Club History

The dinner was held at Graystone's Restaurant, Yonge St., Aurora and there were twenty charter members present. Bob Cross (Richmond Hill District High School) was the first President and served until the end of June, 1952. 

For the Rotary year 1952-3, Ralph Butler (Charter member) (Butler &. Baird, Lumber Merchants on Centre St. E.) was at the helm. There are no records for this year but in 1953-4 Bill Gilchrist (Charter member) (Gormley Block Co.) was President and $97.50 was paid to a Dr. Howe for a tonsillectomy, presumably performed upon some impecunious and I hope, willing child. In addition York County Hospital was paid $53.10. Obviously tonsillectomies were big business. (And not covered by OHIP! W.H!) There were also contributions to the Richmond Hill Recreation Committee for park benches, to a Clement Trust Fund and a boy's workshop. It is noted that the first deposits for Christmas Tree Sales were made on December 23rd, 1953 totalling $329.50. This was the Club's main fund raising activity for at least 35 years. In February, 1954 a $15 prize was put up for the winner of the Courtesy Contest for Store Clerks. Also noteworthy is a contribution to an Ottawa Student Seminar. The bank balance at year end was $763.77.