Photos Courtesy of Berthoud Chamber of Commerce – The sunny inviting interior of Berthoud Activity Hall.

In 1988, Berthoud’s laundromat at 617 North Fourth Street needed a new roof. The structure belonged to Tom and Joyce Jones who also owned the family-run plumbing store next to it and the house next to that. But as many structural improvements go, one thing led to another. “My grandfather wanted to raise the roof,” said Josh Jones, the current owner of Jones Excavating & Plumbing. The longtime family business still sits at the same address next to the laundromat where it’s been since 1958 when Jones’ great-grandfather, Wesley Jones, started it. Jones was about 15 when he helped his grandfather with the roof. They not only raised it, but they also added block walls, glass skylights, plumbing and hardwood floors. Locals knew it as the Barn Owls Dance Hall. On Oct. 17, 2021, the space had a grand re-opening with a new name, the Berthoud Activity Hall and an expanded purpose.

“Originally it was more a gift,” Jones said, “from my grandpa to my grandma.” His grandparents loved to dance. “They were the king and queen of square dancing.” Jones also said in the beginning, the space was more or less a private facility for family and friends. “We had lots of family parties here.” Pictures of his grandparents and Berthoud landmarks still decorate the newly re-opened facility, which is now available to the public to rent for events, classes, meetings and general get-togethers.

Light floods the expansive room with its gleaming hardwood floors. An outdoor balcony spans the length of the building. In the corner of the room stands a platform where a DJ or musician can do their magic and pump up the volume so to speak. It’s a sunny, inviting space for small groups such as dance and yoga classes. It’s ideal for larger gatherings of up to 100 people, complete with bathrooms and a kitchen area featuring a large industrial refrigerator, a microwave and a sink. “You can’t cook here, but you can easily have a catered event.” A separate entrance is available for caterers. Round table setup is also available.

Best of all, depending on the time and day requested, the space is affordable and not completely booked. Yet. “If somebody wants to rent in the middle of the day right now, they could get it for $35.00 an hour,” Jones said.

Upcoming events to watch for include Taste of Berthoud and in April, Moon Theatre, a local acting company is planning a dinner theater production. The square dancing continues to be a hit.

Worth mentioning…the building was finished before the American Disability Act passed, but Jones is hoping to make the second-story facility wheelchair accessible as soon as funding permits. Serving the needs of the community, whether in work or play, is a Jones family tradition.

To learn more about the space and how to reserve it, go to the website www.BerthoudActivityHall.com