It all begin on January 16, 1949, at the home of Charles Hobson in Beloit, WI. A group of 19 young Negro men met to discuss the need to “seek and find” ways to obtain full opportunity for social and civic advancement within the Negro Community. A fraternal club was organized, and Mr. Ambrose Gordon suggested the name QUEST CLUB; it was readily accepted and became reality.

The novice club’s mantra became “handle everything with integrity” based upon Proverbs 10:9 “He who walks with integrity walks securely.” Armed with The Word and Robert’s Rules of Order, the First President Mr. William Reneau, presided over the formation of the by-laws and the constitution, and the beginning of their passion ensued.

By the end of their first year the membership had grown to 31, and the men were involved in various pursuits. These included a Brotherhood Banquet with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a first scholarship awarded to a deserving student (Loretta McKnight), a partnership with Beloit College to survey the rate of juvenile delinquency in the Beloit community at large & subsequent methods to eradicate it, outings sponsored for local schools, & donations for membership to two boys at the Y.M.C.A. (Russell Johnson, William Mahan Jr.)

The Brotherhood had a plan to buy land, and to build their clubhouse! On April 8, 1951 the parcel was purchased and on December 9, 1951, 1737 Sixth St. was the site of the new Quest Clubhouse. Immediately the men began to share their edifice with other groups who sought a private place for meetings; these included organizations from Rockford and Milwaukee.

As time progressed, so did the areas of interest and involvement for the men of the Quest Club; they spearheaded a Red Cross Blood Drive and donated blood as an example of true modeling, organized with the Beloit Health Dept. a program to share the importance of receiving the polio vaccine, had representation at every City Council Meeting (as well as the Federal Housing project and Welfare Council of Beloit), collaborated with state representatives for drivers license instructions and requirements, led a “Back to Church Movement”, joined the Y.M.C.A. to promote individual fitness, took elocution lessons to became better communicators, and continued their quest to live and lead by example.

The wives of the Quest Club Men were also deeply concerned and involved in issues across the spectrum. The Q-ettes formed an auxiliary club and proudly worked with their spouses to better the lives of the Beloit community over the decades. Their efforts are also applauded and appreciated.

Dances and Celebrations for the teenagers were a special focus for the Quest Club men and their wives. A safe, wholesome environment with chaperoned activities were the benchmarks of the outings. Many wonderful memories were made because of the dedication and love from Mr. Pearl Martin and Mrs. Della Ingram.

The turbulent times of the 1960’s was prevalent across the country, and Beloit was no exception. There was a marked, accelerated increase in the involvement of the democratic process and election activities by the men of the Quest Club, but tensions were felt citywide. It was a difficult time, and gradually the brotherhood of men saw the decline in membership, and in 1969 the doors at 1737 Sixth St. permanently closed as the Quest Clubhouse.

We salute and honor these 58 men as leaders in our community, and as a symbol for hope for generations to come.

Remembering The Quest Club

The Quest Club would host a dance event called the “Teen Coke Hop” every Saturday. Music from 45 vinyl records started playing at 4 o’clock and stopped promptly at 8 o’clock.  In the interview, Diane chuckled as she recalled, “the last song that played every single Saturday was “Hit The Road Jack”, that meant we had to go!” 

Quest Teen Club Fun

Don Wilson, who joined as a young man, served as the last president of the Quest Club. He continued to uphold the core values of the club and to impart the club’s motto, “Handle everything with Integrity.” He fondly remembered the club was a very respectable place, never having to call the police for anyone acting unruly or being too rowdy. Don attributes this to the way the officers and members operated the club.

Reflecting back on the Quest Club days, Don talked about the impact the club had on the city and the African American community. The Quest Club’s Mission Statement was to “Become actively involved within our community, enhancing education and economic opportunities.” The men were dedicated to their club mission but they also knew the importance of offering a place to gather socially for Beloit’s African Americans.

There were a host of events from fancy black tie affairs for the Quest Club men and women to Saturday night parties that were filled with lively music and dancing. Throughout the years music enthusiasts from surrounding cities like Rockford, Freeport and Milwaukee would flock to the Quest Club when one of the big named bands would perform live. Don recalled a jazz band led by the legendary saxophonist, Earl Bostic, entertaining a large crowd at the Quest Club.

Over time, recruitment efforts became more challenging for the Quest Club organization. Young men weren’t as interested in belonging to a social club in the mid to late 1960’s. After twenty years, in 1969, the Quest Club shut their doors. Don hated that decision and so did the members of the Teen Quest Club. “Thank God for the adults that did that (starting the Teen Quest Club) for us, because I don’t know what we would have done,” Diane said. Don and Diane both agreed that time brings about change.

On May 24, 2014, a Quest Club Celebration was held at the Country Club of Beloit. Homage was paid to the nineteen distinguished men who sought to seek and find ways to obtain full opportunity for social and civic advancement within the African American community.

Quest Club Members

George Arnold, Sheldon Boyd, Stanley Buggs, Raymond Byrd, Benjamin Cain, Cleveland Carr, Ethan Carr, Robert Carr, Alonzo Dickerson, Earl Drake, Bennie Farr, Mardie Farr, Jessie Floyd, J.B. Garrett, Robert Gilliam, William Gilliam, Levert Givhan, Ambrose Gordon, Delbert Grady, Curtis Harper, Ernie, Hancock, Lake Harrell, Arnett Henry, Everett Henry, Robert Lee Henry, William Herford, Richard Hereford, Herman Hill, Charles Hobson, Howard Honor, James Howard, Elias Ingram, Arnie Johnson, Lummie Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Clarence Lomax, Frank Lomax, Vernon Mahan, Pearl Martin, Lawrence May, Lou Murphy, Arthur Peterson, Felix Peterson, John Peterson, Jesse Reneau, William Reneau (First President), A.B. Sample, Wesley Simmons, Autry Smithson, Andrew Steward, James Thompson, William Townsend, William Washington, Hayes White, Donald Wilson (Last President), John Earl Wilson, Raymond Wright.

A special thanks to Oscar Bond for providing many of the photos used in the story.