THE CALIFORNIA FORESTRY 25-YEAR CLUB

by

Francis H. Raymond

(The following is an exact transcription of this commemorative presentation, made on April 19, 1983, during the 25^th Anniversary meeting of the Club at Fresno)

1983 is a significant year! 1958 is a significant year!  Twenty-five years ago was the founding of our Twenty-five Year Club!

As had been the custom prior to the State being divided into administrative districts in 1953, a general “Rangers’ Meeting” was held annually in conjunction with the Cal-Rural Fire Association meeting.  This gave the majority of our administrative personnel, state-wide, a chance to review programs and future plans together.

It was at such a meeting at the Yolo County Fair-grounds near Woodland on April 23^rd, 1958, that several of us discussed the growing number of employees receiving their 25-year certificates and pins - - and, the growing number of employees retiring.  This led to a gathering of several 25-year employees around the lunch table to explore the subject further.

Deputy State Forester Cecil Metcalf and State Forest Rangers Charlie Campbell and Miles Young advanced the idea that there were enough certified 25-year employees working and retired to form a club. And their arguments as to why, were persuasive. Why not call a meeting of the 25-year employees at the Rangers’ meeting and see if they would be interested in forming a 25-Year Club?
Arrangements were made for a dinner at the Tip Top Café in Woodland for the evening of April 24^th, 1958.

Little did we realize what we were launching when these arrangements were made 25 years ago!  I’m sure none of us envisioned the success that venture would attain in the coming years. Let me digress briefly to discuss some of the reasoning behind this movement both evident and expressed at that time.

It had been 31 years since the CDF was ordained by law, thus reaching an age when a significant number of employees had reached a respectable 25 years of service. A number of employees had retired and others were nearing retirement.  (Some of these, unfortunately, while working 25 years or more, were not credited with such service for various reasons.) It was perceived that retiring persons would soon lose contact with their associates and friends of long standing. It was recognized that CDF, in its expanding organization, would make it less likely for even employed, long-time associates to get together to learn of family and friends. It was perceived that the Division itself and its programs were changing and would so continue, without any way for retirees to learn what was happening to the organization or to the people who had given it substance!

On April 24^th, 1958, upon my convening the meeting as temporary chairman, an election of officers made me President; Cecil Metcalf, Vice President; and Fred Herbert, Secretary-Treasurer.

While much other discussion took place, the following items were resolved:

That a club should be organized and be known as the “California Forestry 25-Year Club”.

That both men and women, certified as 25-year employees of CDF would be eligible to be members.

That all CDF active and retired employees who had attained the 25-year service award be invited to join the Club as charter members.

That outstanding persons who had been working with CDF in the resources field for 25 or more years be considered for acceptance as Honorary Members.  (It was voted that such persons include Professor Woody Metcalf, U.C.; Robert St. John Orr, owner of Western Fire Equipment Co., S.F.; P.E. Van Pelt, Fire Truck builder, Oakdale; Spence Turner, L.A. County Forester & Firewarden; and Bert Werder, San Mateo Co. Firewarden.)

C. Raymond Clar, former Chief Deputy State Forester, Deputy State Forester Fred Dunow and Ranger Fred Herbert were appointed as a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws to be presented at the next meeting in 1959.

Unfortunately, the next meeting did not occur in 1959.  That was a tough year for funds, especially travel to meetings.  In my letter of July 30, 1959 to all members of the Club, I noted that “the continuing need for economy within the departmental operations of State government preclude the possibility of . . . holding our customary Annual Rangers’ Meeting in conjunction with the Cal-Rural Fire Association, as was done last year . . . at Woodland”.

However, the organizing committee work continued in 1959 with drafts of the new constitution and by-laws being circulated and commented upon. It was my misfortune (because of illness) to miss the 1960 meeting held at the Villa Rancho Café in Sacramento. In attendance at that meeting, efficiently presided over by Vice-President Cecil Metcalf, were 17 members and 13 guests. The Constitution and By-laws were duly adopted --- not without some debate.

Of major significance was the initiation of the MINIATURE ROCKING CHAIR Award to all new members.  Of course, they were presented to the entire membership at this meeting.

Elected as officers for 1961 were Cecil Metcalf, President; Fred Herbert, Vice President; and Frank Cameron, Secretary-Treasurer.  Further, in accordance with the new Constitution and By-laws, a Board of Directors, Fred Dodson, Nell Weldon and Miles Young were duly elected and added.

By the 1961 meeting the Club was well on its way, with 45 members and 8 Honorary Members, now including Swede Nelson and retired members who had been technically disqualified: Earl Barron and Buck Erickson. It is worthy of note that the 1961 meeting was held here in Fresno, occupied this same facility, then known as the Fresno Hacienda Motel.

That year, cocktails were served at President Cecil Metcalf’s home, followed by a dinner meeting here at 7:00PM.  The entrée, a choice of ½ barbecued chicken or roast top-round of beef . . . . .  for $3.50.  Rooms were $7.00.  (Times and Prices have changed!)   

I am sure that all of the Charter Members of the California Forestry 25-Year Club are as happy as I, that this organization has not merely survived, but has grown tremendously under strong and enthusiastic leadership.  It is especially gratifying to see the organization not only growing but also that it continues to hold tightly to the fundamentals of its “charter”, which originated 25 years ago.

The response of a very large number of friends of Marge and Lew Moran from throughout the State to Lew’s services recently enforces the feeling of friendship, caring, and “family ties” within our organization.

The continuation of the fellowship, caring, and interest in our associates and their families on into our retirement years is too precious to be dropped when we separate from State service.

The California Forestry 25-Year Club is making it possible to fulfill that need.

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(Transcription by R. W. Weaver, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, April 4, 2002)