Haverstraw Council 581 Knights of Columbus at 56 West Broad St, Haverstraw, NY 10927 US - History of Haverstraw Council 581

HISTORY OF HAVERSTRAW COUNCIL #581 1901-1973 In February, 1901, a group of Catholic men of Haverstraw and vicinity gathered together for the purpose of organizing a council of the Knights of Columbus in Haverstraw. The required number of applications were received and a charter was issued on May 30th, 1901, listing a charter membership of 50. The degrees of our Order were conferred during the month of July with the degree work, as far as can be established, handled by Kingston Council No. 275. About July 18th, 1901, the newly instituted council effected a permanent organization in their council chambers in the then known "Jones Building" on the northwest corner of Broadway and West Broad Street. The following officers were elected: Thomas Lynch, Grand Knight; John F. Shankey, Deputy Grand Knight; James F. Welsh, Chancellor; John F. Bedell, Recording Secretary; Thomas Rowan, Treasurer; John E. Clark, Financial Secretary; William Sutherland, Lecturer; E.J. O'Donohue, Warden; Joseph B. Weir, Inside Guard; James E. Finegan, Outside Guard; Dr. L. J. Kiernan, Physician; James Renn, Philip A. Fox, F.C. Stevanc, Matthew Gonnley and Bernard Stanley, Trustees. Haverstraw Council, being the first council of the Knights of Columbus instituted in the present 49th District of New York, formerly the 35th and 36th District, is now known as the mother council of this district. Other councils included in this 49th District are Joyce Kilmer Council No. 1177 of Suffern; Triune Council No. 2052 of Pearl River; Piermont Council No. 2320 and Cardinal McCloskey Council No. 4565 of New City. In these early days of our council's history it was necessary to rent meeting rooms from other local organizations and these first meetings were in the lodge rooms of Sequel Lodge, 100F. Special meetings were often held in the meeting rooms of the various fire companies. With the quick passage of the first five successful years, our council began to experience growing pains and it was the desire of the membership to secure their own quarters. In January of 1905, while John F. Shankey was Grand Knight, a resolution was passed to purchase the "Fowler Building" which was located on the west side of Broadway between Grant and Lincoln Streets. The purchase price was $5,000. On May 29th of that same year, the first meeting was held in the new council chambers. The following October witnessed a Grand Bazaar. Records indicate that this new home was ideally situated and was the scene of much activity and many enjoyable moments of fraternal friendship. It was here that our council grew to become one of the most outstanding and active groups in this area. Grand Knights Dr. L. J. Kiernan; James F. Vavasour; Gregory W. O'Keefe and William Tierney successively occupied the chair during the period 1907 to 1916. Grand Knight Gregory W. O'Keefe received the honor of being the first member from our council to be appointed as District Deputy of the then 35th District of New York. With America's entry into World War I in 1917, our records show that sixty brothers entered the service from Haverstraw Council and all returned safely home following the cessation of hostilities. One of our brothers, Sgt. Michael Donaldson, received the highest award our country could give to a soldier, the coveted Congressional Medal of Honor. The Grand Knght during these war years was William Pfister (1916-1919), who up until the time he was called to his eternal reward, was one of our most active and zealous members. At our half-century mark he was Chancellor of our council. During the period of the '20's Haverstraw Council developed one of the finest semi-pro baseball teams in this section of New York State. The team appeared regularly on the baseball diamond, which was then located on what was known as Eckerson's Field, the present site of the Haverstraw High School. The immortal Babe Ruth, the "King of Swat", came to Haverstraw and made a movie with this team during that period. In an edition of Life Magazine stills from this picture, "Headin' Home" were featured. Our council still has a 16mm print which was shown at the Broadway Theater, Haverstraw, as one of the features of our 50th Anniversary in 1951. With the progressive and prosperous growth of our council, ideas for securing more spacious and luxurious quarters were brought forth which resulted in plans being made for the erection of our own building on the Northwest corner of Hudson Avenue and New Main Street. On May 5th, 1923 the members gathered at this spot for the ground breaking ceremonies. The local press reported "100,000 Brick Donated to the K-C Building" and that the successful bidder estimated the cost of construction and equipment at $111,000. It was stated that the object of the council, and the big idea in back of the inspiration, was to develop the boys and girls in their athletic activities through the use of the gym facilities in the hope of creating a better and more friendly feeling throughout the whole community. On October 6th, 1923, the cornerstone of this new edifice was laid with elaborate ceremonies attended by an immense throng of over 5,000 persons. The address of welcome was delivered by Grand Knight James E. Finegan, and the principal address was delivered by State Deputy Daniel A. Tobin of Loyola Council No. 477, Brooklyn. Grand Knight Finegan, who passed to his eternal reward on the eve of our 50th Anniversary, served as Grand Knight from 1919 to 1925 and received the distinction of being the second member of Haverstraw Council to be appointed as District Deputy of the 35th District of New York. The late brother Finegan was the only active charter member of Haverstraw Council at the time of his death. In May, 1924, the home was officially opened and over 400 members gathered at the club to enjoy a sample of what the club and its gymnasium would offer. This new building, in addition to the regular council chambers, gym and other lodge rooms, contained a theater from which revenue was expected to help defray a good portion of the maintenance of this elaborate home. In addition to Grand Knight Finegan, we find that Grand Knight James P. Reilly, elected in 1925 and Grand Knight W. Ambrose Larkin, elected in 1928, were the other Grand Knights who occupied the chair while we were located in the building on Hudson Avenue. It was not too long after we got settled in our new club that the local brick making industry collapsed, which had an indirect effect on the council which entered on a period of financial reverses. Also the operation of the theater proved unsuccessful and it was necessary to turn it over to private operators. Too, the whole country was plunged into a disastrous depression which spelled the doom for the retention of such a large building as our council had erected. So in 1930 the sad, but wiser, members were forced to abandon their clubhouse to the mortgagee and it was in turn leased to private enterprises. The undertaking is now but a sad memory in our history but we hope it will carry a lesson to the future generations of our council. In the meantime, while the council suffered a large loss of membership from the lean depression years and the bad experience with the large clubhouse, there was still a good substantial core who maintained the spirit of Columbianism and, though bowed, were undaunted and carried on, holding meetings in whatever quarters they could secure. Meetings were held in the Odd Fellows Hall, St. Peter's School, the fire houses, St. Peter's Church Hall and the American Legion Hall. Our Grand Knights during these trying times from 1932 to 1938 were Grand Knights John E. Cook and William A. Uhl. It was during these dark days that our council was reorganized and it was through the zeal and perseverance of our officers and the members who supported them that our council was started on the long, hard road back to the council's former place of pre-eminence in the Order and our community. This reorganized group were in a few short years again seeking a home of their own, but on a modest scale. It was while William A. Uhl was Grand Knight in 1937 that the opportunity for securing our present home for $3,000 presented itself. The membership voted in favor of securing this new home which was one time a private residence. The mortgage for this new home was assumed by one of our members now deceased. Located on narrow, but picturesque First Street overlooking the glorious Hudson at its widest point, this clubhouse is still our council home with many improvements since it was first purchased. With ensuing years from 1938 to the present time our council has been fortunate in having very able Grand Knights and subordinate officers, whose enthusiasm for Columbianism and their willingness to tackle difficult situations helped to imbue the membership with a new spirit. Under the leadership of Grand Knights John J. Heffern, Leo W. Brennan, Sr. and Mario Russo, we were to see Haverstraw Council return to a condition of financial independence with a clubhouse free and clear. The conversion of what was once a rundown private residence to the present comfortable and tastefully furnished home vividly attests to the results that have been achieved in Haverstraw Council's comeback. During the dreadful war years of World War II, Haverstraw Council saw 73 of its members called to serve their country and this time four of our brothers made the supreme sacrifice. We are proud to mention their names. They were Brothers William Kinsman, Vincent Lawless, William Huott and William Meyer. Despite the extra difficulties which were encountered during these years, we find that under the able leadership of Grand Knight Leo W. Brennan, Sr., our membership continued its upsurge and our council was put on a sound financial footing to the extent that in October, 1945, when the boys started coming home from the war, a banquet was held at which time the mortgage to our building was burned. This was indeed an important milestone after so many difficult years. The late Grand Knight Mario Russo, who occupied the chair during our 50th Anniversary Year of 1951, provided the dedicated leadership which, using the firm foundation so laboriously built by his predecessors, rounded out the activities of the council so that it was firmly established on a sound financial basis with the interest in Columbianism at an all time high. The highlight of our Golden Jubilee was a banquet at the Bear Mountain Inn on Saturday evening, June 16th, 1951. The Most Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of N.Y. was the principal speaker. Other speakers included Hugh A. Doyle, Past State Deputy of N.Y. Council; Joseph M. Foley, Master, Fourth Degree 2nd District; and Thomas I. Fitzgerald, State Deputy-Elect. During this same month our Jubilee Memorial Plaque in memory of the deceased members of our council was dedicated on our front lawn. The blessing was given by our Chaplain, the Rev. John A. Dougherty, who also delivered the principal address for the occasion. Incidentally, Father Dougherty is still our Chaplain at this 60th Anniversary. As a special event of this Golden Jubilee our Council sponsored an historic silent film, "Headin' Home" starring the immortal "King of Swat", the late Babe Ruth. This film was shown at the local Broadway Theater and resulted in much publicity for our anniversary year. George H. Girling, Jr. assumed the leadership of the Council in July 1952. Grand Knight Girling continued the fine brand of leadership of the past. The support of the Rockland County K of C Charity Ball and the Children's Christmas Party were two of the outstanding events and we were awarded the Star Council for our exemplary fulfillment of the Five Point Program. From 1952 to 1954 George Schaper took over the helm as Grand Knight, carrying out the well-laid-out program of activities of his predecessors. One of the highlights of Grand Knight Schaper's term was our participation in the Annual Memorial Parade of the New York Chapter K.of C up Fifth Avenue on Washington's Birthday in 1953 for the Annual Memorial Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Our Council led the parade as guest council in deference to the Grand Marshall of the parade, Brother James A. Farley, a member of our council. An interesting sidelight was the meeting with the noted columnist and television M.C., Brother Ed Sullivan, who also paraded. During Grand Knight Schaper's term our council bowling team won the Eastern Division National K of C Bowling Tournament at Utica, New York. In July 1954, Michael M. Komonchok conducted his first meeting as our new Grand Knight, which was just a prelude to greater honors, for he was eventually appointed District Deputy of the 36th District. He was one of our outstanding District Deputies and his installation of officers is yet to be matched in this area. He continues to be active in degree work at this date and is Captain of our degree teams on this anniversary. During Grand Knight Komonchok's term, Haverstraw celebrated its "Centennial" and our Bulletin issue of August 1954 points up our participation in this celebration. One of our members, the late Brother (Doctor) Matthew J. Sullivan, received the congratulations of the Council on the occasion of his 50th Anniversary in medical practice at a dinner at which the then Governor Averell Harriman was the principal speaker. Another member honored during this period was Brother Michael H. Prendergast, one of our former Bulletin Editors, who was appointed State Safety Director. Grand Knight John Gokey, long a faithful member of our council, was accorded the honor of being elected Grand Knight to succeed Grand Knight Komonchok in 1955. He assumed full leadership and our excellent program of activities and support of all worthy charitable endeavors was evident. An item of interest during his term was the formation of a ladies' auxiliary of "Columbiettes". In July 1956 Grand Knight Gokey was succeeded by Grand Knight James A. Geer, who distinguished himself so outstandingly as the Golden Jubilee Chairman. Grand Knight Geer was destined for further honors as he subsequently became Faithful Navigator of the Joyce Kilmer Fourth Degree Assembly of Rockland County. Grand Knight Geer was another dedicated hard working Grand Knight who fulfilled the office to the highest degree. An outstanding event during his term was the successful dinner to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our Order. Succeeding Grand Knight Geer in July 1957 was Grand Knight Terrance A. Mackey, another outstanding leader dedicated to the principles of Columbianism. Grand Knight Mackey headed the Council for two terms to July 1959. Truly, these were two years full of activity and our Council was considered in the best of health financially, socially and charitably. It was during his term that plans were made to erect a memorial statue to our deceased members in front of St. Peter's Rectory. We were to see this beautiful statue of Christ dedicated in November 1960 during the term of the following Grand Knight, N. George Gerace. This memorial is known as the Father Tucker Memorial in Memory of the Deceased Members of Haverstraw Council. Under Grand Knight Gerace major improvements were made on our building roof and our bowling activities were expanded to where we had eight teams bowling weekly in our own Council league. The highlight of this activity was a reciprocal bowling match with teams from St. Joseph's Council No. 442 of New York City, who entertained our teams earlier in the season. The Columbiettes were included in these games. It is worth noting that in June 1961 the Columbiettes with the endorsement of the Council brought Dr. Bella Dodd, a former communist, to give a lecture at the high school auditorium. At that time they also showed the film, "Operation Abolition," which presented actual films showing how a small band of communists could impede the work of a Congressional Committee. In May 1961 a 60th Anniversary Corporate Communion to commemorate our anniversary was held at St. Peter's Church. Joyce Kilmer Fourth Degree Honor Guard of Rockland County escorted our membership into church. The office, of Grand Knight was assumed by John J. Courtney in July 1961 becoming the 23rd Grand Knight of our Council. Steps were immediately taken for the 60th Anniversary Committee to complete plans for our 60th Anniversary, which included this Anniversary Journal, as well as the 60 Anniversary Banquet and Ball to be held at Bear Mt. Inn on Saturday evening, October 7th. Supreme Director Emmett Burke, a Past State Deputy, was to be the principal speaker. The full council program was put forth under Grand Knight Courtney, who was Bulletin Editor for fourteen years. In 1958 this Bulletin received Honorable Mention by the New York State Council Knights of Columbus. As this portion of our Council history is written, we have had our usual successful Annual Family Picnic and Annual Barbecue. Plans were made for a Past Grand Knights Nile and our Annual Communion Breakfast in November was to take on extra significance as our sister Columbiettes were to join with us. The present officers have shown their desire to continue the high tradition of Haverstraw Council and with the support of the membership continue to grow in the true spirit of Columbianism. It might be well to mention that our Council has its own ritualistic teams for our First and Second Degree work under the Captaincy of Past Grand Knight Michael H. Komonchok. A printed Bulletin is published each month and sent to the membership to keep them posted on our activities. As Brother Jim Farley wrote, "I read the Bulletin regularly and in that way keep well in touch with the membership and the activities. Palm Sunday now marks our yearly Communion Sunday (formerly Easter Sunday), while our Annual Mass for the deceased members is said on Washington's Birthday. Our Annual Corporate Communion Breakfast is held in November and in addition we join with the combined councils of Rockland County each year for an Annual Communion Breakfast. For the past 23 years we have had an annual barbecue during the summer and several years back instituted the Annual Family Picnic, which grows each year. Our representation in the Joyce Kilmer Fourth Degree Assembly is impressive and three members of our Council have held the office of Faithful Navigator in recent years—Past Grand Knights Leo W. Brennan, Sr., and James A. Geer, and presently Sir Knight Thomas Zerecker. The practice of presenting a chalice, now a ciborium, to the missions each year in memory of our deceased brothers of the previous year, is an established custom. The names of these departed brothers are inscribed on this ciborium. Haverstraw Council has always been ever ready to support all worthwhile community projects and assist mother church at all times. We have been a staunch supporter of Catholic Advertising in the local press and over the years have always been in the fore in expressing our views in support of the American way of life as opposed to atheistic and materialistic Communism. In sports we have from time to time sponsored our own or outside basketball teams and presently have our own council bowling league with weekly games. Every year we are represented at the K.C. Eastern Division National Bowling Tournament. Presently, we are planning to sponsor basketball teams for the youth of the community. Many of our members have risen to places of prominence in our town, county, state and even the nation. Our proudest boast is a brother who is still a member of Haverstraw Council since he joined in 1921. He is the Honorable James A. Farley, who held the cabinet post of Postmaster General during the historic administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Brother Farley is now an Honorary Member and is presently Chairman of the Board of the Coca-Cola Export Co. Another member, a former Grand Knight, the late Gregory O'Keefe, held the position of Collector of the Port of New York. One of Fordham's most popular coaches, a former Fordham football star as well as star on the professional Giants football team, received his degrees in the Knights of Columbus as a member of Haverstraw Council. He is the ever-popular Ed Donowski. An active member of our Council, Mike Prendergast, held the position of State Safety Director under the administration of former Governor Averell Harriman. Of interest is the fact that two men who held the position of State Democratic Chairman are still members of our council. They are Brothers Farley and Prendergast. Yes, the history of Haverstraw Council has been an eventful one. As we celebrate this 60th Anniversary, we look forward with courage, hope and optimism born from the inspiration of our past leaders and dedicated members so essential in a world torn with strife on the threshold of the "space age." With all our desires for success in our undertakings, we must never submerge the reason why we are here nor the prime mission in life which is to save our immortal souls. If our associations and participation in the Knights of Columbus Program assist us along this road, our efforts have not been in vain. So we humbly thank Almighty God for His goodness to our Council over the years and offer a prayer for His continued guidance in the future. May we remain true to the high principles of our Order based on CHARITY, FRATERNITY and UNITY. Doing so we should have no fear but that we shall always have His help. NOTE: John J. Courtney, P.G.K., prepared the History of Council # 581 1901-1961 for the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Haverstraw Council. Mr. Courtney served from 1961-1962 as the 23rd Grand Knight Of Haverstraw Council. The following "Continuation of the History of Haverstraw Council #581" (1961 to present) was written by August G. Csernelabics, P.G.K. who served as the 25th Grand Knight of Haverstraw Council from 1964 to 1966. CONTINUATION of the HISTORY OF HAVERSTRAW COUNCIL #581 - 1961 TO 1973 In 1961, for the Sixtieth Anniversary of Haverstraw Council #581, its History was written in great detail by Past Grand Knight John J. Courtney, 1961-1962. In the ensuing 40+1 years, an additional 22 men served with distinction as Grand Knights of Haverstraw Council #581 of the Knights of Columbus. These men are listed individually in another section of the Souvenir Journal, dedicated to all Grand Knights, living and deceased. One must observe that these men were very dedicated to the office to which they were elected, and more than 50% of those served as Grand Knight for two or more years No doubt the biggest venture that Haverstraw Council #581 undertook in the past 40 years was when, in January 1965, a land committee was appointed to locate a suitable site in the Village of Haverstraw, where we could build a larger Council home than the one at 34 First Street, which had served us well for many years, but which we had outgrown. In June of 1966 our Council voted to purchase a site from Orange & Rockland Utilities for $15,000 on which we could ultimately build our present Council building at 46 West Broad Street in the Village of Haverstraw. It was our goal to pay for the land by the end of 1967, but, in fact, it was paid for by June of 1968. The New York State Bingo Commission of which Bill McCabe, Editor of The Haverstraw Times, was a member, gave Council #581 permission to use $1,500 for a down payment on the land. The balance of $13,500 was borrowed from Provident Savings Bank. The Bingo Commission further approved payment for the land out of future Bingo Funds. Meanwhile, a Building Committee was formed, and a Building Fund was started under the careful guidance of Grand Knight Joseph Zarriello. At a Council Meeting in October 1968, a motion was made and approved to sell the 34 First Street building and site, and preliminary plans for our new building were drawn by Vincent Gamboli and Peter Anderson, Jr. In December 1970 our old building was sold for $22,500. Its proposed use was to be a Day Care Center. In time, a motion was passed regarding this sale to commemorate the gift of services rendered by Realtors Pat Matone and Fred Martin, who waived their commission in this matter. In 1971, based on proposed plans, a new 10,000 square feet Council Building, was considered for construction at a cost of $165,000. Brother Jerry Mastromarino was chosen to be the builder. The Council would seek a loan for $125,000 at 7.5% interest. In March of 1972, the New York State Bingo Commission approved our application, enabling our Council to proceed with its building program. During the construction of our building, Past Grand Knight Joseph Corrado was a continuing presence, ensuring that construction proceeded in a timely manner, and that our wishes, as expressed in the plans, were properly fulfilled. At about this time, a letter was received from our Brother Knight, The Honorable James A. Farley, congratulating Council #581 for its "Dream Come True", a new clubhouse. The Dedication of our new building occurred on November 19,1972, with a Mass, followed by a buffet and dancing. It should be noted that many of the furnishings and appointments in the Council Building were the result of gifts of money, materials, and/or items by many of our Brother Knights, their wives, and the merchants of the community, which enabled us to finish the interior of the building and the exterior grounds. And, it must further be noted that the improvements and renovations to the interior and exterior of our building have been an on-going process, resulting in a Council hall, for which we can all be proud, even to this day. Therefore, when we look at our Council building, let us not forget to say a prayer of thanks for the wisdom of those officers and members, some of whom are no longer with us, who steered us through the complex matter of obtaining and paying for the land, the building, and for its furnishings. Bingo has always been an important activity of our Council, both as a fund raising activity, and as a social activity for many of the people of our community. When we did not have our own Bingo hall, St. Peter's Church was gracious enough to permit us to use the Church basement hall for our Games for many years, after which we used the gymnasium of the Salesian Marian Shrine in Stony Point, until we could have our own Bingo Hall. The success of our Bingo Games has always been due to those dedicated workers who, over the years worked, and to those who still work, at the Bingo tables every week. Their efforts have enabled us to not only finance and build our present Council hall, but to continue to generously contribute donations to many different charities, both religious (Catholic and non-Catholic) and secular charitable or volunteer organizations, whose needs come to our attention. As Grand Knight Raymond Hoffmann recently stated in our monthly Bulletin, Saturday night Bingo enables us to continue with our commitment to CHARITY -the first principal of the Knights of Columbus. Our Council Bowling League has been an on-going activity since before our Sixtieth Anniversary, and provides an opportunity for fraternalism among our members. Also, at the time of our Sixtieth Anniversary, Council #581 sponsored the Columbiettes, an auxiliary organization for the wives of our members. However, in time, many of the ladies lost interest in this group, and it was disbanded. Also, the Columbian Squires, for the boys of our community was formed, and was chartered in May-June 1965. Under the guidance of Brother Vincent Gamboli, this became a successful youth group. But, in time this too floundered. However, over the years efforts have been made to reactivate the Squires organization, but always after brief active periods, interest seems to wane. Haverstraw Council #581 has always been an active supporter of the Joyce Kilmer General Assembly, 4th Degree. Many of our Knights have been or are members, but more importantly a number have served as Faithful Navigator and/or served in the Color Guard of the 4th Degree, and continue to do so today. One of our on-going activities is that we have always honored our new Honorary and Honorary Life Members with a dinner. Another is that, beginning in 1973, permission was granted to allow the North Rockland Senior Citizens Club to use our Council hall for their weekly meetings. Also, about that time we started a 200 Club to raise funds for our Council, and the North Rockland Senior Citizens have always been great supporters of this activity. As a matter of fact, the Dinner with dance music is always a well attended social function. Many activities of Haverstraw Council #581 are events that have occurred regularly throughout the years. However, a few unusual ones have been: In 1964 our annual Communion Mass was held in the Vatican Pavilion at the New York World's Fair, and our Communion Breakfast was at the Hawaiian Pavilion, followed by a special visit to the V.I.P. room in the New York State Pavilion, arranged by Joseph Nowicki, who was the New York State Assemblyman at that time. Also, in that same year, we planned a County Mass and Communion Breakfast, when at 7:15 in the morning, about 250 Knights marched from the then Grand Union Parking Lot, along New Main Street and Broadway, to St. Peter's Church with the Letchworth Village Band leading our parade. In 1969, probably due to the Viet Nam War, government authority was being questioned throughout the country . Haverstraw Council #581 fully supported the motion whereby the Joyce Kilmer General Assembly—4th Degree voted to honor the five (5) Judges in Rockland County (four of whom,, by the way, were members of the Order) with a testimonial dinner that was held on April 25, 1970. At least 400 Knights and their ladies attended the "Five Judges Dinner", at which Malcolm Wilson, the Lieutenant Governor of New York State, was the principal speaker. While the names of the Grand Knights appear each year as the leaders of Haverstraw Council #581, Knights of Columbus, let us not forget the hundreds of unnamed members, who conducted and/or attended the many Council functions, and who chaired or assisted on committees, which conducted those functions. It is truly those unnamed Brother Knights, along with the support and encouragement of their ladies, to whom we owe our thanks for 100 successful and productive years in Haverstraw and in the North Rockland Community. August G. Csernelabics, PGK, PFN e

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