It was the last Thursday in the old Rotary Clubhouse on December 12, a historic event celebrated with a cake and memories.

Chip Griffin led off the memories. He reminded us that during its first years, the club met wherever and whenever it could, and was always on the move. In 1941 (only two years after the club was formed) a building committee was formed, but not much came of it until the late 1940s.

By that time the club members had scrimped and saved $8,000, but nothing close to what they needed. Along came a mystery donor from Monhegan who offered a $9,000 loan at extremely low interest and the rest, as they say, is history. The mortgage was finally burned in 1962, when Delmont Tilton was president.

Robin Reed remembers the cigar smoke permeating the place so thick you couldn’t see, and Chip agrees that the Rotary men (back when they were only men) “partied and acted outrageously.” Andy reminded us that the plaques and photos on the wall depict the history of the club, and hopes that we will always remember where we come from.

Rick Elder remembers announcing his first daughter’s birth as a new club member; that daughter is now a high school graduate. Mike joined the same night as Rick, and said that being a Rotarian has helped him grow as a person.

And Bob Pike remembers that one of the duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms was to pick up the poker chips that proved the member had paid his dues.

Catherine, who transferred from the Portland club, remembered how surprised she was to learn that Boothbay Harbor had a clubhouse, and Ham, who has been a member of clubs as far-flung as Taipei and Seoul, said that when he first entered, he knew that he was coming home. Billy has never forgotten the thrill when he joined the club — 12 years ago in April.

More important than the building, Vic reminded us, is what happens in the club. The Annual Lifetime Service Award dates from the early 1960s, and the high school Seniors Night later in that decade. Other things have happened outside the clubhouse: the fun on the Common; the building projects including the Y-Arts stage; and always, the people in the room. Sue Kreahling also mentioned all the people who make up the club who have come to mean so much to her.

Chip closed by reminding us that the club will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year — in our new clubhouse!

Earlier in the evening, President Jen found no nay-sayers when she announced that in honor of the last meeting at the Clubhouse, the Turpentine Club would remain open throughout the evening. Kim was absent; he has a back injury. Craig Andrews was in the kitchen in his place, and he served up a delicious dinner of roast pork and trimmings.

This Thursday the club will have a Christmas social at The Gallery, and Jen asked those who signed up to remember to bring appetizers. Then we will be off for two weeks to celebrate the holidays. Important: We will meet Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Lions Den as their guests in lieu of a meeting that Thursday. “Regular” Thursday evening meetings will recommence at The Gallery starting Thursday, Jan. 16.