PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER Clutier’s Z.C.B.J. Hall, located at 501 Main St., pictured on Friday, May 29, 2026. A fundraising drive is currently underway to replace the historic hall’s deteriorating wood siding.

CLUTIER — Built nearly 125 years ago, Clutier’s Z.C.B.J. Hall still stands on the north side of town as a testament to both its superior workmanship and the community’s Czech pride. But nothing lasts forever, and the Zapadne Ceska Bratrska Jednota (Z.C.B.J.) Lodge No. 104 membership is seeking the community’s help to replace the building’s deteriorating wood siding.

“This hall, built by a local builder with manual labor done by members with their own money, is a standing tribute to the charter members that felt there was a need for community socializing. Many of our current members are proud descendants of those original founders,” Z.C.B.J. Lodge President Kathleen Brundage wrote in a May fundraising letter. “In recent years, many dedicated local members have spent countless hours maintaining and updating the hall … However, the grand old hall is in desperate need of permanent siding so it can continue to serve the community for many more years.”

Brundage went on to explain how a now-deceased Z.C.B.J. Lodge member and his wife “made a very generous and welcome donation” earmarked for the project, but further funds are still needed. The Lodge has thus set a goal of raising $10,000 in additional funds for the project which will be completed by Cedar Ridge Quality Construction, LLC.

“Siding is planned for July and August this year,” Lodge leadership wrote on social media late last month. “The vinyl siding, soffit and fascia will be white and look like the hall does today with added OSB underlayment and Tyvek wrap to help with insulation. The windows and porch pillars will be wrapped in metal. There is quite a bit of wood rot around the windows now.”

As of press time, roughly 40% of the funds had been secured. Lodge leadership is now hoping the people of Tama County — Czech or otherwise — will help fill the remaining gap.

“You may wish to make a donation to preserve this historical hall in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one or family member and make our ancestors proud,” Brundage wrote in her fundraising letter. “All donations, large or small, are welcome.”

Donations may be sent to Clutier Z.C.B.J. Lodge No. 104, 501 Main Street, Clutier, IA 52217. Funds are also being accepted via Venmo (@Michelle-Michelle-186).

Once the work is complete, a plaque displaying donor names will be installed on the building.