The Present
Meetings are held Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall of the New Providence NJ Presbyterian Church, 1307 Springfield Ave, New Providence NJ 07974, and simultaneously by Zoom (send email to info@SummitOldGuard.org for access) These "hybrid" meetings are attended by about 100 members. Coffee is available in the hall by 9:30 a.m. The usual program starts with some songs, a few jokes, and reports from committee & activity Chairmen, followed by a talk on a timely and interesting subject.
Because of the size and quality of the audience, the Old Guard attracts excellent outside speakers.
Meetings held on the last Tuesday include recognition of members' whose birthdays are in the following month.
In addition to weekly plenary meetings, there are activities as noted elsewhere on this website.
When there is a school closing in New Providence due to bad weather, snow, ice, etc., the New Providence Presbyterian Church, where we meet, usually closes as well or switches to delayed opening. In either case, the Old Guard meeting moves completely online via Zoom. (For school closure notices see www.npsd.k12.nj.us ).
Governance
The Old Guard of Summit operates under by-laws providing for an annual election of a Director, Vice Director and the appointment of Committees described. All are volunteers.
Forms
A number of forms are used in running Old Guard. Most can be downloaded from The Blue Book page.
Inquiries
PO Box 544, New Providence, NJ 07974
(908) 591-4759
(908) 591-4759
Membership Chair: John Dory
(908) 464-6166
History
The Old Guard of the Summit NJ area was founded by E. Marvin Herberd and 31 associates on December 2, 1930. The purpose of the organization is to provide retired business and professional men with good fellowship and stimulating activities and to be a haven for renewal and purpose.
When the Old Guard was formed, the orchid was adopted as a symbol for the organization because Summit was well known for orchid hybridizing and production. Here is a historical paper about the orchid in Summit: [.OrchidHistory.pdf.].
Over the years we have been the model for more than twenty other Old Guard groups.
Annual Reports
- 2022 – by Ron Hoke with Mitch Erickson, tells the remarkable tale of Old Guard's multi-year response to the Covid-19 crisis when we, like many groups, moved on-line with Zoom teleconferencing.
- 2018 – by Historian Francis McAndrew
- 4,000th meeting – by Historian Francis McAndrew, a report entitled "A Brief History of the Organization"
- 2015 – by David Badertscher, paints an excellent picture of a typical year at the Old Guard of Summit
Membership
To become a member, you are invited to attend one or more meetings as a guest of a sponsoring member (or of the Membership Committees -- the Chair is shown at the right). If further interested, you will be asked to submit an application form to the Membership Chair.
Following that, your sponsor will introduce you at a meeting, summarize your credentials, and nominate you for membership.
Membership is open to men over 50, but all visitors are welcome at meetings -- including all ages, and women as well as men.
Jacket and tie are preferred at plenary meetings but business casual is acceptable. During the months of May through September, more casual attire (but tasteful) is fine.
Dues are $30 a year plus a $5 initiation fee and can be paid by using this dues link.
