Page 2 - Past Presidents' Club Book 1

IN T R O D U C T O R Y N O T E .

The first annual meeting of the National Supply &
Machinery Dealers' Association was held at Fortress Monroe,
Va., February ldth, 15th and 16th, 1906. It was the first meeting
of the Association since its formation at Cleveland. O., February
15th, 1905.
All seemed pleased with the selection of this historic place
for the first Annual gathering, replete with interest and to some
of our members recalling the excitement and dangers in which
as boys they shared more than forty years ago.
The old fortress with its immense walls and moat, its dis­
appearing guns, its well kept walks and shaded nooks, its
spacious parade ground and well equipped barracks, together
with its vine-clad chapel whose chancel resounds with the eloquence
of that genial, sincere and able Chaplain, Chas. S. Walkley, lent
interest to our members and visiting friends.
Norfolk, rapidly becoming a business centre of importance,
Newport News, and Hampton Roads, the scene of that memorable
naval conflict between the Monitor and the Merrimac. were
visited by many.
The battleship Indiana that was so conspicious off Santiago,
lav at anchor in the bay and the invitation of her officers to “come
aboard” was accepted by a large number.
“Mine host” Adams of the Hotel Chamberlin did the honors
well, and had President Strong put the question to come again
it would have been carried by a large majority.
The interesting address of President Strong at the opening
session was received with marked attention, and in executive
session several of its suggestions received favorable commenda­
tion. and particular emphasis was laid on that relating to local
organizations.
The open sessions were well attended and much benefit
derived from the frank interchange of views among manufacturers
and dealers, showing clearly that points of disagreement usually
vanish after a fair and intelligent interchange of opinion.