Welcome To The

DOMINIC "JOE" NEGRI

CLUBHOUSE

40 School Street

Groton, CT 06340

(860) 445-5262

Home of the

USSVI Groton Base

“First and Finest”

Base Commander

John Carcioppolo

commander@subvetsgroton.org

All members of USSVI

and their guests are always

Welcome at the

Dominic "Joe" Negri Clubhouse

Just ring the bell and we will buzz you in!

“THE CLUB” HISTORY

The building at 40 School Street was built in 1895. It was originally owned by the Thames Lodge Corporation. Shortly after 1900, the building was converted into the Groton Play House, and later the Groton Theatre. The stage still remains the same, and stored in the attic are the original opera chairs. Afterwards, the building was used for many years as a meeting hall by the Elks lodge.

In 1966 Dominic "Joe" Negri and the members of U. S. SUBVETS Inc. Groton Base raffled off a 1966 Gold Cadillac to raise the funds to purchase 40 School Street for their club house. It was originally designated as the National Headquarters for the SUBVETS Organization, but this designation was removed in the mid 80s.

Over the years, "The Club" as it has affectionately been called has gone through some tough times, and good times. Through the perseverance over the years of shipmates like Joe Negri, Morgan Bailey, John Wagner, Gerry Tighe, Dave Shoaff, Chris Quijada, Tom Connors, John Carcioppolo, and many others, the doors are still open, and it is better than ever.

The Club has been remodeled and refurbished several times. The downstairs area has been designated as "The Pump Room" and the area on the second deck is called the "Conning Tower". It is used for many events put on by the Groton Base House Committee, house@subvetsgroton.org, including special dinners, and their famous brunches. It is also used by the membership for their monthly meetings, and ceremonies. The Thames River Chapter of U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS World War II also holds their monthly meetings and luncheons there.

“PUMP ROOM” “CONNING TOWER”

(Dining Room) (Meeting Hall)

The Club also serves lunch Monday thru Friday and can also be used for private functions at a nominal fee for events like Retirements, Reunions, CPO Initiations, Weddings, and other functions and parties. For additional information with regards to cost, and reservations contact Karen Torkelson, the Club Manager, at (860) 445-5262 or clubmanager@subvetsgroton.org.

The Bar

OPERATING HOURS

Mon – Fri: 11 am - 2 am

(Lunch served 11 am – 2 pm)

Sat: 11 am - 2 am

Sun: 10 am - 9 pm

Permittee / Club Manager:

Karen Torkelson

Displayed in the club are plaques from over 500 Submarines, Submarine Support Commands, and Submarine Training Commands, and other Submarine Memorabilia. There is a wall in the “Pump Room” that is dedicated to the men who were lost on USS THRESHER (SSN 593), and USS SCORPION (SSN 589), as well as to all of the Submariners who have received the Nations highest honor, The Congressional Medal of Honor: John Cromwell, Sam Dealy, Eugene Fluckey, Howard Gilmore, Richard O'Kane, Lawson P. "Red" Ramage, George Street, Henry Breault, and those who received the Medal of Honor in the rescue of USS SQUALUS. In the “Conning Tower” there is a Wall of Honor with a plaque remembering the WWII Boats on Eternal Patrol and plaques with the history of USSVI.

After Joe Negri's death, "The Club" was renamed the Dominic "Joe" Negri Memorial Club in memory of Joe, who through his persistence and vigilance we are fortunate to have this building. In 1999 Shipmate Morgan Bailey purchased the sign which is displayed over the front door. Also in the “Pump Room” there is a showcase with some of Joe's memorabilia.

Today, SUBVETS Groton Base is still the only Base in the organization 44years after its inception that has their own club house. Groton Base is very fortunate, and grateful to Joe Negri for what we have today. We would be remiss if we didn't mention that "The Club" has survived all these years through the many donations, and many hours of hard work, and tender loving care that many members have donated over the years. Renovations and improvements are ongoing. Donations and project coordination is done by Tom Connors.

"The Club" has always been, and continues to be maintained by dedicated volunteers who selflessly devote their time and efforts every Saturday morning towards keeping the building cleaned, and maintained for the rest of the membership. Thanks to members like John Wagner, Walter Grant, Mark Stern, Rob Davis, Marty Glavin, Ray Nott, Ed Hamilton, Ed Russell, Mike Munhall, and Tom Connors we have the best looking club around. USSVI Groton Base is the “First and Finest” because of all its members and all the things they do as VOLUNTEERS!

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