As part of the run up to ESCONI's 70th Anniversary, here is Flashback Friday post #21. If you have pictures or stories to contribute, please send them over to esconi.info@gmail.com. Thanks!
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In the 10th Anniversary edition of the Earth Science News, ESCONI President Wilbur L. Hoff had this message. While smaller now than we once were, we still strive to uphold the ideals mentioned herein. Come on out and meet some interesting people who all love Earth Science!
Wilbur Hoff, Jay Farr, and Jerry Prepp in February 1958
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE DEDICATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF "THE EARTH SCIENCE CLUB OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS"
On this tenth anniversary of "ESCONI" and as its duly elected president, I feel very humble indeed that it falls to my lot to write an appropriate message on this momentous occasion. In presenting the following points, I am more or less expressing the thoughts that have run thru my mind in my year and a half as President.
Running a club of 585 members is big business. In addition to my office, there are 15 other executive board members, all contributing a great deal of work and time as an outside activity. None of these people present "bills" for the money spent on phone calls, gasoline for errands, small items to maintain good programs, contributions to the door prizes and donations to the auction. Likewise, these characteristics are typical of our membership.
I have tried to analyze the factors that make for such a wonderful relationship and have wished many times that the professions by which we make our living could be run with the same high standards of business ethics and good conduct as I have experienced with the other board members in running this club.
Is it because these activities are voluntary and carry no thought of making a living? Do we select Earth Science as a means of relaxing our nervous tensions that build up day after day as we strive for positions of power, influence and higher salaries? There is nothing I know of that will better rejuvenate my body and soul than a good exhausting rock hunt or archeological expedition.
What is it about ESCONI that has perpetuated the the club and contributed to its fantastic growth original ideals of year after year?
Because of our accomplishments we enjoy top rating with schools, colleges, libraries, museums, state and national geological institutions, dealers, and our brother and sister clues. We are friendly and democratic. In this club there is no class distinction between members who perform all kinds of work from the most menial tasks to the so-called highest professions. I hope the time will never come when we become conscious of this so-called hierarchy.
Witness the "Junior Festival" where, after a year of intensive study in Earth Science our 300 enthusiastic young people put on a stupendous program relating to their years' progress.
Not only do we promote Junior activities, but also adult education and scientific knowledge. For a club of this size it seems incredible that "Esconi Associates" could enlist enough people to sponsor the publication of that beautifully illustrated LANGFORD book on "The Wilmington Coal Flora".
In this club we have not so far previewed, interviewed, or challenged candidates desiring membership. we accept them with the understanding that they already know about our objectives, our ethics and our standards of good behavior.
We invite all of you to attend our 10th anniversary program and share in the festivities when we will honor our past presidents, speakers, and friends and exhibit the fruits of our past efforts.
Wilbur L. Hoff
President
