Quarter Century Club

The Wright-Patterson Quarter Century Club was formed to facilitate social activity among its members and to inspire younger employees to continue their work as public servants.

In 1943, employees of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base met to honor their Base Commander, Brigadier General H.A. Bartron. Between September 1944 and May 1946, six more meetings were held. In 1946, these employees secured the permission of the Base Commander Colonel Joseph Morris for the creation of a permanent organization for employees of areas A, B and C who had at least 25 years of government service. The original name of the group was The Old Timer's Club.

The first official meeting occurred on July 30, 1946 with 325 members, most from McCook Field, in attendance. The club's first officers were elected. In 1948 the name of the club was changed to the Wright-Patterson Field's Quarter Century Club. It was incorporated as the Wright-Patterson Quarter Century Club under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1963.

Civilian or military personnel who completed 25 years of accumulated service in any agency of the Department of Defense of the United States Government, provided a portion of that service was at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, were eligible for membership.

The Quarter Century Club met semi-annually, in October and May each year, for dinner meetings and induction of new members. Deceased members were memorialized at the fall meetings. The executive board met once monthly for luncheon meetings.

Upon induction, new members received a 10-karat gold pin or tie tack, a certificate of membership and membership card, and a free dinner at the semi-annual meeting.

From the guide to the Quarter Century Club Records, 1946-1999, 1960-1989, (Wright State University, Special Collections and Archives)