CLUB HISTORY
Long dark shadows
extended over the field as the late August sun approached the
horizon. The last batter had grounded to second and was quickly
thrown out. The ten fielders walked toward the sidelines, happy
for the win yet saddened at the realization that the season had
ended. It had been a fun-filled summer of softball. The year was
1931. And the players making up the roster of the West
Barrington were a close-knit group.
Several requests by
members of the team for a continued activity during the fall and
winter months led to the formation of a bowling league.
Embellishing on this idea came the suggestion of initiating an
organization, sort of a sports club, to meet periodically
throughout the year in addition to the weekly activity. The seed
had been sown for the founding of a Club which has perpetuated
itself for 50 years.
The West Barrington
Men's Club was originated for a variety of reasons, but mostly
because a band of men wanted to provide various activities for
anyone who wished to participate. Also, they enjoyed each
other's company and desired to share good times. It was the
Depression and they stood together.
Much has happened in
the 50 years of existence of this organization. There were some
lean times, but mostly there were growth years. The sports
activities attracted energetic young members with new ideas.
Many of these young men grew older with the Club for it offered
them so much for so little. And during this half-century,
thirtynine members worked their way through the Chairs to
become president of a club that boasts no equal. Additionally,
many others volunteered their services for the betterment of
the organization.
As we celebrate this,
our golden anniversary and reflect upon past glories, we also
look to the future. The strength of any club lies in the vigor
of its membership. With over 180 active members presently and
with a growth potential practically unlimited, we face the times
to come. The future-they should be very good years.
Click here for a letter from our first
President, Leon Pierce.
His letter is from a 50th
Anniversary event.
Click here
for a few pictures of our First Meeting Halls.
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