1970 – BRANCH 35 IS FORMED
During 1970, Branch 5 in Palo Alto realized that its membership had grown so large as to be unwieldy and Big SIR Robbie Robinson appointed a committee of six to study the feasibility of forming an additional branch. This committee reported back favorably, and on November 18, 1970, by unanimous vote, it was decided to form Branch 35 in Los Altos.
Officers for the new branch, to be known as MISSION TRAIL were named by the Executive Board of Branch 5 to serve until local elections could be held. The officers were:
- Big SIR, Hal Orion
- Little SIR, Ed Bit
- Secretary, Al Miller
- Treasurer, Trevor Hodges
- Directors, Jack O’Brien and Max Blumfield
- 28 committeemen.
A charter was issued at the September, 1971 meeting of Branch 35 after six months of meeting on a probationary status. The first official meeting of MISSION TRAILS BRANCH was held at Pieracci’s Restaurant in Los Altos on March 16, 1971. The cost of lunch was $3.00 and drinks were $.75. Big SIR Hal Orion, although appointed to the post by Branch 5, was subsequently elected to the office by Branch 35 and served with distinction throughout the first full year of our Branch. In the words of George Green, former Historian, “We are profoundly indebted to, and deeply appreciative of SIR Hal’s untiring efforts and devotion to SIRS, for it was to a great extent due to his efforts that the Branch grew and prospered so well.” At the March, 1971 meeting Ed Bit, Little SIR, contributed our emblem,the beautiful drawing which represents MISSION TRAILS. Every line of this drawing is meaningful and appropriate: the rolling California hills, the semi-tropical vegetation & trees; eucalyptus and palm; a well constructed adobe mission with bells and crosses; the snoozing native; the pack burro; and last but not least, the long-strided walk of the ROOSTER! Even Orion’s belt constellation shows in the sky. Thanks also to CompuSIR member Bob Simon , who colorized the drawing. Fitz Fitzpatrick, former “Trail Tips” Editor, composed the music and lyrics for our theme song, ‘Mission Trails”:
Mission Trail, Mission Trail, you’re the way, Guiding light to a bright, happy day. You’re the high road to pleasure, fellowship, too. And forever we’ll treasure our memories of you.
Mission Trail, Mission Trail, from the start, You belong to the song in our heart. And though we may roam, we know you won’t fail To lead us back home, Mission Trail.
Charter Day, September 21, 1971, was an outstanding day for Branch 35. There was a capacity crowd with many dignitaries from the State Board and our sponsoring Branch 5. There were also guests from other branches, and Mayor Hansen of Los Altos honored us with his presence.
The speaker for the day was Austin D. Warburton, a native Californian and historian. Having antecedents who dated back to several noted early-day California families, he put a lot of meaning into “Mission Trail” and told the group of some of the salient historical events that occurred in this area. He received a standing ovation following his fine presentation.
Membership Chairman, Wendell Grubb, reported that Mission Trail membership was 150. These became the Charter Members of Branch 35. The list of Charter Members is attached. There are seven Charter Members living in this area, the first five of whom are active. They are: Elvis E. Frapwell, Edward H. Schnitker, Alec C. Matthews, George A. Gillespie (our Trail Bird’s pianist), Leslie R. Beebe, Peirce Warrington and Henry Brawn. When asked what they enjoyed most about SIR their comments were as follows:
“Fellowship, meeting new people every meeting since old friends were mostly gone.
“Everything! Speakers, Christmas parties, golf.”
“Enjoyed every single meeting very, very much. Great group of men.
Enjoy playing piano for Trail Birds.”
“Fellowship, meals, Trail Birds. Wonderful organization.