Louise Samaha McCormack gave a very informative presentation on her book, The Draper & Maynard Sporting Goods Company: A Community Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. It is the history of a company which was at the forefront of the manufacture of sporting goods. It all began when it produced a padded baseball glove per the suggestion of Arthur Irwin, the Providence Grays shortstop. Prior to this, players played bare handed. D&M is said to be the first company to design baseball gloves for specific, fielding positions. The history begins with the Draper family's early connection to the tanning and glove making industry and follows the growth of the company through the partnership of Jason F. Draper and his brother-in-law John F. Maynard and the transformation of the business into one of the pioneers of the new sporting goods industry. In its heyday D&M boasted endorsements by major league stars like Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson while entertaining several visits from the world-champion Boston Red Sox. It led the way in both research, development and marketing and was renowned for the quality and craftsmanship of their products. D&M became a major supplier of sporting goods for professional, college and recreational use as well as for the troops during World War I. The company survived early financial problems, the death of a founder, devastation by fire, and the Great Depression, but later declined and closed its doors in 1937. The story is set against the backdrop of rural New Hampshire towns which provided the natural and human resources necessary for the company to thrive. These communities and the employees became a part of the D&M family and benefitted greatly from the civic mindedness of Draper and Maynard. The book concludes with the legacy of Draper and Maynard that lives on today—shared memories of local folk; a building and ball field still in use; the success of a hundred-year-old company in Japan; a proud local history still celebrated; and in avid collectors across the country. To view her presentation, please go to our Facebook Page. (https://www.facebook.com/plymouthnhrotaryclub/videos/1910783388953937/)
In addition to Louise's presentation, Steve Rand also introduced Ally King, Clerical Assistant with the Town of Plymouth who was seeking letters of support for a Town Hall grant application to the NH Division of Historical Resources through the ‘Moose Plate’ grant program which would provide the ability to preserve a beloved Plymouth artifact as well as ensure that critical Town Hall repairs are completed. The Revolutionary War Cannon in front of the Town Hall was captured from British troops by state hero, General John Stark, during the Battle of Bennington in 1777. The Romanesque Town Hall was constructed in 1891, undergoing an extensive, interior restoration in 1994. An email was sent out to the club with a "model" letter of support. Letters can be given to Ally at the Town Hall, sent via email, or you can contact her so she can make arrangements to pick up your letter by noon on Friday. Short deadline! Her information is: (603) 536-1731 aking@plymouth-nh.org
Ken also announced that there would be a Board Meeting this Friday morning at 7am at the Enterprise Center. Clean up at the Circle Camp would be after today's meeting. Changing of the Guard is Wednesday evening, June 20th. Christmas in July tickets should be available next week. Also, Mike will be sending out a Sign Up Genius for Greeting at Livermore Falls this summer.