Lodge_History

PERIOD OF THE HAMLET AVENUE HOME

We mentioned above that within one year of selling the Federal Street property, a three-story building on Hamlet Ave. known as the Halcyon Inn (formerly the Holt Mansion) was purchased and became the second Elks home owned by Woonsocket B.P.O.E. #850. The project this time was not funded by the sale of bonds to members, but by loans from several banks and a second ten-year mortgage held by the Trustees of the Halcyon Inn. The brief history provided in the Lodge’s Golden Anniversary booklet mentions that “the Lodge took possession on April 1, 1925…” and “…celebrated the official opening of the new home on April 20, 1925.” It reports that about five hundred Elks from more than thirty Lodges participated in the dedication ceremonies. “Festivities started with a parade from Hamlet Avenue to historic Harris Hall.” P.E.R. William A. McCarthy acted as Toastmaster. Dedicatory exercises were conducted by P.G.E.R. James Nicholson, accompanied by a few Grand Lodge dignitaries and several Past District Deputies. The address was delivered by E. Mark Sullivan, P.E.R. of Boston #10.
The newly acquired building did offer a distinct advantage. Since it had served several years as an inn with 21 guest rooms, the rental of rooms and a cottage on the property generated income for the Lodge. The practice of renting rooms and the cottage continued through all the years the Lodge occupied this building The additional income was certainly helpful in meeting the expenses of the Lodge during the early years. One must remember that the relocation to this new home took place during the Prohibition era that began in 1920. While still in the Federal Building, members were forbidden to bring liquor in the Club rooms and the policy was strictly enforced. Operating a bar and lounge to generate income, as we do today, was totally out of the question. Besides rental income, a sizeable membership obviously helped.
The Golden Anniversary booklet mentions that by the year 1924, the membership had reached a total of 1,181 and remained at or about that figure through 1928. The last available membership figure before the move to Hamlet Ave. dates back to the meeting of April 1, 1918 when the figure stood at 538, including servicemen. If the 1,181 figure in 1924 as reported in the 50th anniversary booklet is accurate, this would mean that the membership more than doubled in the span of only six years, an outstanding achievement. That it remained at that level through 1928, however, is difficult to reconcile. Lapsation appears to have been a major problem during that four-year interval. In 1926, 73 were dropped from the rolls; in excess of 100 in 1927; another 124 were delinquent 18 months or more at the end of the fraternal year 1927-1928 and a vote was taken that they be dropped from the rolls. The fact that only 57 members were dropped in April 1929 seems to indicate that membership retention improved somewhat.
The losses in membership seem to have generated enough concern that in July 1929, a Committee was appointed to launch a concerted, yet selective, membership drive. The effort was successful. Both balloting on candidates and an initiation were held at the meeting of November 4. Given the large number of candidates, the initiation was held in the Blackstone Hotel Ballroom for the first time. This venue would be used again occasionally for one event or another in subsequent years. R.I. Governor Norman Case, Senator Russell Handy, Woonsocket Mayor Hector Paquin, and D.D.G.E.R. John O’Connell were all present at this record-setting initiation. Unfortunately the stock market crash that had just occurred in October and the ensuing Great Depression years, to which we will return, will contribute significantly to an alarming decrease in membership.
Whatever the size of the membership when the Woonsocket Elks relocated to Hamlet Ave., the Lodge remained very active in the early years at this location. Despite its added financial burden of a sizeable mortgage, it did not neglect charitable giving nor, especially, patriotic activities. In a display of Elks patriotism, the Lodge’s Community & Welfare Committee donated a flag to each of the immigrants who took their oath of American citizenship at Woonsocket High School on June 20, 1927. The presentation was made at the swearing-in ceremony for these new citizens. The presentation of flags to new Americans was frequently repeated in succeeding years. Flag Day observance was given added prominence in 1926 since it was held outdoors at Cold Spring Park for the public’s benefit. It continued being held at the park for five years, until 1931, when it was held at Woonsocket high School, then at a variety of venues in ensuing years. The largest and most impressive Flag Day assembly was undoubtedly that of 1936 when Grand Lodge granted permission to all the Rhode Island Lodges for a joint observance to mark the State’s 300th anniversary. The event was held on the State House lawn where the Elks were joined by Veterans’ organizations. On this occasion, Woonsocket Lodge went to Providence with a patriotic float and was also provided the services of the VFW band.
Some additional observations on the late 1920’s may be of interest to the reader. The year 1928 marked the 25th anniversary of the Lodge. To celebrate the occasion, a banquet and ball were held at the Woonsocket Armory on June 12 of that year. The Lodge certainly had reason to be proud of its achievements during those twenty-five years. Other new developments, as well, were first introduced in 1929, even if not implemented until later. In January, a Committee was appointed to “look into the advisability of forming a State Elks Association.” When the matter of forming such an Association was finally introduced on the floor for a vote on March 17, 1930, at the onset of the Great Depression, it was soundly defeated by a vote of 32 to 1. The issue of forming a State Association would remain active during the ensuing years, but did not become reality until 1936. The formation of an Emblem Club at the Lodge fared somewhat better. On March 4, 1929, the Lodge was presented a request from Mrs. James F. Duffy, the Past Supreme President of the Emblem Club, relating to the formation of a Club in Woonsocket. While the Lodge voted at this time to give the matter consideration, the actual formation of an Emblem Club was approved only on April 20, 1931, and the Club was formally established in October of that year. It continues to be an invaluable asset to the Woonsocket Elks Lodge, supporting and assisting it faithfully in many of its programs and activities.
The stock market crash of October 1929 and the Great Depression that followed had serious repercussions on Lodge #850. Its membership “dwindled down to a total of three hundred and sixty-nine” through 1936 of which “only one hundred and thirty were fully paid.” This had a serious effect on its financial condition and by 1936, its debt amounted to “approximately $93,000.000.” The situation was of sufficient concern as to warrant a visit from District Deputy George Dolan, who “warned them that efforts must be put forth to relieve the financial condition that Woonsocket Lodge allowed itself to get into, as well as the very inactive and small membership.” The financial crisis, to be sure, merely reflected the economic conditions of the time when unemployment had reached staggering proportions and the hard-pressed could ill afford membership dues in a fraternal organization or other society. Already in 1935, besides what was owed to other creditors, some payments to Hospital Trust were past due and a meeting was held with the bank to discuss interest and the financial affairs of the Lodge. A committee was also formed to investigate the finances of the Lodge and make appropriate recommendations. In any event, greater effort and interest were brought to the task of addressing this serious situation after the D.D.’s intervention and it began to improve in 1937 with steady gains the following years. We will return to recovery efforts later.
Depression woes did not deter Lodge programs. Despite the worsening conditions after the stock market crash, the Lodge, much to its credit, remained active in this respect. It is noteworthy that the first recorded mention of a Mother’s Day observance is found in the minutes of the meeting of April 8, 1930. An Elk quartet led by Esquire Ralph Daignault provided the entertainment on this occasion. (It appears that the Elks orchestra had disbanded by this time.) All mandated programs were also faithfully held, including P.E.R. nights in February. All were given due solemnity. The P.E.R. night of February 6,1933 is of particular interest since it was attended by William H. Chase, the Lodge’s first Exalted Ruler (1903-1904), who died soon after on June 22.
Despite its own limited financial resources during the Depression years, Lodge #850 found ways to continue its charitable works and contributions in the local community whose needy population had also swelled. In fact, the Relief Committee was entrusted as early as 1930 to find ways and means to make money for the poor of the city. Assistance was provided in many forms. Among the most original were the organization and promotion of a Boxing Exhibition in 1930 and again in 1931. The events generated a profit of $568.02 in 1930 and $226.81 in 1931 that were donated entirely to the Superintendent of Schools and the city’s Relief Committee to benefit the poor of the city. In September 1933, it planned and organized, with the assistance of the Emblem Club, a five-day Mammoth Charity Frolic that was held on a tract of land on Collier Street that the Rayon Company put at the Elks disposal. This event generated a net profit of $144.40 for charity.
For the 1936 holiday season, the Lodge also mounted a massive toy drive to bring some Christmas cheer to less fortunate youngsters. The response from the community was so enthusiastic and the collection of new and serviceable used toys was so large, that the Lodge enlisted the help of the Fire Department to help repair the used toys. The effort enabled the Elks to distribute to each of some 3,500 to 4,000 children a toy, along with some hard candy, at a Christmas Tree Party they organized. The endeavor was repeated in 1937 when 2,500 to 3,000 youngsters were again the recipient of toys and hard candy at the Elks Christmas Tree Party. The leftover candy on this occasion was donated to St. Francis Orphanage. Given that other local organizations initiated toy drives in 1939, the Elks decided to forego that activity. It contracted instead with three local theaters to give a free show to all youngsters who wished to attend. Some 1500 pounds of hard candy was distributed to these youngsters as they filed out of the theaters. Also on this same occasion, the Emblem Club donated 96 dolls to as many very happy young girls.
Two other noteworthy charitable endeavors addressed urgent needs of Woonsocket Hospital. While it had contributed often to the hospital’s fund-raising campaigns over the years, the Lodge voted in 1937 to donate a respirator (iron lung) to the hospital. Later, in 1940, it purchased an anesthesia machine for the operating room, having earmarked the proceeds from the Charity Ball that year for this purpose. The respirator was donated in 1937 in an effort to help combat Poliomyelitis (also called infantile paralysis). The machine was considered vital in the treatment of polio victims. Before being delivered to the hospital, the machine was on display for a short period of time in the show windows of the Blackstone Valley Gas & Electric Light Co. The exhibit generated considerable attention and favorable publicity for the Elks. Further publicity for the Lodge from this one charitable act was bestowed on the Woonsocket Elks as the result of a feature article in the Woonsocket Call in May 1941 (with photo) about a young girl who recovered from this serious disease. According to the article, the respirator donated earlier by the Elks was directly credited for saving her life. Learning of the fate of this young girl was a heartwarming experience for the membership. It prompted the Lodge to invite this young girl and her father to attend a Father-Daughter night at the Elks Home in June, an invitation that was gladly accepted. These examples are drawn from many other acts of benevolence that serve to reflect the spirit of cooperation and community involvement expected of an Elks Lodge that “should be quick to hear the cry of distress...and fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate.”
While attentive to the needs on the local front, Woonsocket Lodge did not neglect the Elks National Foundation established in 1928, just prior to the onset of the Great Depression. In early 1931, P.G.E.R. John F. Malley wrote to all Lodges encouraging them to become Honorary Founders of the E.N.F. by donating $1000.000 to the fund. At the regular session of February 16,1931, the Lodge voted to pledge $1000.000 to the National Foundation payable at a rate of $100.00 annually, but the first payment to be deferred until the treasury warranted payment. Slightly over one year elapsed before the Lodge was able to begin meeting its pledge. It remitted its first $100.00 contribution to the Foundation in March 1932. It has since contributed several thousand dollars and many of its members have subscribed to the Foundation through the Lodge’s first one hundred years.
The financial problems and the sharp decrease in membership in the mid 1930’s that we reviewed above were considered serious enough to threaten the very survival of the Lodge itself. A number of members feared the worst and, to be sure, the situation tested the mettle and resilience of the more optimistic. To survive, the Lodge had to make concerted efforts and take decisive action to reverse the trend. Soon after his special visit and his warning to the Lodge to get it’s affairs in order (as we noted above), D.D. George Dolan requested that a Committee of five P.E.R.’s and five members “study and make a recommendation to put the Home and Lodge on a safe operating basis.” Among the major recommendations was the establishment of a five-member Board of Governors (the name was changed to House Committee in 1948) who would assume the responsibility for the management and daily operations of the Home. Included among their duties was the operation of the bar that had been set up in 1933 after the repeal of the Prohibition Amendment. Up until this point, all the responsibilities assigned to the Board of Governors had rested in the hands of the Exalted Ruler and the Trustees.
Besides these administrative changes that were in place by the end of 1936, a new activity was also initiated soon after to increase Lodge revenues. A series of monthly entertainment of various kinds (e.g. floorshows, acts, etc.), along with cash drawings, was proposed and approved by the membership in February 1937. Added to this was the provision that all income derived from this activity would be applied immediately each month to reduce the mortgage and thereby alleviate some of the financial burden. The first Entertainment Series was launched in March of that year as a fund-raiser and continued through the years until recently, at least with the same name if not in the same format. It was hoped that in addition to generating income, the Entertainment Series would also attract new applicants. Series #1 was a successful venture in that it generated a profit of $200.77 and also two new applicants for membership and one reinstatement. It remained a successful activity. In fact after four years, the Entertainment Series showed a profit of $6,723.10 of which $6,682.26 was used directly for mortgage reduction. In addition, the end of the Lodge year 1937 saw a gain of 17 members and another 58 members in 1938, reversing the trend of constant decline since the early 30’s. Although the Lodge had not totally overcome all its financial and membership problems, it appeared to have turned the first corner on its road to recovery by the end of 1938 and that was an achievement indeed.
Another event that could have been disastrous for Woonsocket #850 was to the contrary, and quite ironically, a significant factor that contributed to the Lodge’s recovery. On the night of April 1, 1940, D.D.G.E.R. John E. Mullen was present for the installation of Officers. While awaiting to commence the ceremonies after the members had assembled in the Lodge room, he detected smoke, checked around, and found that a fire had just started on the third floor of the Home. He hurriedly sought out the Woonsocket and Providence Fire Chiefs who were both in the Lodge room for the ceremony of installation. Fire trucks were quickly summoned and the fire was contained. Since the electricity failed, Woonsocket’s Chief Cote commandeered spotlights to be set up in the yard and in the Lodge room and the business of the meeting and the installation continued. The insurance settlement for the fire was $29,500 that was given to Rhode Island Hospital Trust Co., the holder of the mortgage. The bank credited the Lodge account with $7,500 and allowed them to retain $22,000, thus permitting them “to be in a better position to rebuild, repair, and renovate the structure.” This fire turned out to be a blessing in disguise rather than a crippling event.
With the increased revenues generated by the Entertainment Series, the insurance funds after the 1940 fire (though most of it was spent on building repairs), and the weekly Bingo program launched in 1941, the mortgage debt also would soon be liquidated. After the fire insurance settlement in 1940, the mortgage debt stood at $22,000. By August 17, 1942, the balance had decreased to $15,000, then to $10,000 on October 5, and reduced to only $5,000 on December 7. The Lodge had paid the note on hand February 16,1943. This was great cause for rejoicing and a solemn mortgage-burning ceremony, with attendant festivities, was held at the Home on March 18, 1943. Charles L. O’Loughlin, Exalted Ruler for the fraternal year 1942-1943, had the honor of igniting the document. Woonsocket Lodge of Elks #850, though not without great struggle, had successfully coped with its most trying times. Its future now seemed assured.
During the difficult years of recovery we just described, world events were leading precipitously to another war, World War II. This gave rise to a flurry of activities in Elks Lodges related to the country’s defense preparation and subsequent military efforts. Given that Elks Lodges existed throughout the country, the War Department appealed to all Subordinate Elks Lodges at the Grand Lodge Session held in July 1941 to cooperate with local recruiting offices in recruiting and assisting potential Aviation Cadets for enlistment in this branch of the Service. The undertaking was so successful that it prompted Washington military officials to solicit the aid of the Elks several more times during the war: ground crews for the Army Air Corps in 1942 (with a goal of 45,000 men, the Lodges recruited 97,000 in record time); a similar effort was then mounted for the Naval Air Corps, the Army Engineers, Navy Seabees, and the Veterans Administration in need of 1,000 nurses in 1944. Woonsocket Lodge participated in each of these recruitment programs for which it was presented a letter of commendation from the Mayo of Woonsocket, Ernest E. Dupree, on the occasion of Flag Day in June 1945.
In addition to these recruitment activities, Lodge #850 served as a sales agent for U.S. War Bonds and Stamps and promoted the program in the community. As early as January 1942, it began investing some of its own funds in U.S. War Bonds and after the mortgage burning in March 1943, it earmarked all proceeds from the Entertainment Series for this purpose. The Lodge’s investments in these government obligations totaled some $60,000.00 during the war years and reached $68,000 during the post war years and the Korean conflict. Throughout the war years, the Lodge practiced an “open door” policy whereby all servicemen, members and non-members alike, were welcomed in it facility at any time as a place to assemble in a friendly atmosphere, to relax, and to enjoy the amenities of the Home. Members in the service paid no dues and were provided with the letters from home and gift packages especially at Christmastime. Clearly patriotism and brotherhood ran high at the Hamlet Avenue Home during the war years.
After the cessation of World War II hostilities and the return of all its members to American soil, the Lodge held a gala “welcome home” event for these special Veterans on May 23, 1946 at the Armory on South Main Street. Forty-four members were honored and each was presented with a solid silver Elks lapel button mounted in a setting of small diamonds and rubies, purchased by the Lodge at a cost of $85.00 per pin. Daniel Holman, the Eastern Representative of the Elks War Commission, was present at the event and delivered an eloquent address, “one which will be in the minds of each Veteran present...for many years to come.”
Since the Lodge was no longer called upon to support war efforts in the immediate post-war years, it was able to focus on several other areas requiring the members’ attention, namely the Elks National Foundation, membership growth, and the prospect of major renovations to the Home. It made notable gains in each of these areas during the years 1945 through 1950. We first note that solicitations on behalf of the Elks National Foundation intensified during this time, led by State V.P.-at-Large Anthony F. Lawrence, who also served as State Chairman of the Committee. Hardly a meeting passed when he did not report on the Foundation and appeal for support from the membership. The members responded generously and on March 18, 1946, he took great pride in announcing that Woonsocket #850 became the first Lodge in the nation to be awarded a “Special Group No. 1” certificate in addition to its “Permanent Benefactor” certificate. A tradition of strong Lodge support of the Elks National Foundation was launched and continues through this day.
Another positive aspect of the post-war years was the dramatic increase in membership. During this period, applications for membership and reinstatements were more numerous than they had been in all the years since the onset of the Depression. By the end of the Lodge year in 1946m the total membership reached 675. In May of that year, another 31 candidates were initiated. As this momentum continued, gains in total membership were particularly pronounced during the course of 1948. An initiation of 34 new members was held on April 19, 1948 and another 24 at the next session on May 3. The following month, on June 21, a special session was held for initiation only at the Blackstone Hotel Ballroom since the Lodge room was too small. This was to be the largest class ever initiated in the history of the Lodge. The records indicate “a class of approximately 75 candidates”, but two current members who were part of this class recall that the group totaled about 100. They recall how they first gathered at the Home on Hamlet Ave. and then walked in almost solemn procession to the Hotel on Clinton Street. Beyond doubt this large class accounts for the bulk of the increase in membership to 877 by the end of that Lodge year.
In the closing years of the decade, there was considerable stirring among the membership to upgrade the physical condition of the facility. The biggest project entailed the major renovation of the Bar and Lounge during the second half of 1949. It was felt that more members would patronize the Lounge if it were modernized. Motions on two or three proposals were initially defeated, but when a proposal was presented to renovate the room, including air conditioning equipment and a tile floor, at a cost not to exceed $15,000, the membership looked upon it favorably. The project was launched and toward the end of October, a gala opening of the new lounge was held. A mural of the full-size elk (now the central portion of the great mural in our present-day Hall) was the featured centerpiece on the newly constructed back-bar.
A variety of other renovations, both of the interior and exterior of the building continued during the first years of the next decade. In addition to refurbishing some of the interior modern stucco was applied to the exterior of the building a new front porch was constructed and the yard was re-surfaced and lined to maximize parking availability. These improvements made the home more significantly more attractive. The new look prompted the Lodge to hold “a gigantic two-day open house celebration” on February 24 and 25, 1951. Some 2,500 people visited the Home during those two days.
Besides renovations, new programs, especially in the area of Youth Activities, were introduced during the early 1950’s. The formation and sponsorship of a Boy Scout troop, already proposed in 1948, was finally realized. Boy Scout Troop Antlers 850 was instituted on March 5, 1952. Its Charter was presented solemnly to Exalted Ruler George E. Voelker on May 7. During the time when the Scout troop was being organized, a few civic-minded individuals, spearheaded by the U.S. Rubber Co., were also planning to introduce Little League Baseball to the city of Woonsocket. When the request to sponsor a team was presented to the membership at the meeting of June 18, 1951, it was readily accepted and the sum of $200.00 for that purpose was voted upon favorably. Since that first year, the Lodge continued without interruption to sponsor a Little League Baseball team year after year to the present, a span of over fifty years, and has had several championship teams during that time. Inspired by the success of Little League Baseball, Little League Bowling soon followed. Although not unanimously endorsed by the membership, there was sufficient backing to support this league as well. Contributions to that program continued also for several years and the sponsorship of Pee Wee Hockey was added in 1956.
The year 1951 heralded another significant first. It may be of interest to the reader that at the meeting on August 20, 1951, the formation of a Past Exalted Ruler Association was announced. It appears that P.E.R. Arthur A. Roberts was most instrumental in organizing the Association. The first elected Officers were: P.E.R. Arthur A. Roberts, President; P.E.R. Raymond F. Maney, Vice-President; P.E.R. Roy P. Harrison, Secretary-Treasurer. After more than fifty years, the P.E.R. Association still remains very active today and is a contributive entity to the Lodge’s activities.
Beyond doubt a major highlight of the 1950’s decade was the observance and celebration of the Lodge’s 50th anniversary. Oddly enough no recorded mention is made of the anniversary or plans for its observance before July 1953. It appears the Lodge focused on the anniversary of the Charter rather than the institution of the Lodge. In any event, a gala three-day celebration was held only on October 10 through 12. Besides the great jubilee banquet attended by many dignitaries to close the fete, the showcase of the festive three days was a colorful 12-division parade held on Sunday, comprised of 14 musical marching units from throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, a variety of floats, and fire trucks. Lodge Officers and members all wearing golden fezzes (purchased for the occasion) and a jubilee insignia, an Elks float, and the Challengers’ Drum and Bugle Corp of Providence made up the 12th and final division. The Woonsocket Call reported that the parade “attracted one of the largest turnouts in years and thousands of spectators lined the route of march to enjoy the music…”
In the months following these joyous festivities, other concerns arose that would eventually engage the leadership in looking a bit further into the future. First the age of the building was becoming more of a problem. Emergency repairs of one type or another were needed more often. There was also a need to enlarge the Hall. Since membership numbers had reached and maintained an 825-850 level, the Hall could not contain the large number who attended events and functions, so the front parlor and first floor rooms had to be used as well for this purpose. The leadership realized that these and other issues would require some decisive action in the not too distant future. With sound foresight, a “Building Fund” was established in view of whatever major renovations or construction may lie ahead. Esteemed Lecturing Knight Lewis Andrews served as Chairman of the Committee. As a result, a variety of new fund-raising activities were introduced. The idea of hosting an annual carnival in conjunction with a car raffle was proposed and accepted. The first was held in August 1955 and generated a profit of $4,682.68 earmarked for the building fund. Carnival revenues for the next two years were somewhat lower, but remained very profitable. A gala Family Field Day was also held at Wright’s Farm in September 1955, and for a few successive years, again to increase the “Building Fund.” The Lodge also launched week-long festivities, such as Reno Night, Costume Ball Night, French Night, all in conjunction with the popular Mardi Gras annual observances in Woonsocket that brought scores of visitors to the city. Clearly the Officers and members were focusing on yet-to-be-determined future projects.
Some insight into the longings of the leadership and membership at that time is provided by an entry in the Trustees’ Minutes of December 12, 1956, that they “had quite a discussion on a new building.” This might have been idle talk and wishful thinking at the moment, but also an indication of things to come. There remained the matter of determining the members’ desires in this respect. In the bulletin of April 7, 1958, the members were polled regarding the present quarters and given the opportunity to express their thought on the matter. They were to choose between three alternatives: keep the current facility and undertake extensive repairs; tear down the existing buildings and construct a new Home; purchase a new location with more land and parking. Unfortunately there is no record of the result of that poll. One can only assume that, in view of subsequent developments, the poll result favored remaining at the Hamlet Ave. site. On February 2, 1960, the Trustees agreed to initiate plans for the construction of a new hall and retained the services of architect N. Grochowski to this end. The architect gave his first report on December 14, 1960 and building plans were again discussed in March 1961 and a resolution to raze the Hall and the cottage behind the main building was approved by the membership in April. Many other meetings were held with the architect in the following months, not only for the construction of a new Hall, but also for a complete renovation of the Home. The architect submitted blueprints and detailed specifications for the entire project in March 1962. Except for the razing of the two rear building (hall and cottage), this project, for some undisclosed reason, never saw the light of day.
Since the Trustees were still discussing with the architect and examining the plans for the Hamlet Ave. project on April 11, 1962, it is rather astounding that they met at a special meeting only six days later, April 17, to hear Bro. Custer speak “re First National Store on Social Street.” At 10:00 p.m. that same evening, the Board met with Mr. Pinkham, agent for the Company, who submitted an asking price of $140,000 for the building and property, which included a parking lot for some 100 cars. The minutes state that “after a 5-hour discussion, the meeting was recessed to Wednesday, April 18.” Upon reconvening, the first order of business was an inspection of the Social Street property. At another special meeting on the 23rd, the Building Committee was provided a presentation on several alternatives and the cost of each. A decision was reached because from that point on, the focus was on the acquisition of the First National Store and the process moved rather quickly.

THE YEARS ON SOCIAL STREET TO THE PRESENT