Long dark shadows extended over the field as the late August sun approached the horizon. The last batter had grounded to second and was quickly thrown out. The ten fielders walked toward the sidelines, happy for the win yet saddened at the realization that the season had ended. It had been a fun-filled summer of softball. The year was 1931. And the players making up the roster of the West Barrington were a close-knit group.
Several requests by members of the team for a continued activity during the fall and winter months led to the formation of a bowling league. Embellishing on this idea came the suggestion of initiating an organization, sort of a sports club, to meet periodically throughout the year in addition to the weekly activity. The seed had been sown for the founding of a Club which has perpetuated itself for 50 years.
The West Barrington Men's Club was originated for a variety of reasons, but mostly because a band of men wanted to provide various activities for anyone who wished to participate. Also, they enjoyed each other's company and desired to share good times. It was the Depression and they stood together.
Much has happened in the over 80 years of existence of this organization. There were some lean times, but mostly there were growth years. The sports activities attracted energetic young members with new ideas. Many of these young men grew older with the Club for it offered them so much for so little. And during this half-century, thirty nine members worked their way through the Chairs to become president of a club that boasts no equal. Additionally, many others volunteered their services for the betterment of the organization.
As we celebrate this, our golden anniversary and reflect upon past glories, we also look to the future. The strength of any club lies in the vigor of its membership. With over 180 active members presently and with a growth potential practically unlimited, we face the times to come. The future-they should be very good years.