History of the Rotary Club of Malone New York
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The Malone Rotary Club is the oldest service club in Malone. It was an enthusiastic group of Malone professional and business men who met at the Club Restaurant in Malone on September 2, 1925 to form a Rotary Club. In true character to the international concept of Rotary International, the Malone group was assisted by a committee from the organizing club, Montreal Rotary Club. Meeting with the Malone organizers from the Montreal Club were: William J. Cairns, former governor of Rotary District 28; Albert Brown, secretary of the Montreal Club; William Hall, Harold Craig, and Henry Hannaford. |
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The first meeting of the Rotary Club of Malone was held on September 10, 1925. Henry L. McEntire was elected president; Louis G. Roth, secretary and Charles P. Reynolds, treasurer. Directors were William E. Empsall and James E. Price. Sergeant at Arms was K.W. Snell. The club was officially chartered on October25, 1925. When the Charter was received on November 21, 1925, a party was held. It is noteworthy that in 1927 the Malone Rotary Club sponsored the very successful Rotary Club in the neighboring community of Chateaugay, N.Y. Charter Vice President of the Malone Club, George Moore, was the Master of Ceremonies on Charter Night, December 7, 1927. Malone Rotary President Dr. Jack White presented the Chateaugay Rotary Club with a gavel and large bronze bell adorned with the Rotary wheel. Youth projects has always been a principal concern of the Rotary Club of Malone. In its fledging years, the club directed its services to under-privileged youth and cooperated with other organizations in raising funds to assist those in need. Shortly following World War II, many Malone residents saw the need for a recreation park, and a site in the southern part of the village of Malone was selected. The park project was put to a vote in the village and was narrowly defeated. The Rotary Club took up the challenge. On August 3, 1946, the club launched an intensive drive for $10,000.00 to purchase land along Branch Brook for the park. Rotarians had great ambitions and a vision for the park. They foresaw a giant playground, a picnic area, a waterfront and beach. Their enthusiasm was epidemic and within a month the drive went over the top with $10,000.70 collected by August 30, 1946. Originally known as Rotary Park, it was opened in the summer of 1947. On August 10, 1947 the park was dedicated Memorial Recreation Park and turned over to the Village of Malone. Speaker at the dedication, which drew over 7,500 people, was General Maxwell B. Taylor. Its stands today as a living memorial to those who gave their lives during the nation's conflicts.
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