United Services Officers’ Club
Charlottetown (1944-1997) at
Farringford House
This narrative is a brief record of the history of the United Services Officers’ Club, Charlottetown Branch – a member of the Federation of Military and United Services Institutes of Canada. The USOC disbanded and closed as a Club in 1997.
In tribute to all who contributed to its founding and progress but does not presume to single out individuals or events.
The nominal lists are confined to those of the original executive, the original or charter members and the successive Presidents to the time of writing.
- J. Connolly, V.R.D. Capt. (N)
THE UNITED SERVICES OFFICERS’ CLUB, CHARLOTTETOWN BRANCH – MEMBER OF THE FEDERATION OF MILITARY AND UNITED SERVICES INSTITUTES OF CANADA
The Charlottetown Armories, prior to the First World War and up to 1964, was situated at the West end of Kent Street, opposite Beaconsfield House in the space now occupied by the PEI Government parking site.
This was the headquarters of the various Prince Edward Island Militia units where recruitment, training and recreation were carried out. In 1932, an invitation was extended by the Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Volunteer Reserve (R.C.N.V.R.) to the Officers of the local Militia Units to meet and discuss the forming of a club for the Officers of the various units of the British Empire Forces in PEI.
The meeting was held March 7, 1932, in the R.C.N.V.R. Headquarters, Ex-Navy League Building situated on Haviland Street across the street from Farringford House. The meeting was well attended and it was decided that such a club should be formed and to be called “The Army and Navy Club of Prince Edward Island.” A committee was appointed to draw up a temporary constitution and by-laws and to appoint a slate of Officers to act until the first regular meeting to be held on March 21, 1932, at which time the first executive would be elected.
On March, 21, 1932, having approved the formation of the club, the members held a meeting in the R.C.N.V.R. Headquarters. Committees were appointed, one of which was the Nominating Committee. This Committee submitted a slate of Officers which was presented to the meeting and was moved for adoption, en bloc, listed as follows:
Lieut. Col. G . E. Full, V.D., P.E.I.L.H. , President
Lieut. Cdr. G. H. Buntain, R.C.N.V.R. , Vice-President
Capt. C. M. Williams, R.C.A.M.C. , Treasurer
Major P. S. Fielding, M.M., R.C.A. , Secretary
Lieut. Col. P. W. McNevin, D.C.M., R.C.A.
Major F. B. Conrad, M.M., R.C.C.S.
Major W. J. McDonald, P.E.I. Highlanders
The main objectives of the Club as laid down in the Constitution were:
- (1) the encouragement and promotion of the study of Military Arts, Science and
Literature. - (2) the promotion of a better acquaintance and greater friendship among serving and
retired Officers of the Canadian Armed Forces. - (3) the maintenance of club premises for the convenience, entertainment and recreation
of its members.
Membership in the club was restricted to male persons only holding or having held a commission in the Armed Forces of Canada or an allied country. A limited number of Association members were accepted. All members, once accepted, were informed of the Constitution and By-Laws and were expected to accept the responsibilities of conduct becoming and expected of an Officer and gentleman.
Male Members were not permitted to introduce guests except on the occasion of male visitors to the Island.
The steady increase in membership is indicative of the popularity of an interest in the club. This interest was kept up by the introduction of frequent lectures given by Speakers who were well-known for their experiences and ability to expound on military affairs.
Mess dinners and parties were organized. The annual Armistice Ball became the entertainment highlight of the season. Topics of discussion were forthcoming from visiting Officers of other military districts, and local Officers returning from training or courses and were always of interest to all members.
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In 1936, the Navy League sold the building occupied by the Club up to this time. The Naval Service rented from the Provincial Government the Simms Building on Kent Street.
During this period, Prohibition was enforced by law in Prince Edward Island. Liquor was purchased from Government Vendors on presentation of a prescription signed by a medical doctor. As a consequence, the Members who were Officers of the R.C.A.M.C. were, on occasion, called up for assistance.
At times the liquor requirements were dealt with other than legally, but for the most part successfully, although it is recorded that the R.C.M.P., on one occasion, confiscated a quantity of illegal liquor belonging to the Steward “stowed in the Club premises.” Following this episode, lockers were constructed for the Members.
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In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II and through the war years, Officers were being called to active services. During these years the Club carried on with its activities and as a meeting, information and social center for local and transient Officers.
In September, 1942, a committee was appointed to find suitable quarters. Reports on several premises were considered and eventually on November 12, 1942, it was decided to rent the lower flat of the Lowden property at 2 Haviland Street at the rental of $40.00 per month, which was later reduced to $25.00, and on November 26, a notice when out to members that the Club at this address was now open and members dues were increased to $5.00 annually to Members living in or within ten miles of Charlottetown.
In January, 1944, it was resolved that the Lowden property (Farringford House) be purchased by the Club for the price of $4,000.00. This property was one of the early and historic residences of the Island. Built in 1869, it was occupied by Esther Lowden and her family until 1896 when it was leased to the United States Government which occupied it until the Consulate closed, after which it was occupied by various tenants until its purchase by the Military Officers. Following the taking over of the premises, a considerable amount of repair work was found necessary, both inside and outside of the property.
This consisted of repairs to the front walk and steps, roof, disposal of a garage on the property, a number of repairs to the outside of the building before painting, renewal of woodwork, rain gutters, spouts, etc., leveling of floors, laying of linoleum, repairs to the plumbing – all walls painted, ceilings whitened and electrical wiring renewed. This work was completed during the war years when funds were low, materials scarce and skilled labour difficult to obtain.
In December, 1987, it had been decided to open the Club to ladies with a male escort for the first time ever, the occasions being tea parties to take place on Sunday afternoons at which members and their wives or lady friends were entertained. These proved very popular, especially of Officers of the R.A.F. Reconnaissance School whose support during the year enabled the Club to carry on.
A report from the Committee on extramural affairs in 1948 deals with the project of the Fishing Pond at Thompson’s Mills in Suffolk. Arrangements had been made with the owner to construct a dam, spillway and flume. This was completed to the satisfaction of the Committee. An approved lease was drawn up and the Pond stocked in 2,500 trout. Plans had also been submitted for the erection of a Club House and for the building of boats suitable for fishing purposes. With the increasing interest shown in this project, the property was cleared of brush. The Club House was built, a boat house erected and boats provided.
In 1954, the lease was renewed for five years at a rental of $400 per year with an option of renewal for three further periods. A renewal in 1976 was for twenty-five years at a rental of $800 per year.
As the membership of the Club increased, showing 383 in 1952, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws became more in order, and records indicate that at this time ladies could be introduced to the Club, but only on certain days; on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday afternoons and evenings and on public holidays, later amended to – “introduced at any time.” Further, that male non-residents could be introduced as guests at a time, that any person serving as an Officer Cadet could become a number while qualifying. Failing to qualify would automatically cut-off membership.
In keeping with and in an effort to maintain the military status of the Club, plaques of various services and regiments in which members served were now displayed, also the uniform “Button” of the British Regiments in existence at the end of World War I presented by Captain Allen B. Cosh and suitably mounted on display and remains on display in the Library of the Haviland Club Inc. Crests were presented by various visiting ships, in addition to which was added the collection of H.C.M.S. Queen Charlotte on its decommissioning in 1964, all visible in the Bar of the Haviland Club Inc. The USOC acknowledged the receipt of these artifacts by sponsoring a Dance in honor of the Past Commanding Officers and retiring officers of HMCS Queen Charlotte.
By 1965, the reasons for organizing and the objectives of the U.S.O.C. were becoming history. The membership, which was limited by constitution almost exclusively to commissioned officers of the Armed Forces, was becoming depleted and with the reduction of military personnel, the disbandment of units and regiments, the unification of military services, the source of new membership under the present constitution was becoming non-existent.
In order to keep up with the increasing cost of maintenance, repairs, etc. of the premises at 2 Haviland Street, the fishing pond, the pond clubhouse, the boathouse, boats and other expenses, it was decided that an increase in membership was required.
This was arranged by adding an amendment to the Constitution which would cover the acceptance of social members, the number of which was governed by the number of active members borne, with the proviso that said members be entitled to all the privileges of the Club with the following exceptions – the right to make motions, nominate for executive offices or hold the following offices: President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman of the House, Audit, Membership or Pantry Committees, or member of the Board of Trustees.
The popularity of the Club was enhanced by the efforts of the members to provide entertainment on fitting occasions and as required by the members. Such entertainments were varied and are as follows – dances, dinners, lobster and oyster parties, fish-ins, wine and cheese parties, lectures, weekly “Meet the Members” hour, card parties and games nights, etc. Provision was also made to accommodate private parties of a limited number.
The historic background of the United Services Officers’ Club gave this institution a prestige of its own. The list of honorary members carries the names of many officers of high rank in the Defense Forces, as well as numerous distinguished civilians.
The list of active members carries the names of two former presidents who have become Lieutenant Governors. Also among the list of former members serving on the Executive, one has been appointed Chief Justice of PEI, while others have distinguished themselves in professional, industrial and civic fields.
United Services Officers’ Club
Presidents
1931 – 1932 Col. G . E. Full, V.D.
1932 – 1933 Lt. –Col. L. T. Lowther, O.B.E., E.D.
1933 – 1934 Lt. –Col. R. C. Chandler, E.D.
1934 – 1935 Lt. –Col. W. J. MacDonald, E.D.
1935 – 1936 Cdr. G. H. Buntain
1936 – 1937 Col. U. G. Dawson, V.D.
1937 – 1938 Maj. T. B. Rogers, E.D.
1938 – 1939 Maj. T. B. Rogers, E.D.
1939 – 1940 Lt. W. P. Bruce, D.C.M.
1940 – 1941 Capt. J. E. Sterns
1941 – 1942 Maj. A. W. Matheson
1942 – 1943 Cap. A. B. Cosh
1943 – 1944 Lt. Stewart G. Ives
1944 – 1945 Lt. Cdr. C. P. MacKenzie
1945 – 1946 Maj. E. S. Notting
1946 – 1947 Maj. D. L. Mathieson
1947 – 1948 Lt. –Col. J. D. Stewart, D.S.O., E.D.
1948 – 1949 Lt.–Col. P. S. Fielding, M.M., E..D.
1949 – 1950 Lt.–Col. W. H. Soaper
1950 – 1951 Lt. F. G. Kennedy
1951 – 1952 Maj. H. M. Simpson, E.D.
1952 – 1953 Capt. J. J. Connolly, V.R.D., R.C.N.(R)
1953 – 1954 Lt. S. G. Bryant
1954 – 1955 F/Lt. J. W. F. McCallum
1955 – 1956 Maj. E. K. Kennedy, C.D.
1956 – 1957 Cdr. J. N. Kenny, C.D.
1957 – 1958 Lt.–Col. R. D. McNeill, C.D.
1958 – 1959 F/Lt. S. M. McInnis
1959 – 1960 Major L. G. MacNevin, C.D.
1960 – 1961 Capt. G. R. Foster
1961 – 1962 F/Lt. J. A. Carruthers
1962 – 1963 Capt. W. B. LePage
1963 – 1964 F.O. I. G. Kerry, D.F.C.
1964 – 1965 Lt. A. W. Gaudet, R.C.N.®
1965 – 1966 S/L J. C. Sinnott
1966 – 1967 Lt.–Col. H. G. Williams
1967 – 1968 F/Lt. D. E. MacLean, D.F.C.
1968 – 1969 Capt. J. F. L. Burge, C.D.
1969 – 1970 Lt. W. R. Brennan, R.C.N.®
1970 – 1971 Lt. Cdr. J. I. Dowling
1971 – 1972 Lt. G. B. Beers, R.C.N.®
1972 – 1973 Capt. F. C. Lambert
1973 – 1974 Lt. H. H. Cook, R.C.N.
1974 – 1975 Maj. Keith L. Mollison, C.D.
1975 – 1976 Maj. J. E. Ayers, C.D.
1976 – 1977 Lt. G. E. Staples
1977 – 1978 B. Gen. B. P. Kearney, M.B.E., C.D.
1978 – 1979 Lt. Col. J. J. Coyle, C.D.
1979 – 1980 Lt. Cor. J. H. Hodgson, C. D.
1980 – 1982 Lt. G. Arsenault, RCN (RT)
1982 – 1984 Cap. M. P. Stevenson, C.D.
1984 – 1985 Col. W. P. Hunt, C.D.
1985 – 1986 F/O/ W. P. Ross
1986 – 1987 F/O/ I.C. Kerry, D.F.C.
1987 – 1988 Maj. A. B. MacRae
1989 – 1990 Maj. W. B. White
1990 – 1992 L. Col. S. J. Woodman, C.D.
1992 – 1993 John Gallant (Military)
1993 – 1995 Cap. Patrick J. Connolly
1995 – 1996 Maj. George MacRae
Maj. George MacRae, was the last Military President of the USOC serving from 1995-1996. In 1997 the USOC closed and the building was sold to a group of civilians who went on to form a new Club, The Haviland Club Inc. 1997.