The final two members of the World War II Last Man’s Club in Towanda recently presented a collection of records and photographs to Bradford County Historical Society where they will be available for use in the research center.
Arthur Spengler and Robert McGovern contributed the collection, which covers the history of the club dating back to 1949. According to the records, both men have been members since 1978.
The first meeting of the club was held on August 14, 1949 by the American Legion, Post 42, of Towanda in the main hall of the East Towanda fairgrounds. Fifteen members were present. The first president of the club was Walter Treaster who suggested that meetings be held annually on the Sunday closest to V-J Day (August 14).
A total of 63 members joined the club in the first year after which the charter was closed and the group known as charter members. From time to time, the club opened the charter to new members. Many of the original members were well known in their community such as Henry Dunn, Fowler Tuton, Dean Meredith and others.
During the second meeting of the Last Man’s Club in 1950, a suggestion was made that a group photo should be taken each year. Among the collection received by the historical society are photos from several annual meetings.
The Bradford County Historical Society has a large collection of veteran related records from both its own collection and also county records. Stop in Wednesday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm, or the first Saturday of each month, 10 am – 2 pm to visit the research center. For more information, call 570-265-2240 during regular hours or visit the historical society website at www.bradfordhistory.com.
The Bradford County Historical Society is funded in part by the United Way of Bradford County.
