The Washington Club of the Belding-Greenville area is one of the oldest continuously meeting social clubs in the state of Michigan. We have a wealth of history that includes both serious and amusing moments, light-hearted teasing, enjoyable entertainment, and genuine fellowship. From the distance of 150 years, the origins of The Washington Club may seem quaint and irrelevant to our times but it is this very genesis, birthed out of their pioneering spirit and patriotic principles, that provides us with a foundation that continues to guide its members.
It was during the early years that the principles governing the club evolved. These sturdy men and women, emigrating from the East as the record has it “when the wolf prowled and howled around their homes in the nighttime,” braved life and laughed at its difficulties. They demonstrated their uprightness and loyalty to friends with a firm handshake and a desire to “do what is right.” Though the club organized for social reasons, it is also clear from the record that an underlying current of American idealism crept into every meeting with its members holding the nation very dear to their hearts. Holding fast to true democratic principles seemed instinctive with all. They held to no religious creed except “do right,” did not discuss politics, and adhered to the rule that no intoxicating liquors should be used at the banquets. This is remarkable because of the fact they lived at a time when custom declared that intoxicants were necessary for true hospitality. Washington Club owes its sustained longevity to the charter members’ underlying principles. We honor them as we recall our interesting beginnings and long history.
In 1866, the desolating Civil War was over and the country that claimed George Washington as its father was again united and at peace. The flag that Washington defended still flew over a nation of free people. With patriotic sentiment, John and Eliza Ashley and sister Jane invited Henry Green, Westbrook Devine, Frank King, Nelson Holmes, Nathan Holmes, Norman Putney, Alanson King and their wives to their farm home near Grattan Center on February 22 to celebrate the 134th anniversary of Washington’s birth. Mr. & Mrs. A. G. Stockholm were also invited but were not present due to the sudden illness of Mrs. Stockholm.
Mrs. Ashley was a renowned cook and domestic artist. At two o’clock in the afternoon guests enjoyed a resplendent dinner for which she was famous. The afternoon passed quickly into evening with games of “whist” and pleasant conversation. Mrs. Ashley insisted no one ride home in the cold without a “bite to eat” so, at ten o’clock, she served an oyster supper. It was during this meal the inspiration came to form a club and to meet every year to “enjoy each other’s society, dine and sup together, and celebrate the birthday of George Washington.” Mrs. Ashley proposed and the group unanimously agreed to meet together each recurring anniversary if possible, as long as life should last. As evidenced by the records kept, this resolution was religiously kept by the seventeen charter members. They met annually for the next ten years (1866-1876) at the homes of different members.
In 1877, Frank Adams and wife were moving to another home so entertained the members at the Grattan Hotel. At that gathering, a resolution was passed to accept other members until there were 20 couples and, from that date forward, to hold the meeting at some public house to better accommodate an increasing membership.
At the 1878 meeting, held at the hotel at Cook’s Corners, a formal organization was perfected and officers elected. Westbrook Devine was elected as the first president and Aaron G. Stockholm as the first secretary. Both of these officers faithfully and ably discharged the duties of their offices until the time of their deaths, 1888 and 1883 respectively.
In 1879 a motion prevailed that a program should be prepared for the next meeting and an executive committee consisting of Carey Upson, William Gardner and John D. Fargo was appointed for that purpose.
The first Constitution and By-laws were adopted in 1882 and further amended in 1888. In 1885, Mr. Divine appointed a committee to draft and publish forms of Initiation, Installation Ceremony, and Burial Service. Also in 1885 annual dues began and the first picnic (at Baldwin Lake) was recorded. The first goat-keeper’s report and first toasts were noted in 1886. W.E. Hoyt was the first to give a humorous accounting of this adventurous, high-spirited, mythical goat and it continues to be an eagerly awaited highlight of every meeting.
In the early years the club meeting was often a two day affair. Members rode in horse-drawn sleighs and buggies to the yearly gatherings. Later it was cut to one day. The first picnic was recorded as being held in 1885 at Baldwin Lake. Other records show a summer picnic held on the grounds of the Ionia Reformatory; once a tour of the Belding Silk Mills. Picnics were discontinued sometime after after 1928.
No deaths occurred in the membership during the first 16 years (1866-1882) but during the next 14 years (1882-1896) seventeen members (a number equal to the original charter membership) answered the last roll call. Membership grew from 17 members in 1866 to 48 members in 1878; to 100 members in 1894; to 150 members in 1910; to over 200 members in 2014. Over the years a selection committee was formed to oversee the invitation for four to six new members each year, equally divided between Belding and Greenville. New members must be 30 years of age. Although there are no known current members directly descended from any of the original 17 charter members, the membership roll has included, at times, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation members.
For many years Mr. C.C. Merritt was secretary of the club and during that time maintained a Record Book that is more than ordinary details of events but also includes lovingly penned memorial tributes, poems, and other valuable records. It is because of his work we know so much of our early history. In 2003, a new board position of Club Historian was established. This position is responsible for collecting and maintaining club memorabilia and related records into official scrapbooks/volumes. These history scrapbooks/volumes are stored at the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library as directed by vote of the membership. They are an invaluable help in compiling a history such as this one and, when questions arise, for researching motions, votes, or other changes made by the membership throughout the years.
This club has provided fun times and good fellowship to its members, past and present. It has fostered friendships and camaraderie among the people of Belding and Greenville. Through tradition, high principles, and congenial sociability, the legacy lives on. And, may it continue for another 150 years!
