Greetings, Dear Friends, from sunny Jordan! I’m excited to print out this week’s Grapevine, not only because I enjoy “recapping” our wonderful Meetings and times of fellowship, but this week, I found the perfect way to start my weekly missive! The people of Jordan are so friendly and welcoming, we’ve been made to feel right at home, in many ways. Speaking of home, it was wonderful to see everyone on Zoom tonight, and to hear John’s familiar voice, as he welcomed us to the Noon Meeting, (which for us, was a Night Meeting)! John led us in saying The Pledge, along with the song, America, The Beautiful, which we learned was created in 1893, by Kathleen Bates, who was inspired on a visit to Pike’s Peak. Multi-skilled John also gave The Invocation, asking The Lord to lead us in trust, fellowship, ethics, truth, peace, and understanding. We welcomed guests, Trish Lambiase, who was joined by John Murphy. Trish would be giving today’s Program about the Naples Historical Society.

There had been the January Board Meeting prior to the Regular meeting, and John gleaned some highlights from that Meeting. We will be researching the possibility of returning to an Arbor Day Celebration. We are going to have a “Working Meeting” by cleaning up at Rose Ridge Cemetery on April 3rd. (Maybe we will order pizza that day!) On February 6th, Raul will be joining us with his parents! On February 24th, the second Club Runner Session will occur.

The Naples NY Rotary Club and the Naples Historical Society have always had a great working relationship, thus, it was a pleasure to welcome Trish Lambiase and John Murphy to our Noon Meeting today! “This woman hardly needs an introduction!” Exclaimed John, as he presented our speaker. Trish began her talk by giving us a little bit of background history on the Naples Historical Society. Naples was built upon historical land owned by the Seneca Indians, and its history has been documented by Town Historians through the years. One notable and beloved Naples Historian was our own Bill Vierhile, who took on this role in 1977. Trish gave a summary of Bill’s background, noting that he had even served as Mayor of Naples, along with being very involved with the Naples Grape Fest throughout the years. 

In 1990, the By-Laws of the NHS were adopted, and in 1996, it acquired a 501C-3 Status. In 2016, the NHS received a charter. Its mission is to promote an interest in the history of Naples, through the preservation of  artifacts and documents, which serve as reminders of Naples’ rich past. The sharing of knowledge is the goal of its Vision Statement, and the NHS currently has over 150 Members! Support for the NHS is gained through Membership Dues. Events  are hosted throughout the year, and we are looking froward to the Chocolate Cake Contest to be held next month in conjunction with Vintage, Vines, and Valentines! 

Trish showed us pictures from past to present that included Naples Buildings that are a part of the NHS. These included the Morgan Hose Building, which houses the NHS Archives on the upper floor. These Archives are comprised of boxes of history, genealogy, posters, records, diaries, pictures, Native American Artifacts, and textiles which echo from Naples’ past.

Another Naples Building that the NHS has “adopted” is the Cleveland House, which dates back to 1794! It is on the National Registry of Historic Places! The Red Mill on Lions Street was donated by long time Rotarian Bill Vierhile, and is being used as a depository for artifacts and objects. In 2012, the NHS purchased the Tin Shop at 101 Main Street, and in September, it was sold to Hollerhorn, to be used as a Tasting Room. The little park on the corner was dedicated to Beth Flory in 2020.

There is a “Reserve Fund” set aside for the maintenance of the buildings. Income also flows from the Grape Fest, and Membership Dues. The NHS even has two Scholarships that are offered each year in Bill Vierhile’s and Bill Cooper’s names.

Trish finished her most interesting talk by noting the the Naples NY Rotary and the Naples Historical Society have always had a “good working relationship”! She entertained questions afterwards. We certainly appreciated having Trish and John spend this time with us, and we learned a great deal, as well! 

Ace of Hearts: Sherry’s Ticket was picked today, and she drew the Jack of Spades from the pack.

Rotary Reflections: Everyone was very pleased with Trish’s Program about the NHS. Some of the Members were able to enjoy hearing Rose play with her band, “Tonal Recall” over the weekend at Engine 14! I apologize for not being able to list further reasons for Happy Bills, but the aforementioned reasons were the only ones I  could clearly hear, being that I was on Zoom!

Rotary Moment: I know that Nancy had some reflections to share, and I am sorry that I was not able to hear what they were. John Murphy shared some fond memories from the Naples Bicentennial Ball back in 1979!

Our Noon Meeting neared completion as John “gathered us in” to recite the Four-Way Test. His words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson were these. Do not go where the path may lead, go a different route, and blaze a new trail! Take care, everyone, and have a great week. See you next time!