Rotary Club of Bar Harbor (MDI) Maine
Subpages
Early History of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
Edited by Rotarian Joe Losquadro
Editor's Note: Most of this document comes from a notebook full of notes and comments passed on to me by Judge Edwin Smith, one of the charter members of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. As I began compiling this document in 2003, Judge Smith had just recently passed away; consequently, I would like to dedicate this effort to him. While it makes the most sense to me to present this history in chronological order by recording the recollections of the past presidents found in Judge Smith's file (supplemented by recollections from other Presidents still in the area), I will depart from that practice at the outset by reproducing an effort by Judge Smith himself, written in May 1979.
Notes on the History of Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
Prepared by Rotarian Edwin R. Smith - May 1979
Our eleventh President, Steen Meryweather, has during this past year been urging an historical review of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. Steen is not one to be easily put off and a bit if research does yield significant information about the activities of our membership in the past eleven years - activities which have had an influence on the community and the lives of all of us.
The genesis of the Club came from the enthusiastic interest of twenty-seven men in the early days of 1968 under sponsorship of the Ellsworth Club. Dennis Lombard, District Governor of Bangor, Carl Rogers, John Raymond, Malcolm Noyes, Phillip Eaton and others of Ellsworth attended our organization meeting on March 20, 1968 at the Bar Harbor Police Building. Officers elected were Ed Smith, President; Don Hobbs, Vice-president; Cary Swan, Secretary and Dick Libby, Treasurer.
Edited by Rotarian Joe Losquadro
Editor's Note: Most of this document comes from a notebook full of notes and comments passed on to me by Judge Edwin Smith, one of the charter members of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. As I began compiling this document in 2003, Judge Smith had just recently passed away; consequently, I would like to dedicate this effort to him. While it makes the most sense to me to present this history in chronological order by recording the recollections of the past presidents found in Judge Smith's file (supplemented by recollections from other Presidents still in the area), I will depart from that practice at the outset by reproducing an effort by Judge Smith himself, written in May 1979.
Notes on the History of Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
Prepared by Rotarian Edwin R. Smith - May 1979
Our eleventh President, Steen Meryweather, has during this past year been urging an historical review of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. Steen is not one to be easily put off and a bit if research does yield significant information about the activities of our membership in the past eleven years - activities which have had an influence on the community and the lives of all of us.
The genesis of the Club came from the enthusiastic interest of twenty-seven men in the early days of 1968 under sponsorship of the Ellsworth Club. Dennis Lombard, District Governor of Bangor, Carl Rogers, John Raymond, Malcolm Noyes, Phillip Eaton and others of Ellsworth attended our organization meeting on March 20, 1968 at the Bar Harbor Police Building. Officers elected were Ed Smith, President; Don Hobbs, Vice-president; Cary Swan, Secretary and Dick Libby, Treasurer.
Editor's Note: The club was officially chartered on May 2, 1968.
The original name for the Club as proposed would have had a geographical description only, that is, "Mount Desert Island Rotary Club." International Headquarters, however, would not permit a club to be named with no reference to a municipality, so the original name adopted and authorized was Mount Desert Island (Bar Harbor) Rotary Club. In 1969 we changed this to Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club in the interest of ready identification of the Club and its location by Rotarians outside the immediate area.
Solicitation of charter members, and later other members, scrupulously avoided approaching members of other service clubs. As a result, our relationship with the Lions Club has been most cordial. Apparently, there was felt need for Rotary in Bar Harbor in 1968. Cary Swan, newly arrived to town from his Rumford Club, was a key person in recruiting new members.
At first we were only provisionally accepted by International Rotary, and it was in that status we had our first official luncheon meeting as the Mary Jane Restaurant on March 27, 1968. John Raymond, President of the Ellsworth Club, was the first speaker of the hundreds we have since heard. Jim Allen of Portland was First Guest, while First Visiting Rotarian was Richard Gay of Milbridge. Early programs reflected concerns of the community in the later sixties:
Clarence Dressing, Job Corps Director
Father James Gower, Plans for College of the Atlantic
Peter D'Erico, Industrial Agent of Bangor, later Director of the New International Airport
Eddie Hayman, songwriter and producer of a variety show at the Criterion Theater
Charter night for the Club took place at the Tidewater Golf Club on September 21, 1968. Harry Rowe, former Dean of Bates College, a noted historian and distinguished Rotarian, delivered the address of the evening, welcoming the Club into International Rotary. The District then consisted of fifty clubs, stretching from Newburyport, Massachusetts to Quebec City. Charter members of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club who are still active (in 1979) are:
Don Hobbs
Cary Swan
Dwight Eaton
Dave Harding
Ed Smith
Dick Libby
Doug Chapman
John Phelps
Bernard C. Staples
Many others joined shortly after organization, resulting in considerable change in membership with the passage of the years. Early members who have moved out of town include John Fuller, Don Hackett, Jim Vardamis, Derek Bush, Harold Hopkins, and Peter Young.
We have been most fortunate in the continuity of key officeholders such as Dick Libby, who has been Treasurer from the beginning. John Dorey was Secretary for seven years. Earlier Secretaries were Cary Swan and Ralph Anderson. Riley Sutherland is our present Secretary.
Presidents of the Club over the years have been:
1968-1969 Edwin Smith
1969-1970 Donald Hobbs
1970-1971 Dwight Eaton
1971-1972 Dean Bryer
1972-1973 Cary Swan
1973-1974 Jim Surridge
1974-1975 Bernie Staples
1975-1976 Dave Harding
1976-1977 Seldon Bernstein
1977-1978 Dean Booher
1978-1979 Steen Meryweather
In the enthusiasm of our early days, one of the first projects was the Lobster Festival, later called a Seafood Festival, in August of 1971 at the Bar Harbor Airport seaplane ramp. Overly optimistic estimates of 6000 picnickers led to thousands of leftover lobsters and ears of corn, when less than 1500 customers attended. We learned lessons, however, from the experience and the $3000 debt in itself served as a project for the next two years. Subsequent Seafood Festivals on the Fourth of July at the Athletic Field in Bar Harbor have been financially successful and expanded to become a central attraction in Bar Harbor's Independence Day celebration.
Another early project in 1970 was for the Club to provide waiters at a Lions Club District Banquet in Bar Harbor, serving some 800 meals. The proceeds were used toward sending a High School student to England with the US High School Band. In later years, Rotary financial aid has enables other young people to participate in Olympic tryouts and Junior Olympics. Continuing projects have included contributions to the Jesup Memorial Library, Housing for the Elderly furnishings, Dental fund for schoolchildren, MDI Hospital, FISH, the Boy Scouts, the MDI Community Arts, the Cystic Fibrosis campaign, the Sea Coast Mission, College of the Atlantic and the Rotary Educational Foundation. From a recent Bike-a-Thon, we were able to make a substantial donation toward a linear accelerator for cancer treatment at the Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Club participation in aid to the YMCA swimming pool (the "old" new pool) brought forth newspaper picture of some of our members at a sampling of waters shortly after the pool opened.
The scarcity of Bar Harbor restaurants open past winters is evidenced by the number of places where the Club has had noon meetings, including:
The Mary Jane Restaurant
The Acadia Restaurant
The Congregational Church vestry
The Kebo Golf Club
The Wonderview Restaurant
The Mast and Rudder Restaurant in Northeast Harbor
At these various locations, the Club has been favored with more than five hundred programs arranged by individual members according to a rotating assignment. Speakers have included politicians, scientists, educators, entertainers, college students and schoolchildren, plus brass quintets and the Hancock County Gilbert and Sullivan Players. Christmas parties and the annual Spring Dance have provided social pleasures for membership. The Club acted as host to the District Convention at Northeast Harbor in 1978.
Individual honors from Rotary International to club members have been Paul Harris Fellowships to Egerton Sawtelle and Steen Meryweather.
A prime recommendation of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island for a Rotary Club eleven years ago was its being widely known as a summer resort and tourist center. It was anticipated that Bar Harbor would become a popular make-up center for other Rotarians, as well as a social luncheon meeting place with guest of members. Such has turned out to be the case; a special dividend of our location has been the stimulation of meeting an ever varying flow of visitors. Hundreds of business and professional men and women from this country and abroad have enjoyed fellowship with our Club members who have welcomed them to Mount Desert Island - one of the beauty spots of the world.
Eleven years, (is) indeed a short space of time, but enough for significant service to be rendered by the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club to its island community.
1968-1969 - President Edwin Smith
Officers for the inaugural year included:
President: Edwin Smith
Vice-president: Donald Hobbs
Secretary: Cary Swan
Treasurer: Richard Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Douglas Chapman
The original name for the Club as proposed would have had a geographical description only, that is, "Mount Desert Island Rotary Club." International Headquarters, however, would not permit a club to be named with no reference to a municipality, so the original name adopted and authorized was Mount Desert Island (Bar Harbor) Rotary Club. In 1969 we changed this to Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club in the interest of ready identification of the Club and its location by Rotarians outside the immediate area.
Solicitation of charter members, and later other members, scrupulously avoided approaching members of other service clubs. As a result, our relationship with the Lions Club has been most cordial. Apparently, there was felt need for Rotary in Bar Harbor in 1968. Cary Swan, newly arrived to town from his Rumford Club, was a key person in recruiting new members.
At first we were only provisionally accepted by International Rotary, and it was in that status we had our first official luncheon meeting as the Mary Jane Restaurant on March 27, 1968. John Raymond, President of the Ellsworth Club, was the first speaker of the hundreds we have since heard. Jim Allen of Portland was First Guest, while First Visiting Rotarian was Richard Gay of Milbridge. Early programs reflected concerns of the community in the later sixties:
Clarence Dressing, Job Corps Director
Father James Gower, Plans for College of the Atlantic
Peter D'Erico, Industrial Agent of Bangor, later Director of the New International Airport
Eddie Hayman, songwriter and producer of a variety show at the Criterion Theater
Charter night for the Club took place at the Tidewater Golf Club on September 21, 1968. Harry Rowe, former Dean of Bates College, a noted historian and distinguished Rotarian, delivered the address of the evening, welcoming the Club into International Rotary. The District then consisted of fifty clubs, stretching from Newburyport, Massachusetts to Quebec City. Charter members of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club who are still active (in 1979) are:
Don Hobbs
Cary Swan
Dwight Eaton
Dave Harding
Ed Smith
Dick Libby
Doug Chapman
John Phelps
Bernard C. Staples
Many others joined shortly after organization, resulting in considerable change in membership with the passage of the years. Early members who have moved out of town include John Fuller, Don Hackett, Jim Vardamis, Derek Bush, Harold Hopkins, and Peter Young.
We have been most fortunate in the continuity of key officeholders such as Dick Libby, who has been Treasurer from the beginning. John Dorey was Secretary for seven years. Earlier Secretaries were Cary Swan and Ralph Anderson. Riley Sutherland is our present Secretary.
Presidents of the Club over the years have been:
1968-1969 Edwin Smith
1969-1970 Donald Hobbs
1970-1971 Dwight Eaton
1971-1972 Dean Bryer
1972-1973 Cary Swan
1973-1974 Jim Surridge
1974-1975 Bernie Staples
1975-1976 Dave Harding
1976-1977 Seldon Bernstein
1977-1978 Dean Booher
1978-1979 Steen Meryweather
In the enthusiasm of our early days, one of the first projects was the Lobster Festival, later called a Seafood Festival, in August of 1971 at the Bar Harbor Airport seaplane ramp. Overly optimistic estimates of 6000 picnickers led to thousands of leftover lobsters and ears of corn, when less than 1500 customers attended. We learned lessons, however, from the experience and the $3000 debt in itself served as a project for the next two years. Subsequent Seafood Festivals on the Fourth of July at the Athletic Field in Bar Harbor have been financially successful and expanded to become a central attraction in Bar Harbor's Independence Day celebration.
Another early project in 1970 was for the Club to provide waiters at a Lions Club District Banquet in Bar Harbor, serving some 800 meals. The proceeds were used toward sending a High School student to England with the US High School Band. In later years, Rotary financial aid has enables other young people to participate in Olympic tryouts and Junior Olympics. Continuing projects have included contributions to the Jesup Memorial Library, Housing for the Elderly furnishings, Dental fund for schoolchildren, MDI Hospital, FISH, the Boy Scouts, the MDI Community Arts, the Cystic Fibrosis campaign, the Sea Coast Mission, College of the Atlantic and the Rotary Educational Foundation. From a recent Bike-a-Thon, we were able to make a substantial donation toward a linear accelerator for cancer treatment at the Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Club participation in aid to the YMCA swimming pool (the "old" new pool) brought forth newspaper picture of some of our members at a sampling of waters shortly after the pool opened.
The scarcity of Bar Harbor restaurants open past winters is evidenced by the number of places where the Club has had noon meetings, including:
The Mary Jane Restaurant
The Acadia Restaurant
The Congregational Church vestry
The Kebo Golf Club
The Wonderview Restaurant
The Mast and Rudder Restaurant in Northeast Harbor
At these various locations, the Club has been favored with more than five hundred programs arranged by individual members according to a rotating assignment. Speakers have included politicians, scientists, educators, entertainers, college students and schoolchildren, plus brass quintets and the Hancock County Gilbert and Sullivan Players. Christmas parties and the annual Spring Dance have provided social pleasures for membership. The Club acted as host to the District Convention at Northeast Harbor in 1978.
Individual honors from Rotary International to club members have been Paul Harris Fellowships to Egerton Sawtelle and Steen Meryweather.
A prime recommendation of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island for a Rotary Club eleven years ago was its being widely known as a summer resort and tourist center. It was anticipated that Bar Harbor would become a popular make-up center for other Rotarians, as well as a social luncheon meeting place with guest of members. Such has turned out to be the case; a special dividend of our location has been the stimulation of meeting an ever varying flow of visitors. Hundreds of business and professional men and women from this country and abroad have enjoyed fellowship with our Club members who have welcomed them to Mount Desert Island - one of the beauty spots of the world.
Eleven years, (is) indeed a short space of time, but enough for significant service to be rendered by the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club to its island community.
1968-1969 - President Edwin Smith
Officers for the inaugural year included:
President: Edwin Smith
Vice-president: Donald Hobbs
Secretary: Cary Swan
Treasurer: Richard Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Douglas Chapman
Directors: John Phelps, John Fuller, Dwight Eaton, Derek Bush
Members at the start: 27
Members at the end: 30
Members at the end: 30
We learn from the bulletins of this program year that the club focused a lot on presenting interesting speakers on topics of mostly local interest; they invited high school students to the meetings; dues for the first half of 1969 were $12.50; the hospital had a budget in excess of one million dollars; the budget of the Jackson Lab was $3.5 million. For more, see the recollections of Judge Smith above.
The first regular meeting was held on March 27, 1968 at the Mary Jane Restaurant. The first speaker was John Raymond, President of the Ellsworth club. The first visiting Rotarians were Richard Gay of the Milbridge club and Robert Smith of the Ellsworth club. The first guest was Jim Allen, a guest of Cary Swan.
September 21, 1968 was charter night -- with the presentation of our club charter.
April 9, 1969 the official name of the club was approved by Rotary International as "Rotary Club of Bar Harbor, (Mount Desert Island), Maine U.S.A." rather than our preferred "Mount Desert Island," as RI required the name to be a municipality vs. a geographical area.
1969-1970 - President Don Hobbs
Officers
President: Donald Hobbs
Vice-president:
Secretary: Ralph Anderson
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president:
Secretary: Ralph Anderson
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 30
Members at the end: 32
Members at the end: 32
Don Hobbs recalls that, "The second year of the Club's history was a 'building year.' Memory being what it is it is difficult to recall much activity of any major significance. It was a year spent learning what Rotary stands for and what our contribution to Rotary and the community could be. The Club did participate with members of the High School Band in a money raising project serving dinner to a State Lion's Club convention at the High School. Funds raised went to sponsor a local student's participation in an All State High School Band tour of Europe."
From the club bulletins of this program year, we learn that, the College of the Atlantic was incorporated on July 10, 1969; money making projects included a Rotary night smorgasbord, a supper for the antique cars convention and a village green auction; a substantial gift was made to the YMCA pool building find and continuing support was provided to dental care for needy high school students of the island; high school students continued being invited to meetings.
From the club bulletins of this program year, we learn that, the College of the Atlantic was incorporated on July 10, 1969; money making projects included a Rotary night smorgasbord, a supper for the antique cars convention and a village green auction; a substantial gift was made to the YMCA pool building find and continuing support was provided to dental care for needy high school students of the island; high school students continued being invited to meetings.
1970-1971 - President Dwight Eaton
Officers for the program year:
President: Dwight Eaton
Vice-president: Dean Bryer
Secretary: Ralph Anderson (replaced in October by Alexander Walker)
Treasurer: Richard Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Cary Swan
Directors: Seldon Bernstein, Phillip Brown, Bernard Staples, James Surridge
Members at the start: 32
Members at the end: 30
From the bulletins of this program year, we learn that, the club started the year with 32 members (and ended with 30); sponsored a schoolboy baseball team called the "Cardinals," (who won the championship); District 779 was comprised of 31 clubs in Maine, 14 in Quebec, 5 in New Hampshire and one in Massachusetts with 3,074 members; the club lost half of the charter members by March 1971; in a weekly program, Judge Ed Smith highlighted the problem of juvenile delinquency, which he said resulted from lack of parents or parental concern; held a seafood picnic at a cost of $2.50 each art which 91 members, spouses, children and guests attended.
Members at the end: 30
From the bulletins of this program year, we learn that, the club started the year with 32 members (and ended with 30); sponsored a schoolboy baseball team called the "Cardinals," (who won the championship); District 779 was comprised of 31 clubs in Maine, 14 in Quebec, 5 in New Hampshire and one in Massachusetts with 3,074 members; the club lost half of the charter members by March 1971; in a weekly program, Judge Ed Smith highlighted the problem of juvenile delinquency, which he said resulted from lack of parents or parental concern; held a seafood picnic at a cost of $2.50 each art which 91 members, spouses, children and guests attended.
The club contributed $270.00 to the Rotary Foundation.
1971-1972 - President Dean Bryer
Officers:
President: Dean Bryer
Vice-president: Cary Swan
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Richard Libby
Sergeant at Arms: James Surridge
Directors: Robert Avery, Seldon Bernstein, Phillip Brown, Bernard Staples
Officers:
President: Dean Bryer
Vice-president: Cary Swan
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Richard Libby
Sergeant at Arms: James Surridge
Directors: Robert Avery, Seldon Bernstein, Phillip Brown, Bernard Staples
Members at the start: 30
Members at the end: 32
The highlight of the Rotary year for me was the disastrous First Annual Lobster Festival fund raiser. The festival was held August 22, 1971 at the shore at Bar Harbor airport in Trenton. The menu included: Lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, Maine baked potato and drawn butter -- all for $4.50 per person. Gross income was $5,112.35 with expenses of $8,043.95 for a net loss of $2,931.60.
Members at the end: 32
The highlight of the Rotary year for me was the disastrous First Annual Lobster Festival fund raiser. The festival was held August 22, 1971 at the shore at Bar Harbor airport in Trenton. The menu included: Lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, Maine baked potato and drawn butter -- all for $4.50 per person. Gross income was $5,112.35 with expenses of $8,043.95 for a net loss of $2,931.60.
(From another source, overly optimistic estimates of 6000 picnickers led to thousands of left-over lobsters and ears of corn, when less than 1500 customers attended. we learned lessons, however, from the experience and the $3000 debt in itself served as a project the next two years.)
As I remember our net loss was in the area of $3,000. The loss seemed to draw the Rotary Club closer together. We at last had a project, namely, at that time, to stay together and get out of debt. It was a difficult year in that we had little money to fund our Rotary Club charities. However, with the help of Cary Swan, and my other able officers, we were able to plan a more successful Fourth of July program for the following summer.
I especially remember my effort to bring as much of the Club's business to the floor of the general meetings as I could so the merits of each proposal or charitable request could be discussed by the entire Club.
As I recall we had a net gain of two memberships during my tenure as President.
$420.00 was contributed to the Rotary Foundation.
1972-1973 - President Cary Swan
Officers
President: Cary Swan
Vice-president: Jim Surridge
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Bernie Staples
Vice-president: Jim Surridge
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Bernie Staples
Directors: Sheldon Bernstein, John Phelps, Bob Theriault, Bob Avery
Members at the start: 31
Members at the end: 34
Members at the end: 34
Being the year of our fifth anniversary as a club, we planned the initial birthday party-dance on 5/5/73 which has become an annual event looked forward to by Rotarians and friends. Al Corey a Waterville Rotarian, has always provided that little bit extra in music.
The Seafood Festival had income of $5,368.01 and expenses of $3,676.38 for a net income of $1,691.63.
The club contributed $470.00 to the Rotary Foundation
1973-1974 - President Jim Surridge
Officers
President: Jim Surridge
Vice-president: Bernie Staples
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Dave Harding
Vice-president: Bernie Staples
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Dave Harding
Directors: Dean Booher, John Phelps, Bob Theriault, Doug Chapman
Members at the start: 37
Members at the end: 40
Members at the end: 40
From my recollections as my year as President:
1. It may have been after Bernie Staples took over as President; I did make all the initial contacts and was the Rotary Club representative for the US Army field band and soldiers concert held at MDI Regional High School on October 9, 1974.
2. I helped to establish a program shard by Rotarians and Boy Scouts in the area of beautification - we picked up trash along Highway Number 3 from Acadia National Park entrance to the village and from the village to Kebo Valley Club in the year 1973.
3. Energy conservation was a concern than as it is now and we established an exercise program of walking from downtown Bar Harbor to Wonderview for the weekly meetings in the summer. Some of the Rotarians rode their bikes.
4. Annual spring dance established a year earlier was carried on, and I believe still exists (in 1979). At least it did last year when I had the opportunity to attend the dance during a visit with a special invitation having been sent to me in Hilton, New York.
5. During my Presidency we broadened the dental program and expanded the program to include the entire school system on Mount Desert Island. Prior to that time I believe it was pretty much restricted to students in Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
6. The annual Lobster Festival was carried on -- on the annual date of July 4, 1974. The festival during my Presidency was expanded to include booths of the OTHS and displays by other nonprofit and voluntary (sic) organizations.
1. It may have been after Bernie Staples took over as President; I did make all the initial contacts and was the Rotary Club representative for the US Army field band and soldiers concert held at MDI Regional High School on October 9, 1974.
2. I helped to establish a program shard by Rotarians and Boy Scouts in the area of beautification - we picked up trash along Highway Number 3 from Acadia National Park entrance to the village and from the village to Kebo Valley Club in the year 1973.
3. Energy conservation was a concern than as it is now and we established an exercise program of walking from downtown Bar Harbor to Wonderview for the weekly meetings in the summer. Some of the Rotarians rode their bikes.
4. Annual spring dance established a year earlier was carried on, and I believe still exists (in 1979). At least it did last year when I had the opportunity to attend the dance during a visit with a special invitation having been sent to me in Hilton, New York.
5. During my Presidency we broadened the dental program and expanded the program to include the entire school system on Mount Desert Island. Prior to that time I believe it was pretty much restricted to students in Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
6. The annual Lobster Festival was carried on -- on the annual date of July 4, 1974. The festival during my Presidency was expanded to include booths of the OTHS and displays by other nonprofit and voluntary (sic) organizations.
From the Club Achievement Report submitted to RI for the 1973-74 Rotary year: "The major achievement was fundraising. Two years ago the club conducted a sea food festival on the 4th of July. It has grown each year and is our major source for raising funds. It will be celebrated annually. Community Projects included a program in dental care and repair for students from Kindergarten through High School where financial and social assistance is required. The principal reason why qualified men decline membership in Rotary is that they are unwilling to devote time and effort to community and international projects and unwilling to commit themselves the attendance requirement. Our method to recruit new members is to have current members invite business friends and acquaintances to be guests.
The Lobster Festival had income of $7,354.58 and expenses of $5,433.07 for a net profit of $1,911.51
1974-1975 - President Bernie Staples
The Seafood Festival had income of $7,464.40 and expenses of $5,080.00 for a net profit of $2,384.20
1975-1976 - President Dave Harding
1976-1977 - President Seldon Bernstein
Members at the start: 47
Members at the end: 46
1978-1979 - President Steen Meryweather
1979-1980 - President Chet Dorr
1980-1981 - President John Dorey
1981-1982 - President Austin Carter
1982-1983 - President Richard Libby
1983-1984 - President Fred Clement
1984-1985 - President Bob Suminsby
1985-1986 - President Sheldon Goldthwait
1986-1987 - President Don Allen
1987-1988 - President John Harding
1988-1989 - President Ken Smith
1989-1990 - President Peter Swazey
1990-1991 - President Dick Fox
One thing that I recall when talking with the District Governor was that he was pushing attendance. I said that many of our members have other commitments that sometimes prevent their attendance. I said that to me I would rather have 70% attendance and 150% commitment when something needed to be done. He agreed. I know that at our Fourth of July function that year I had 100% participation.
Another item that was critical to me was to make sure that in our budgeting process that we raised enough money from dues, fines etc. so that every penny that was raised by any fund raiser went to charitable uses.
I also felt that on our 4th of July festival that the public should see where our money was going, hence the start of having a poster that said how much money had been raised and a listing of the places where the money had been dispensed. Not individual $ and beneficiary but total $ distributed to the following charities.
1991-1992 - President Bob Raymond
1993-1994 - President Jeff Hobbs
1995-1996 - President Pat Curtis
1996-1997 - President Andy Kropff
1997-1998 - President Jim McFarland
1998-1999 - President Rob Jordan
1999-2000 - President Bill Weir
Officers
President: Bernie Staples
Vice-president: Dave Harding
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Dave Harding
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 40
Members at the end: 42
Members at the end: 42
The Seafood Festival had income of $7,464.40 and expenses of $5,080.00 for a net profit of $2,384.20
The club contributed $450.00 to the Rotary Foundation.
1975-1976 - President Dave Harding
Officers
President: Dave Harding
Vice-president: Selden Bernstein
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Selden Bernstein
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors: Steen Meryweather, John Hepburn, John Weast, Keith Miller
Members at the start: 42
Members at the end: 48
Members at the end: 48
The club contributed $550.00 to the Rotary Foundation
1976-1977 - President Seldon Bernstein
Officers
President: Seldon Bernstein
Vice-president: Dean Booher
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Steen Meryweather
Vice-president: Dean Booher
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms: Steen Meryweather
Directors: Steen Meryweather, Don Allen, Robert Summinsby, Keith Miller
Members at the start: 48
Members at the end: 47
Members at the end: 47
The 1976 MDI Rotary year was, in my estimation, a notable one. We entered the year with a diminished treasury, thanks to a showery 4th of July Seafood Festival, our main fundraising effort. The income was just barely capable of supporting our charitable efforts on behalf of the Boy Scouts the FISH Organization, the Maine Drug Unit, the MDI Community Arts Program and our exemplary program in dental care. Much of the funds necessary for other benevolent ventures were raised at the regular weekly luncheon meetings where I felt free to fine "for a cause" and did so enthusiastically. By this means we were able to offer significant financial assistance to the MDI Hospital, the Bar Harbor YMCA, the YWCA, and the Jesup Memorial Library.
The District Governor's visit by Dom Tardiff and his wife proved to be a delightful affair commencing with a boat trip aboard the Beal and Bunker Ferry to Cranberry Cove Restaurant where we had an excellent "Downeast" meal and enjoyed good conversations, good humor, fine singing and really spirited fellowship of the type we and all Rotarians would like to achieve on a more continuous basis. As a reminder of his visit to our Club, Governor Tardiff took back with him a magnificent piece of pink granite cut into bookends by Rotarian Wes Willys. We were all proud to be able to present this superbly crafted gift to him.
The annual Christmas party and Buffet Supper held at the Mast and Rudder in Northeast Harbor proved to be another enjoyable occasion for all; one marked by the presentation of humorous gifts by Vice President Dean Booher to each member of our Club. Great ingenuity and good humor were characteristic of his efforts. The occasion was further brightened by the appearance of the sisters, Beth DeMeier and Kathy Sikkema, who played Christmas music on old instruments.
The annual Spring Dance, one of those occasions where the larger Rotary family had an opportunity to get together, was held in the public meeting hall (Odd Fellows Hall) above the town office in Bar Harbor. Once again, Al Corey, Rotarian from Waterville, and his 8-piece band entertained us royally. I even learned to dance for this occasion and was delighted with all that transpired, it was truly memorable occasion.
What can one say of the Seafood Festival except that everyone shared in the planning, execution and camaraderie of the occasion? The menu of clams, corn on the cob, lobsters, potato chips, drawn butter, coffee, watermelon, and ice cream was as usual prepared to perfection and served in the style reflecting its true downeast origin. The assistance we received from Rotarian wives and children really make this occasion worthwhile. To my mind there is no substitute for working together to build friendship, fellowship and club cohesiveness as rapidly and as well in this gargantuan effort. It does build the treasury, but if it were in my power I would have it continue even if it were but a break-even operation because of its human values. Eighty-five prevent of the membership participated and the remainder because they were actively engaged in their professional duties (for example, as Chief of Police, etc.) were justifiably excused for the 4th of July celebration, unquestionably the busiest time in this community.
During the summer months, that is May thru October, our regular meetings were held at the Wonderview Restaurant in Bar Harbor and during the remaining months we traveled each Wednesday Noon to the Mast and Rudder in Northeast Harbor. Both establishments serve us extremely well and often probably the best fare and certainly the most pleasant surroundings of any club in this or any other district. A special luncheon meeting was held on 4 May at the Summit House Nursing Home in Bar Harbor where Rotarian Dave Waldron proved himself to be a most generous and gracious host. Jeff Thorpe, Director of the Family Counseling Service in Bar Harbor was the guest speaker on that particular occasion.
The year, in general was marked by personal gains and losses. Numerically the membership dropped a bit. The losses primarily reflected job transfers; Jim Clarke to Boston, Mass.; Tom Hobbs to Brice Canyon National Park; Paul Byrd to Augusta, Maine and Mel Cote to Princeton, NJ. Other losses also came from the inevitable time conflicts which make good attendance impossible. This was particularly true for the Chief of Police, Bill Pearson. All of these members were an essential part of the Club. We miss them all. A considered effort to add "young" members was deemed essential of we were not to become and "old fogies" luncheon club. In this regard, Bob Pyle, Jim Thompson, Chad Smith, David Myers, Hans Heiniger and Father Rice were successfully recruited. All are good men and will be good Rotarians.
The QUAD system, an attempt I made to distribute more evenly the efforts of programming and running the weekly meetings failed. Its purpose was to promote sharing in the planning and execution of the weekly programs; that is, giving the invocations which are not solely the responsibility of the ministers, and also to get some difference in expression; the sharing and the making of the physical arrangements which is indeed not the sole responsibility of the Sergeant-At-Arms and the sharing in the publicity effort and the letters of thanks which go out to all speakers. The plan was that each month four new members would combine their efforts and share in the various duties and responsibilities and this would provide some freshness of approach. Either the intent was inadequately communicated or I did not sufficiently supervise the effort to make it successful. In any event it did not prove to be an uproarious success and when my term of office ended the system was abandoned.
From a personal point of view, the greatest gains and disappointments I experienced came from preparing a weekly column in the Club bulletin entitled President's Corner, where I tried to present significant thoughts, questions, poetry, aphorisms, etc., and which I wished to share with the membership. In this process I encountered many first-class minds and spirits, but from my fellow members I received nary a comment. I was disappointed because we are not on the same frequency, yet clearly I treasure them all, their charity, helpfulness, their good humor, one and all.
1977-1978 - President Dean Booher
The District Governor's visit by Dom Tardiff and his wife proved to be a delightful affair commencing with a boat trip aboard the Beal and Bunker Ferry to Cranberry Cove Restaurant where we had an excellent "Downeast" meal and enjoyed good conversations, good humor, fine singing and really spirited fellowship of the type we and all Rotarians would like to achieve on a more continuous basis. As a reminder of his visit to our Club, Governor Tardiff took back with him a magnificent piece of pink granite cut into bookends by Rotarian Wes Willys. We were all proud to be able to present this superbly crafted gift to him.
The annual Christmas party and Buffet Supper held at the Mast and Rudder in Northeast Harbor proved to be another enjoyable occasion for all; one marked by the presentation of humorous gifts by Vice President Dean Booher to each member of our Club. Great ingenuity and good humor were characteristic of his efforts. The occasion was further brightened by the appearance of the sisters, Beth DeMeier and Kathy Sikkema, who played Christmas music on old instruments.
The annual Spring Dance, one of those occasions where the larger Rotary family had an opportunity to get together, was held in the public meeting hall (Odd Fellows Hall) above the town office in Bar Harbor. Once again, Al Corey, Rotarian from Waterville, and his 8-piece band entertained us royally. I even learned to dance for this occasion and was delighted with all that transpired, it was truly memorable occasion.
What can one say of the Seafood Festival except that everyone shared in the planning, execution and camaraderie of the occasion? The menu of clams, corn on the cob, lobsters, potato chips, drawn butter, coffee, watermelon, and ice cream was as usual prepared to perfection and served in the style reflecting its true downeast origin. The assistance we received from Rotarian wives and children really make this occasion worthwhile. To my mind there is no substitute for working together to build friendship, fellowship and club cohesiveness as rapidly and as well in this gargantuan effort. It does build the treasury, but if it were in my power I would have it continue even if it were but a break-even operation because of its human values. Eighty-five prevent of the membership participated and the remainder because they were actively engaged in their professional duties (for example, as Chief of Police, etc.) were justifiably excused for the 4th of July celebration, unquestionably the busiest time in this community.
During the summer months, that is May thru October, our regular meetings were held at the Wonderview Restaurant in Bar Harbor and during the remaining months we traveled each Wednesday Noon to the Mast and Rudder in Northeast Harbor. Both establishments serve us extremely well and often probably the best fare and certainly the most pleasant surroundings of any club in this or any other district. A special luncheon meeting was held on 4 May at the Summit House Nursing Home in Bar Harbor where Rotarian Dave Waldron proved himself to be a most generous and gracious host. Jeff Thorpe, Director of the Family Counseling Service in Bar Harbor was the guest speaker on that particular occasion.
The year, in general was marked by personal gains and losses. Numerically the membership dropped a bit. The losses primarily reflected job transfers; Jim Clarke to Boston, Mass.; Tom Hobbs to Brice Canyon National Park; Paul Byrd to Augusta, Maine and Mel Cote to Princeton, NJ. Other losses also came from the inevitable time conflicts which make good attendance impossible. This was particularly true for the Chief of Police, Bill Pearson. All of these members were an essential part of the Club. We miss them all. A considered effort to add "young" members was deemed essential of we were not to become and "old fogies" luncheon club. In this regard, Bob Pyle, Jim Thompson, Chad Smith, David Myers, Hans Heiniger and Father Rice were successfully recruited. All are good men and will be good Rotarians.
The QUAD system, an attempt I made to distribute more evenly the efforts of programming and running the weekly meetings failed. Its purpose was to promote sharing in the planning and execution of the weekly programs; that is, giving the invocations which are not solely the responsibility of the ministers, and also to get some difference in expression; the sharing and the making of the physical arrangements which is indeed not the sole responsibility of the Sergeant-At-Arms and the sharing in the publicity effort and the letters of thanks which go out to all speakers. The plan was that each month four new members would combine their efforts and share in the various duties and responsibilities and this would provide some freshness of approach. Either the intent was inadequately communicated or I did not sufficiently supervise the effort to make it successful. In any event it did not prove to be an uproarious success and when my term of office ended the system was abandoned.
From a personal point of view, the greatest gains and disappointments I experienced came from preparing a weekly column in the Club bulletin entitled President's Corner, where I tried to present significant thoughts, questions, poetry, aphorisms, etc., and which I wished to share with the membership. In this process I encountered many first-class minds and spirits, but from my fellow members I received nary a comment. I was disappointed because we are not on the same frequency, yet clearly I treasure them all, their charity, helpfulness, their good humor, one and all.
1977-1978 - President Dean Booher
Officers
President: Dean Booher
Vice-president: Steen Meryweather
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Steen Meryweather
Secretary: John Dorey
Treasurer: Dick Libby
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors: Don Allen, Austin Carter, Chester Dorr, Robert Summinsby
Members at the start: 47
Members at the end: 46
The Seafood Festival offered three menus:
$6.50: Boiled lobster, steamed clans, corn on the cob, potato chips
$5.50: Boiled lobster, corn on the cob, potato chips
$3.00: Steamed clams, corn on the cob, potato chips
Hot dogs, ice cream, watermelons, and beverages were also available.
The festical had income of $8,858.97 and expenses of $5,978.06 for a net profit of $2,980.91
1978-1979 - President Steen Meryweather
Officers
President: Steen Merryweather
Vice-president: Chet Dorr
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Chet Dorr
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 46
Members at the end: 46
Members at the end: 46
The Seafood Festival had income of $10,367.10 and expenses of $7,631.08 for a net profit of $2,736.02.
1979-1980 - President Chet Dorr
Officers
President: Chet Dorr
Vice-president:
Secretary: Riley Sunderland
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president:
Secretary: Riley Sunderland
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 46
Members at the end: 51
Members at the end: 51
The club hosted 51 guests from France. It is not clear from a letter dated 7 July 1979 exactly why the club was hosting these guests - 51 is way to large for a GSE visit.
Established PO Box 701, Bar Harbor, Maine as our new permanent mailing address.
1980-1981 - President John Dorey
Officers
President: John Dorey
Vice-president: Austin Carter
Secretary: Ken Smith
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Austin Carter
Secretary: Ken Smith
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 51
Members at the end: 48
Members at the end: 48
1981-1982 - President Austin Carter
Officers
President: Austin Carter
Vice-president: Dick Libby
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Dick Libby
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 48
Members at the end: 44
Members at the end: 44
1982-1983 - President Richard Libby
Officers
President: Dick Libby
Vice-president: Fred Clement
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Fred Clement
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 44
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1983-1984 - President Fred Clement
Officers
President: Fred Clement
Vice-president: Bob Suminsby
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Bob Suminsby
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start: 57
Members at the end: 51
Members at the end: 51
The following members had 100% attendance during January - June 1984:
Don Allen
John Dorey
Ed Dunham
Dick Fox
Dave Harding
Roger Hodgkins
George Lambert
Paul Ritter
Egerton Sawtelle
G. Lician Slone
1984-1985 - President Bob Suminsby
Officers
President: Bob Suminsby
Vice-president: Sheldon Goldthwait
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Vice-president: Sheldon Goldthwait
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1985-1986 - President Sheldon Goldthwait
Officers
President: Sheldon Goldthwait
President-elect: Don Allen
Vice-president: Roger Chagnon
Secretary: John Harding
Treasurer: Roger Hodgkins
Sergeant at Arms: Chet Dorr
Secretary: John Harding
Treasurer: Roger Hodgkins
Sergeant at Arms: Chet Dorr
Directors: Lee Hubbard, Dick Fox, Ronald Wrye, John Kollman, Bob Suminsby
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1986-1987 - President Don Allen
Officers
President: Don Allen
President-elect: John Harding
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1987-1988 - President John Harding
Officers
President: John Harding
President-elect: Ken Smith
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1988-1989 - President Ken Smith
Officers
President: Ken Smith
President-elect: Peter Swazey
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1989-1990 - President Peter Swazey
Officers
President: Peter Swazey
President-elect: Dick Fox
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1990-1991 - President Dick Fox
Officers
President: Dick Fox
President-elect: Bob Raymond
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
Another item that was critical to me was to make sure that in our budgeting process that we raised enough money from dues, fines etc. so that every penny that was raised by any fund raiser went to charitable uses.
I also felt that on our 4th of July festival that the public should see where our money was going, hence the start of having a poster that said how much money had been raised and a listing of the places where the money had been dispensed. Not individual $ and beneficiary but total $ distributed to the following charities.
1991-1992 - President Bob Raymond
Officers
President: Bob Raymond
President-elect: Dana Reed
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
I remember spending that winter having our meetings in The Village Green (now the Chinese Restaurant in Bar Harbor). Bob Del Pappa treated us very well and the food was excellent. However, it was a crowded place to be, as were several of our winter homes over the years.
We had a fine Lobster Festival, but there was a major screw-up in getting rid of the left over lobsters - whoever arranged for them did not arrange for the seller to take back any leftovers, and because it was a rainy day, attendance was down and we could only sell so many to Club members. We finally did find some restaurants to take most of them off our hands.
It was a pleasure for me to have women as members, although I do not remember the first year they were in the Club. Their presence caused the language of members and speakers to be cleaned up to a great extent.
One thing I did that appeared successful - I felt that we needed to add more joy to our fellowship so I instituted a "joke of the week" that I would throw in whenever it was convenient. I think some of my most pleasurable times in meetings were (and are) when people are laughing and having a good time.
Otherwise, it was an uneventful year with a lot of new members brought in - and it certainly is a joy, a pleasure and a privilege for me now to be a Past President of the MDI Rotary Club.
1992-1993 - President Dana Reed
We had a fine Lobster Festival, but there was a major screw-up in getting rid of the left over lobsters - whoever arranged for them did not arrange for the seller to take back any leftovers, and because it was a rainy day, attendance was down and we could only sell so many to Club members. We finally did find some restaurants to take most of them off our hands.
It was a pleasure for me to have women as members, although I do not remember the first year they were in the Club. Their presence caused the language of members and speakers to be cleaned up to a great extent.
One thing I did that appeared successful - I felt that we needed to add more joy to our fellowship so I instituted a "joke of the week" that I would throw in whenever it was convenient. I think some of my most pleasurable times in meetings were (and are) when people are laughing and having a good time.
Otherwise, it was an uneventful year with a lot of new members brought in - and it certainly is a joy, a pleasure and a privilege for me now to be a Past President of the MDI Rotary Club.
1992-1993 - President Dana Reed
Officers
President: Dana Reed
President-elect: Jeff Hobbs
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1993-1994 - President Jeff Hobbs
Officers
President: Jeff Hobbs
President-elect: Dave Woodside
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
Fifteen years have elapsed since the first history memorandum of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club. Five of the charter organizers on March 20, 1968 are still active: Don Hobbs, Cary Swan, Dwight Eaton, Edwin Smith and Dick Libby.
Twenty-seven constituted the first membership. There are now fifty-seven members from fifty-three different occupations.
The most significant change in the Club's make-up since 1968 has been the addition of women members. They have been cordially welcomed and contribute a great deal toward fulfilling the objects of Rotary. They presently make up about 15% of our membership.
Our traditional Seafood Festival has continued to be the chief money raiser for funding charitable projects. In addition, this activity is a tremendous morale builder which helps bind the club together in a common community effort. One of our early President's reports well describes this Seafood Festival highlight of Rotary's annual contribution to Bar Harbor's Fourth of July:
What can one say of the Seafood Festival except that everyone shared in the planning, execution and camaraderie of the occasion? The menu of clams, corn on the cob, lobsters, potato chips, drawn butter, coffee, watermelon, and ice cream was as usual prepared to perfection and served in the style reflecting its true downeast origin. The assistance we received from Rotarian wives and children really make this occasion worthwhile. To my mind there is no substitute for working together to build friendship, fellowship and club cohesiveness as rapidly and as well in this gargantuan effort. It does build the treasury, but if it were in my power I would have it continue even if it were but a break-even operation because of its human values. Eighty-five prevent of the membership participated.
Winter season meeting places have continued to be a perennial challenge. In addition to the seven weekly restaurant eating places listed in our 1979 history notes, the Club has patronized two different Main Street restaurants, two others on West Street and Mount Desert Street, illustrative of the transitory nature of our tourist oriented town. Presently the Club meets each Wednesday for lunch at the Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor.
Among our more recent participating community donations have been men and women members volunteering in Acadia National Park hiking trails cleanup and Park Carriage Road repair in conjunction with Friends of Acadia.
An opportunity for improvement in club operation would be to slow down the rather fast turnover of membership. However, we do not have a problem said to be characteristic of Rotary, that of being an "old men's club." On the contrary, most members are young to middle age. Some have found they become so active in their business practices, they cannot meet our attendance requirements or do not find the programs interesting.
Presently the Club is divided into four member solicitation groups, who will be reporting to their respective chairmen concerning prospective new membership.
The extensive visitation to our Club by Rotarians and their friends, literally from all over the world, during the summer months suggests a permanent heavily bound Visitor's Book be established as a memorial record of Bar Harbor Rotary hospitality and friendship. I would favor consideration of such a project.
1994-1995 - President Dave Woodside
Twenty-seven constituted the first membership. There are now fifty-seven members from fifty-three different occupations.
The most significant change in the Club's make-up since 1968 has been the addition of women members. They have been cordially welcomed and contribute a great deal toward fulfilling the objects of Rotary. They presently make up about 15% of our membership.
Our traditional Seafood Festival has continued to be the chief money raiser for funding charitable projects. In addition, this activity is a tremendous morale builder which helps bind the club together in a common community effort. One of our early President's reports well describes this Seafood Festival highlight of Rotary's annual contribution to Bar Harbor's Fourth of July:
What can one say of the Seafood Festival except that everyone shared in the planning, execution and camaraderie of the occasion? The menu of clams, corn on the cob, lobsters, potato chips, drawn butter, coffee, watermelon, and ice cream was as usual prepared to perfection and served in the style reflecting its true downeast origin. The assistance we received from Rotarian wives and children really make this occasion worthwhile. To my mind there is no substitute for working together to build friendship, fellowship and club cohesiveness as rapidly and as well in this gargantuan effort. It does build the treasury, but if it were in my power I would have it continue even if it were but a break-even operation because of its human values. Eighty-five prevent of the membership participated.
Winter season meeting places have continued to be a perennial challenge. In addition to the seven weekly restaurant eating places listed in our 1979 history notes, the Club has patronized two different Main Street restaurants, two others on West Street and Mount Desert Street, illustrative of the transitory nature of our tourist oriented town. Presently the Club meets each Wednesday for lunch at the Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor.
Among our more recent participating community donations have been men and women members volunteering in Acadia National Park hiking trails cleanup and Park Carriage Road repair in conjunction with Friends of Acadia.
An opportunity for improvement in club operation would be to slow down the rather fast turnover of membership. However, we do not have a problem said to be characteristic of Rotary, that of being an "old men's club." On the contrary, most members are young to middle age. Some have found they become so active in their business practices, they cannot meet our attendance requirements or do not find the programs interesting.
Presently the Club is divided into four member solicitation groups, who will be reporting to their respective chairmen concerning prospective new membership.
The extensive visitation to our Club by Rotarians and their friends, literally from all over the world, during the summer months suggests a permanent heavily bound Visitor's Book be established as a memorial record of Bar Harbor Rotary hospitality and friendship. I would favor consideration of such a project.
1994-1995 - President Dave Woodside
Officers
President: Davd Woodside
President-elect: Pat Curtis
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1995-1996 - President Pat Curtis
Officers
President: Pat Curtis
President-elect: Andy Kropff
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1996-1997 - President Andy Kropff
Officers
President: Andy Kropff
President-elect: Jim McFarland
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1997-1998 - President Jim McFarland
Officers
President: Jim McFarland
President-elect: Rob Jordan
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1998-1999 - President Rob Jordan
Officers
President: Rob Jordan
President-elect: Bill Weir
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end:
1999-2000 - President Bill Weir
Officers
President: Bill Weir
President-elect: Mike Gurtler
Vice-president:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Sergeant at Arms:
Directors:
Members at the start:
Members at the end:
Members at the end: