The Pennsylvania Society in Its 112Th Year
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Annal of The Pennsylvania Society in its One Hundred and Twelfth Year Published Spring, 2011 Purpose of The Pennsylvania Society as set forth in the Year Book published in 1901 The Pennsylvania Society of New York was organized on April 25, 1899, and now numbers three hundred and eleven members. One hundred and thirteen members were added to the roll in the year 1900. Its specific objective, as stated in its constitution, is to “cultivate social intercourse among its members, and to promote their best interest; to collect historical material relating to the State of Pennsylvania, and to keep alive its memory in New York.” Its work thus falls naturally into two divisions. Its social side is maintained by the Annual Dinner and meetings held for social purposes. Its historical aim is expressed not only in the intent to collect historical material, but more especially by its purpose to keep alive the memory of Pennsylvania in New York. Even if the Society did no more than recall to its members the State from which they came, its great past, its wonderful present, the possibilities of its future, it would accomplish a good and useful purpose that would more than justify its existence. But the relationship of the Society to the State of Pennsylvania and to the country at large is much more important than this. The State that contains within its borders the Hall in which the Declaration of Independence was signed, and on whose soil the Battle of Gettysburg was fought, yields precedence to no other. Its early history, its wise and great founder, the active part its people took in the war for Independence, and the subsequent history of the Commonwealth, are among the most precious possessions of the American nations. It is the good name of the State of Pennsylvania, its good deeds and its good men, that The Pennsylvania Society of New York is concerned with; and its annual festivals and meetings rest upon this foundation. To preserve the good name and the fair fame of the State, and to aid in promoting those causes and methods which tend to that end, is the real work of the Society, and it invites every son of Pennsylvania residing in New York, or in places adjacent to it, who values these things, to join with it in fulfillment of this purpose. The Society stands on the threshold of its career. Its influence and its activity are limited only by the number of its members. With an increased membership its work will be broadened, and its purpose furthered to a greater extent than heretofore. I A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT When the businessmen, academics and political A multitude of those leaders who first formed The Pennsylvania Society members and their guests gathered together for a collegial dinner on April 25, came to the Society’s 1899, I’m certain they had no idea their small annual holiday dinner in gathering would evolve into the vital organization we Manhattan to cement those patronize and support today, one hundred and twelve bonds and to reaffirm those connections and, once years later. That small group of Pennsylvanians in again, the event was a resounding success. So too, was New York City found themselves, for reasons of our annual luncheon and meeting in Erie. career and profession, far from home. In some ways, For me personally, serving as President of The their first meeting was primarily an attempt to Pennsylvania Society over the past year, attempting to re-connect with their brethren and with their home fill the role so capably performed by the many who state. They were most likely lonely for the company have preceded me, has been a great and singular of their Pennsylvania peers. honor. Together with the members of Council, our Today, the organization that descended from that first Executive Director and others, I have tried to serve and founding event is still tightly focused on the the high interests and noble intent of this organization. notion of connection. In December, when we meet I believe that we have succeeded. And I look forward one another to celebrate the holiday and honor with great expectations, to continuing in the path of achievement in New York, it is our connection that we progress and success over the next and final year of truly celebrate and that we build upon. In the spring, my term. when we travel to diverse locations throughout the commonwealth to attend to Society business, it is that connection that we preserve and protect. And, Sincerely, throughout the year, when we answer inquiries, whether idle or pointed, about our organization, it is almost invariably our connection with each other and with our state that we extol. Although our membership Ambassador David F. Girard-diCarlo, Ret. has swelled from a modest 56 to a total of more than 2000, we still seek and value the connection with our peers and friends from all over the state, the nation and the world. 1 2010 G OLD M EDALIST GOVERNOR ROBERT P. C ASEY , S R. Although he could have taken many different paths, lost the Democratic primary to Milton Shapp. In 1968, Robert P. Casey chose a path that led to his becoming Casey won the post of state auditor general and spent the consummate public servant. He became a man the next eight years paying close attention to the way known for his strong personal beliefs, his confidence in public dollars were being spent – an effort that led some the effectiveness of government, his tireless defense of to pronounce him “too honest” to be governor. In 1970, working men and women and his scrupulous integrity. Casey’s second effort to secure the governorship again fell to Milton Shapp. Born in New York on January 9, 1932, to Alphonsus and Marie Cummings Casey, Bob Casey was the In 1976, following the completion of his second term as descendent of hard working miners in Pennsylvania’s auditor general, Casey returned to Scranton. In 1978, coal country, a legacy he would always remember. His Casey pursued the governorship for a third time and, parents had moved to Queens, New York, so his father again, he lost the primary – this time to Pittsburgh could attend law school at Fordham University but, mayor Pete Flaherty who, in turn, lost the general when Bob was less than two years old, Alphonsus Casey, election to Dick Thornburgh. Casey returned to private law degree in hand, moved his family back to Scranton. life in Scranton, quietly practicing law for seven years. Scranton would be Bob Casey’s hometown for the rest But the lure of public service and public life proved too of his life. There, he would grow to become the man strong and, in 1986, Bob Casey at last secured his party’s who would one day serve the people of Pennsylvania, nomination for governor. In the closest governor’s race first as a state senator, then as a two term auditor in Pennsylvania’s history, he defeated Lieutenant general and finally as chief executive of the Governor William Scranton, III, to become Pennsylvania’s commonwealth. 44th chief executive. Surrounded by family and friends throughout his During his two terms in office, Governor Casey formative years, Bob Casey grew quickly into a smart, expanded health care programs for women, introduced strong and compassionate young man. After attending an insurance program for uninsured children, Scranton Preparatory School, he went to the College of strengthened law enforcement in the fight against drugs Holy Cross in Massachusetts on a basketball scholarship. and championed environmental protection. He was At Holy Cross, Casey was an outstanding student and re-elected for his second term by the largest margin in president of his senior class. After graduation in June Pennsylvania history. 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Ellen Harding. Having been accepted to George Although Governor Casey was diagnosed in late 1990 Washington University Law School, Bob and Ellen Casey with Appalachian familial amyloidosis, an incurable moved to Washington, DC, where the first of their eight disease that destroys the body’s organs, he continued to children was born the following year. serve the commonwealth through his second term, even after undergoing a double organ transplant in 1993. After receiving his law degree and then spending a short time with a DC law firm, the Caseys returned to After a long and distinguished career during which he Scranton. In 1962, he was “drafted” by county Democrats faithfully served his fellow citizens of the commonwealth to run for a vacant state senate seat. He won, and his of Pennsylvania, Governor Robert P. Casey passed away course was set. Four years later, endorsed by the state on May 30th, 2000. He was 68 years old. committee, 34-year-old Bob Casey ran for governor but 2 3 THE ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH A NNUAL DINNER DECEMBER 11, 2010 THE WALDORF --ASTORIA 4 Members and friends of The Pennsylvania Society began their celebratory evening together at a reception in the East Foyer of the Waldorf=Astoria. For years, this reception has served as a warm welcome to hundreds of excited guests preparing for the evening’s gala festivities. Men and women, young and old, from all walks of life and professional paths put aside their everyday cares and joined the fellowship of their peers. You could feel the excitement building in the atmosphere as laughter resounded throughout the gathering and sparkling voices echoed across the room. The holiday spirit was alive and well, and the anticipation of the evening to follow was almost palpable.