This year marks a major milestone for the Pastime Club as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. For seven decades, this beloved local bar has been more than just a local hangout; it’s a cornerstone of the community, a place where memories are made, traditions are kept alive, and the essence of Gustine’s spirit is captured.
The Pastime Club has had countless memorable moments over the years. From the big Fourth of July celebrations, complete with floats in the parade, to lively music events that once filled the nights with the sounds of local bands, the bar has always been a hub of activity. “We hosted a motorcycle and car race for three years in the early 2000s. We even had a priest who would stand in the middle of Main Street and bless the motorcycles that passed on either side of him,” recalls Billy Marsigli, the current owner of the establishment.
Billy also fondly remembered the days when he sponsored local sports teams from softball to bowling. “We always had one or two teams that we sponsored. And the New Year’s Eve parties here were legendary. Every year it was the place to be.” Birthday parties, casual get-togethers and regular nights out have helped make the Pastime Club a place where friends and families come together.
The charm of the bar lies in the fact that it maintains the traditions of its early days. Billy says: “My parents and grandparents wanted people to feel comfortable and relaxed when they came in. They didn’t want anyone to have to worry about looking over their shoulders. It’s about having a good time and having fun. That’s a tradition we’ve worked hard to maintain.”
Sherri Marsigli, Billy’s wife, agreed, stressing the importance of maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. “Serving a real drink – a real beverage – has always been part of this tradition. It’s about honesty and making everyone feel at home.”
Billy recounted vivid memories of his childhood at the Pastime Club. “In 1954, my parents and grandparents moved from San Francisco to Gustine and bought the business. They opened at 6 a.m. for the locals who worked in the dairies. There were five or six bars in town and they said we wouldn’t last six months.”
As a child, tending the bar and seeing how his father interacted with customers left a lasting impression. “It was a different time. The camaraderie and sense of community was palpable. I always enjoyed the business and wanted to carry on the family tradition,” he said. “I never thought about doing anything else.”
Sherri said, “Originally there were booths along the wall, and only the men sat at the bar while the women sat in the booths. His grandma always made spaghetti for lunch in the back room.”
The tradition continues with the involvement of Billy and Sherri’s two sons, who have helped with the upkeep of the bar, including painting and other maintenance. “Our sons came in and painted the whole place,” Billy said proudly. “It’s a family effort and something we’re all proud of.”
As the Pastime Club celebrates this incredible milestone, more live bands and special events are planned for the future. “I want to try and get members of old bands that have played here in the past to come back and perform,” revealed Billy.
Sherri shared her vision for the future. “We have built a patio that is available for private parties. With our catering license, we can host events such as weddings or other celebrations. People can call the bar at (209)854-3766 or stop by in person to inquire about planning their event.”
Remarkably, the Pastime Club has been open every day except Christmas and Mother’s Day for 70 years. “In 1954, my parents and grandparents moved here from San Francisco and bought the business,” Billy said. “They worked tirelessly, my grandfather on the day shift and my father on the night shift, to pay the bar bills. They even hauled hay to make ends meet. I remember my father working the day shift in the late ’70s and his regulars would come in after work to roll dice and drink.”
Sherri added, “We wouldn’t be here today without the support of our friends and community. They helped us paint, create artwork and keep the shop running.”
Billy said, “When I turned 19, my dad died and when I turned 21, I came here and started helping my mom. A couple of my best friends came here and we scrubbed all the walls and painted the inside. They painted and did the artwork you see hanging on the ceiling and murals on the walls.”
The Pastime Club remains one of the oldest and longest-running businesses in the area and is owned by the same family, a testament to the dedication and hard work of its founders and the continued commitment of their descendants.
As the community comes together to celebrate this remarkable milestone, the Pastime Club looks forward to many more years of being a popular place in Gustine where old traditions are cherished and new memories are made. A 70th anniversary celebration will be held on August 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and karaoke will be available starting at 7:00 p.m.
