
ALTON - The Alton Owl’s Club will host their annual rummage sale and bake sale to raise money for their work.
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From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, community members can support the Owl’s Club at the sale at 227 Blair Avenue in Alton. Mark Birmingham, a club member, noted that the proceeds will allow them to help other Riverbend organizations and nonprofits.
“We try to support local charities,” he said.
Birmingham said they have “quite a bit of stuff,” from furniture and household goods to clothing, toys and more. The rummage sale is reasonably priced, and they aim to sell out.
The club members’ wives will also be making desserts to sell. Attendees are encouraged to browse, shop and snack.
The proceeds from the rummage sale and bake sale will go toward the Owl’s Club mission to help other nonprofits. They host several events throughout the year to raise money for groups like the Overnight Warming Locations and the Alton Boys and Girls Club.
The Owl’s Club is an organization that is unique to Alton. Birmingham shared some history of how the club was started almost 80 years ago, mostly by shift workers who used to work at Olin and the glass factory.
“This was a just a men’s club that was put together back during the war years,” he said. “The guys wanted a place to go to maybe have a beer and unwind after work, someplace where their wives knew that they weren’t out chasing girls. That’s kind of how the club originated.”
For Birmingham, the club provides him with a sense of community. He noted that he is over 70 years old and he enjoys going to the Owl’s Club for a beer during the Cardinals games. To him, it’s “just a fun thing” that means a lot.
While it’s a private club, this is an opportunity for community members to stop by and see everything they do. Birmingham encourages everyone to come out and participate. He believes the weekend will be a lot of fun for a good cause.
“Come down, sip a cold beverage, and look around,” he added. “See what we’ve got to offer.”
For more information, call 618-462-4331.
