is 32 teams. Call the Eagles Club at 406-587-9996 for more information on any of these events. And sign up early! Space is limited and you don’t want to miss out!

The Eagles Club also has private party rooms for rent upstairs that can hold a number of guests from 20 to 350. They offer a large dance floor, restrooms, and a private bar for your next occasion. For rates and information, please visit their website, www.eaglesclub326.com, and click on ‘Eagle Upstairs’. Pat was also excited to let us know that their web page, which had not been current for quite some time, is updated often and much more user friendly. “You can find out about all the events and live music on our web page, as well as any upcoming dinner specials we are running. We also have a Facebook page, so please visit that and ‘like’ us! Thanks for your support, Bozeman!”    

Stacey Faldetta is a freelance writer currently living in MT with her four children. She is working on her first book of compiled poetry called ‘A Thousand Little Sparks’ and enjoys travelling extensively around our breath taking state enjoying all that the Big Sky Country has to offer. She can be reached at mtcinnamon73@gmail.com