Over a century ago…  picture the Sayville Alumni Association annual meeting in December 1930. Thirty-five people showed up, and apparently, absolutely nobody wanted to be in charge. The historical record (aka The Suffolk County News) notes that “several of the officers refused the nomination”—honestly, a mood we can all relate to.

Raymond R. Buys finally got stuck with the presidency, succeeding Miss Marion L. Hoag. Charles P. Dickerson kept his grip on the vice-presidency, Miss Blanche Edwards took over as recording secretary, Miss Mildred Alexander stayed on as corresponding secretary, and Warren Beebe scored the treasurer gig.

But the real highlight? They were desperately trying to throw a dance on December 27th to wrangle the recent grads home from their “various schools.” Good luck competing with holiday plans, folks.

Oh, and Lloyd Rohm was out there hustling for the scholarship fund, proudly reporting a grand total of $60 in hand—with promises from several other men that they would contribute. That’s about $1,100 in today’s money!

The Generous Souls of 1930 (aka the Donor List):

Judge Martin T. Manton, Dow Clock, Paul N. Westerbeke, Charles P. Dickerson, Henry Rogers Jr., Charles Huntoon Jr., Gordon Brink, Harold Adams, Dr. Roland E. Strong, Philip Westerbeke, Marinus Buys, Wilbur Hopkins, Harvey Case, Dr. Norman Munkelwitz, Dr. Edward Antos, Dr. John Frieman, William Griffin, Joseph S. Arata, Barton Lafferrandre, Percy Webber, George Hubbard, W. Lloyd Rohm, Arthur A. Jedlicka, and Raymond Buys.

Not a bad roster for a small-town alumni association during the Great Depression. Respect.