ATTLEBORO -- Bartek Recreation Center began its life in 1910 as an armory for Co. I of the Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

The city took it over in 1969 for recreation, and two years ago it was named for the city's first recreation director, Fred Bartek.

Those are the basic facts of the venerable Pine Street building, also known as the Castle, which members of the Attleboro Historical Preservation Society heard Thursday during a tour of the massive brick structure.

Society program Director Bette Fuller selected the building for a tour because the group is trying to get a sense of the history of the city's significant structures.

About 25 members showed up for the tour, which sparked memories of other uses of the building over the years. It was home to annual fire and police balls, auto shows, home shows and, for years, Attleboro High School basketball games.

`` This is a landmark that was used by the community for years,'' Fuller said. `` We wanted to see what's happened to it and how it's being utilized now.''

It's been a long time since some people have entered the building, Fuller said.

`` A lot of people haven't been here since Attleboro High played basketball games here,'' she said.

One of those who played basketball there was Bartek, who attended the meeting.

He played some games there in the late 1950s as a member of the team from the former Coyle High School in Taunton.

At the time, he was a Somerset resident.

The city's third recreation director, Dennis Walsh, brought the society up to date on the building's new uses with a rendition of youth and adult programs that take place there.

He also noted major physical improvements, such as new windows and upgrades to the entertainment room and game room.

The city paid for the windows, and donations made the other rooms possible. While the building is home to the city's recreation department, Walsh said its importance in the history of the city won't be forgotten.

Soldiers gathered there to go off to World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Some never returned.

`` That's why the United States flag and MIA-Pow flag fly proudly from the Castle,'' Walsh said.