Ten Dons (Organization)

The Ten Dons was a literary and social organization consisting of ten men living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tradition has it that the organization grew out of a history study club. The object was "to provide opportunity for social recreation and mutual mental development." Each member of the Dons was required to prepare and read a paper to the club. At their monthly meetings they had a dinner, presentation of their papers on various themes, followed by discussion. The organization went out of existence soon after 1968.

From the description of Records, 1904-1957. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 40652499

From the guide to the Ten Dons Photograph Collection, 1900-1960, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

Souvenir of Ten Dons Meeting Showing Current Members, 1906. Part of the Ten Dons Pictorial Collection PICT 000-74.

The Ten Dons was a literary and social organization consisting of ten men living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tradition has it that the organization grew out of a history study club. The object was "to provide opportunity for social recreation and mutual mental development." There were no rules or regulations, no constitution, and no dues. Each member of the Dons was required to prepare and read a paper to the club, the subject of which was assigned to him by a Program Committee. At their monthly meetings they had a dinner, presentation of their papers on various themes, followed by discussion. The charter members attending the first meeting on September 27, 1904 were Rupert Asplund, E.B. Cristy, H.E. Fox, G. H. Fitzgerald, M.E. Hickey, Charles E. Hodgin, A.B. McMillen, F.H. Moore, A.B. Stroup, and W.G. Wroth. If a member was unable to attend, a male guest was invited to complete the required number of attendees: ten. When a member died, moved or resigned, a new member was selected to replace him. Members were from various occupations such as dentist, photographer, judge, jeweler, educator, architect, business manager, etc. Club meetings were held in different locations: in members' homes; sometimes outdoors; at the Alvarado Hotel, where they were nicknamed "The Jolly Boys" by the waitresses; and at the Petroleum Club. After the death of Randolph Lovelace in December of 1968 no new member was named and by 1970, after the death of Fred Pettit, the organization went out of existence.

From the guide to the Ten Dons Records, 1904-1957, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)