The Wrangell Bridge Social is bidding on both old and new players to revitalize the long-standing friendly competition and social connections the card game offers.

The group is back up and playing on a regular schedule, with room for more people at the tables.

Joan Kading remembers moving from Hoonah to Wrangell to work as a teacher in 1971, and Jean Pettigrew inviting her to join the bridge group. “She said if you’re going to get through the winter, you’re going to have to play bridge. She took me in and I started playing.”

The bridge group was initially a women’s group. Margery Emde, whose mother Janice Emde was active in the group, recalls, “Most groups or clubs in Wrangell were male-exclusive. Women needed a place to gather that wasn’t a bar.”

Games and tournaments were played in the women’s homes, on a rotating schedule. Emde said while there was plenty of conversation and storytelling accompanying the games, the play was serious. “I can remember getting home sometimes after 1 in the morning.”

It was a way to quickly meet and connect with other women, including those you might not normally meet. Kading said while several teachers participated, the players included the Japanese wives of the sawmill managers. “They didn’t speak a lot of English, but it was a way for them to be involved in the community.”

An Around Town column by Pat Roppel in the Oct. 11, 2001, issue of the Wrangell Sentinel highlighted the shift to an open invitation to all interested bridge players, regardless of gender or skill level. The seasoned players were more than happy to coach players who were just beginning to learn the intricacies of the game.

Contact bridge consists of four players in two teams, which make a table. Some teams consist of people who have been partners for a long time, but some rotate. “It’s fun if you don’t get too competitive,” Kading said. “If one set of partners always wins, it takes the fun out of it.”

The COVID-19 social distancing shutdowns ended play for several years. Some initial gatherings occurred sporadically throughout 2024, but the group is determined to get back to regular playing sessions.

According to the English Bridge Union website, the first reference to the card game in England was in a 1529 sermon by Bishop Hugh Latimer, so it seems appropriate that the Wrangell players meet at Island of Faith Lutheran Church on Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.

There have recently been enough players for two tables, but there is room for more.

Joan Sargent, who plays more pinochle than bridge, said, “This community works to provide lots of activities for kids. This is an option for adults.”

Emde added, “If there are interested people who would like to know more, or would like to suggest a different or additional time, just let me know.” Emde can be reached at 907-272-8649 or on Facebook Messenger.