It was almost Spring-like today as we gathered for our first meeting of March, though we know that it won’t last! Flanked by a picture of sunny Hunt Hollow in the background, President Tom welcomed our members and guests, and he invited us to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack led us in singing God Bless America, and Patrice gave The Blessing. Today, we remembered our fellow Rotarian, John H. Brahm III, who passed away one year ago today. We were honored to have known him, and he has left us a legacy that speaks of service, honor, and friendship to all that knew him. His memory will be forever in our hearts, as we think back on all that he did for Rotary, and the Naples Community.

President Tom asked us to stand for The Pledge, and we joined him in reciting those familiar words. Jack chose The Star-Spangled Banner to lead us in song. Pastor Robin gave The Blessing, and she thanked The Gracious Holy One for the beautiful day we had had. She asked His Blessing upon us, as we use our service to others to the best of our abilities. Laurie introduced our fine guests, Kathleen and Sharon.

Communications: Jack read a message to the group from DG Dave Hannan regarding the coronavirus. His E-Mail asserted that Rotary events, such as Assemblies and Conferences, will still take place as planned, unless we are otherwise directed. He has urged everyone to use caution at this time. Pres. Tom gave us an overview of the Club Calendar for the next few weeks. Next week, we will enjoy hearing the Dental Stories from the Elementary Kids. (Personally, this is one of my favorites!) Another sign of Spring was seeing the flyers about the Rotary Spring Dinner that Skip had set at each of our places! That dinner will be on April 13^th at Hunt Hollow Ski Lodge.

The program this evening was entitled “The Naples Historic District Process”, presented by fellow Rotarian, Wayne Buchar. Wayne is the owner of The Maxfield Inn, and he is President of the Naples Historical Society. Since he and his wife, Christine have moved to Naples, Wayne has endeavored to learn all that he can about Naples’ rich past. He treated us tonight to an extraordinary array of pictures from Naples’ history, which we found to be very fascinating! Some of those pictures included a picture of Main Street, (East Side), dated from circa 1870’s. Another view from 1914 showed Sutton Spoons and Meyer’s Meat Market. There had been a big fire in 1925, that had caused considerable destruction along that side of the street. The view from Main Street, looking South, was dated July 4^th, 1879. There was another view of the West Side, (of Main Street), looking North, dated 1888. In 1896, the “new” Naples Hotel was erected, and there was a beautiful park next door! The Jaqua House had been in the vicinity of where the Hotel was built, and part of it was moved to Ontario Street where the Farrell Family resides! There was another view of Main Street, looking South, dated 1913, and in 1914, the Bank was built. The first floor of the Meat Market is now where the Naples Library stands!

During the Summer of 2018, the Town and Village of Naples sponsored a Naples Historic Resources Survey. The funding for this survey was provided by “Preserve New York”, and it was conducted with specific goals in mind. Wayne shared the summary of results with us. There are three eligible “Historic Districts” within the Village of Naples. The area designated as A-1, is represented by Central Naples. Area A-2 is Naples, South Main Street, and Area A-3 is Naples Viniculture. These three eligible areas (of Naples) could qualify for the National Historic District Registry. Wayne went on to point out some additional interesting aspects of the Naples architecture. The “false fronts” of many of the buildings in town gave the appearance of elegance! The Village Square, circa 1861, is probably “the oldest known photo of Naples”, we were told by Wayne. He also explained the National Register, indicating that people from the Local, National, and State levels are involved in this process. There are many desirable benefits to gain from being listed in the NHDR, such as tax credits. Steps in pursuing this recognition would be to spread the word, gauge community interest, seek proposals, and fundraise. Wayne told us that there would be an “Outline of the Work Plan” over the next several months. Many thanks to Wayne for providing such an interesting topic this evening, and to all those who are a part of the Naples Historical Society, including John M. and Blanche. Your efforts to preserve Naples’ past are outstanding!

As Nancy passed the basket, so many of us put in a Happy Bill, as we really appreciated tonight’s program, and no doubt, we learned much about our Naples Community! Pres. Tom added that for 27 years, he lived in Glen Cottage on the Lake, which is, evidently, one of the oldest cottages on Canandaigua Lake! Andy and Marianna are pleased for their son, who is becoming a Police Officer. Carrie and Bill and Skip and Judy have new cars! Son and Grandson, Charlie, is starring in the H.S. Play, “Guys and Dolls” this weekend. Bill and Robin had missed meetings. Liz’s cell phone rang. Sherry didn’t have her badge, and Frank found his. Jack, Pat, and Bo had enjoyed some golf on this gorgeous day.

Fifty-Fifty: Blanche’s Ticket, # 880 was selected. Blanche retrieved the King of Diamonds.

Win-Win: What year was Naples founded? Sharon knew the answer! It was 1789! 

Rotary Moment #1: (From Nancy) Sophia Whitfield, from California, was the first woman to be admitted into Rotary in 1987.

Rotary Moment #2: Our John French, via Sherry, was doing a “Make-Up” this evening. He was at Nazareth College promoting Arbor Hill wines!

Have a great week, everyone! See you on the 16^th, as we will enjoy hearing from the youngsters, as they share their essays with us!