Oberlin City Club Records

The Oberlin City Club was a civic and social club established in September of 1956. Its mission and purpose were to promote good fellowship, stimulate interest in civic affairs, and exchange ideas about good citizenship. The club held meetings, lectures, discussions, and other activities to further its mission.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, the Oberlin City Club was run by officers, a board of control, and committees. Officers were elected each May. Residents of Oberlin and surrounding areas paid semi-annual membership dues. The club also welcomed honorary members exempt from dues in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

The Club's bylaws were revised several times in the 1960s and 1970s. Revisions aimed to clarify the responsibilities of officers and committee members. In 1964, the Club formalized the process to introduce candidates for membership. A new membership committee became a key part of the Club's operations. Each proposed member had to be nominated by two current members, and honorary membership required board approval.

In the 1980s, the Oberlin City Club's leadership structure and administrative functions became more intricate. Additional procedures for vetting and inducting members were introduced. In 1986, the Club proposed restructuring membership to allow women. When the issue did not pass, a number of Club members left to form Spectrum, an alternative group.

1n 1993, Doug Long proposed including women members again. The measure did not pass. The Oberlin City Club increased membership restrictions and vetting processes in the 1990s. Dues increased significantly due to inflation. The program committee expanded its role, increasing events throughout the year. This allowed the Club to maintain its primary mission of civic engagement while working to grow its member base. In 1992, the Club introduced the Robert S. Thomas Scholarship Fund to support the Oberlin High School senior who best demonstrated community involvement.

Presidents (1956-1995)

1956-1957: Dr. Max L. Durfee

1957-1958: George E. Waln

1958-1959: Donald M. Love

1959-1960: Joseph R. Reichard

1960-1961: Robert Tumbleson

1961-1962: Louis Berger

1962-1963: Ralph H. Singleton

1963-1964: Donald McIlroy

1964-1965: Paul Arnold

1965-1966: Clifford A. Cook

1966-1967: Louis D. Hartson

1967-1968: Arthur L. Williams

1968-1969: Richard D. Buok

1969-1970: Howard Robinson

1970-1971: Thomas F. Sherman

1971-1972: Bob Thomas

1972-1973: Tom Cramer

1973-1974: Robert Melcher

1974-1975: George Simpson

1975-1976: Herbert Henke

1976-1977: Marcus Staley

1977-1978: Hayden Boyers

1978-1979: Ellsworth Carlson

1979-1980: Warren Walker

1980-1981: Don Van Dyke

1981-1982: Hans Stechow

1982-1983: William A. Moffett

1983-1984: Carl W. Jacobson

1984-1985: Sumner Hayward

1985-1986: Frank S. Carlson

1987=1988: James T. Stephens

1988-1989: William A. Johnston, Jr.

1989-1990: Richard Murphy

1990-1991: James White

1991-1992: George Langeler

1994-1995: Jack Wolff

Research by Abby Rickin-Marks. Note written by Emily Rebmann.