Valley Press Club Beginnings

The idea of a press club for the Springfleld area was born in 1960 at an informal meeting between Carroll Robbins, John Deegan, Amico Barone and a handful of others. They felt that professional news people, in both the print and electronic media, should have a central place to meet socially and relax. They also outlined other purposes of the club: to improve the standards of the working reporter and to promote the best ideals of journalism.  After discussion with other charter members, Amico Barone wrote to the National Press Club in Washington, DC for a copy of their bylaws. Even though it has been amended from time to time, our present constitution drawn in 1961 is still basically a copy of the National Press Club’s.

The Valley Press Club came into existence, and Amico Barone, Jr. served as chairman pro-tem until John Deegan was elected president. It was on May 7, 1962 that the Club was incorporated as a nonprofit.

Presidents of the Valley Press Club.

1961 Amico Barone, Chairman, Pro-Tem

1961-62   John Deegan

1962-63  Carroll Robbins
1963-64  Earl Merill

1964-66  Ed Kennedy

1966-67  Steve Pappas

1967-68  Ed Malley

1968-69  James Donahue

1969-70  Frank Usin
1970-72  Kitty Broman

1972-73  Saxton Fletcher

1973-74  Durham Caldwell

1974-75  Keith Silver
1976-78  Bob McClellan
1978-81  Ann Haggerty
1981-83  Vin D’Addario
1983-85  Frank Faulkner
1985-86   Cynthia Simison
1986-88  Carol Malley
1988-90  Susannah Pugh Russell
1990-93  Charlie Bennett
1993-95  Trudy Tynan
1995-96  Nancy Piccin
1996-98  Jim Madigan
1998-01  Trudy Tynan
2001-05  Marla Goldberg
2005-08  Peter Goonan
2008-     Charlie Bennett

The Club’s first headquarters was established at the Stonehaven Hotel (then the Sheraton Motor Inn) on  Chestnut Street, but from the beginning it was felt that the space was too small and a committee was formed to find new quarters.

1964
April, 1964,  Maurice A. Donahue of Holyoke, then Speaker of the Commonwealth’s Senate, would be the guest of honor and speaker at a VPC luncheon. This was the first record of such luncheons which have since become important features of each year's programs.

The first Scholarship Dance would take place the following month (May) with the proceeds going toward a $500 scholarship to be offered annually Club to a high school graduate who was interested in making a career in journalism.

Albert H. Jaffe, a high school student from Pittsfield, MA was 1964’s scholarship recipient.  He studied journalism at Emerson College.  Today, Mr. Jaffe is a senior executive with ESPN.

In May, Brian King, chairman of the Membership Committee sent out letters to those who might be described as sources of news information, and invited them to become "associate members" of the Club. This established a practice which immediately  bolstered membership, and created interest within the organization.

In October, 1964, a three-year lease was signed with Kimball Towers for 800 square feet at $125 a month.  

In December 1964, the Club was addressed by Bishop Christopher J.Weldon. He spoke on the Ecumenical Congress which he attended. The year ended with an eggnog party at the new headquarters.

Meanwhile, a letter came from Albert Jaffe stating that he vas one of three freshmen appointed to the air staff of Emerson College's FM radio station, WERS. Club membership was reported at 178, and a membership drive was started.

1965
Edward M. Kennedy of Channel 22 became president during the fifth year. The  Club was now settled in a suite at the Kimball Towers. The furnishings included a television set, a bar, and a piano, besides the more traditional chairs, lounges, etc.

Larry O'Brien, the new Postmaster General of the United States, addressed the Valley Press Club at a luncheon on November 10, 1965.

1966
John Lederle, president of the University of Massachusetts, spoke at the March luncheon. Plans were announced for the fourth annual Scholarship Dinner Dance which was subsequently held on May 22 at the Shaker Farms Country Club in Westfield.

On June 29, Shirley Jones, star of Oklahoma and more than a dozen other films,  presented the Club's 1966 scholarship award to Ann Haggerty, graduate of Cathedral High School, at a noon luncheon at Kimball Towers.

On July 26. 1966, Ed Carroll. owner of Riverside Park (associate member of the Club) invited members and their families to a day of free rides, free beer, barbequed chicken, etc.

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Quick Downloads:

Membership Application

Media Guide   - 2007-2008 order form.

Conference Brochure  - 2008 Getting Noticed in the 21st Century Communications Conference


                                                                                                                                                        Valley Press Club
                                                                                                                                                        P.O. Box 5475
                                                                                                                                                        Springfield, MA 01102
                                                                                                                                                        info@valleypressclub.com
                                                                                                                                                        (413) 335-8551 or 796-2261