This year marks a significant milestone for the Pastime Club, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. For seven decades, this beloved local bar has been more than just a watering hole; it’s been a cornerstone of the community, a place where memories are made, traditions are kept alive, and where the essence of Gustine’s spirit is encapsulated.

The Pastime Club has witnessed countless memorable moments over the years. From the grand Fourth of July celebrations, complete with floats in the parade, to lively music events that once filled the nights with the sounds of local bands, the bar has always been a hub of activity. “We used to host a motorcycle and car run for three straight years in the early 2000s. We even had a priest who was in the middle of Main Street blessing the bikes that were driving by both sides of him,” reminisced Billy Marsigli, the current owner of the establishment.

Billy also fondly recalled the days of sponsoring local sports teams, from softball to bowling. “We’ve always had a team or two that we sponsored. And New Year’s Eve parties here were legendary. Every year, it was the place to be.” Birthday celebrations, casual gatherings, and just regular evenings out have all contributed to making the Pastime Club a place where friends and families come together.

The bar’s charm lies in its preservation of traditions from its early days.  Billy shared, “My parents and grandparents wanted people to feel comfortable and relaxed when they walked in. They didn’t want anyone to worry about looking over their shoulder. It’s about having a good time and enjoying yourself. That’s a tradition we’ve worked hard to maintain.”

Sherri Marsigli, Billy’s wife, agreed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. “Pouring a true drink – a real drink – has always been a part of that tradition. It’s about honesty and making sure everyone feels at home.”

Billy shared vivid memories of growing up with the Pastime Club. “In 1954 my parents and grandparents moved to Gustine from San Francisco and bought the business. They would open at 6 in the morning for the locals that worked the creameries. There were five or six bars in town and they said we wouldn’t last six months.“

Stocking the bar as a child and watching his father interact with patrons left a lasting impression. “It was a different time. The camaraderie and sense of community were palpable. I always enjoyed the business and wanted to keep the family tradition going,” he said. “I never thought of doing anything else.”

Sherri shared, “Originally there were booths along the wall, and only the men sat at the bar while the women sat in the booths. His grandma used to make spaghetti for lunch in the backroom.”

The tradition continues with the involvement of Billy and Sherri’s two sons, who have helped maintain the bar, including painting and other upkeep. “Our sons came down and painted this whole place,” Billy proudly shared. “It’s a family effort, and it’s something we’re all proud of.”


As the Pastime Club celebrates this incredible milestone, plans for the future include hosting more live bands and organizing special events. “I want to try to get members of old bands that have played here in the past to come down and perform again,” Billy revealed.

Sherri shared their vision for the future. “We’ve built a patio that is available for private parties. With our catering license, we can host events like weddings or other celebrations. People can call the bar at (209)854-3766 or come in person to ask about scheduling their event.”

Remarkably, the Pastime Club has been open every day for 70 years, except for Christmas Day and Mother’s Day. “In 1954, my parents and grandparents moved from San Francisco and bought the business,” Billy shared. “They worked tirelessly, with my grandfather on the day shift and my dad on the night shift, to make the payments on the bar. They even hauled hay to make ends meet. In the late 70’s I remember my dad would work the day shift, and his regulars would come in to play dice and enjoy a drink after work.”

Sherri added, “Without the support of our friends and the community, we wouldn’t be here today. They helped us paint, create artwork, and keep the place running.”

Billy shared “When I turned 19 my father passed away and I came down and started helping my mom when I turned 21. A bunch of my great friends all came down and we scrubbed all these walls and painted the inside. They painted and made the artwork you see hanging around the ceiling, and murals on the walls.”

The Pastime Club remains one of the oldest and longest-lasting businesses in the area, owned by the same family. It stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of its founders and the continued commitment of their descendants.

As the community gathers to celebrate this remarkable milestone, the Pastime Club looks forward to many more years of being a beloved fixture in Gustine, where old traditions are cherished, and new memories are made. They will be holding a 70 Year Celebration Bash from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 and will have Karaoke starting at 7 p.m.