HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1980-02-14, Page 31Our congrotelations
to the kinsmen
'
F itzr l
ptography
.. 400 Jaynes Street' Clinton,:••Ontario
H rt e: 519-4.82 38 0
Office: 482-9502.
•
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It's a far cry from the Namking Cafe
Generations from now, few Kinsmen will have the
opportunity to forget their humble beginnings or the
man who founded their club. •
On Feb. 23 the-Kinsmenclub plan to open the Hal
Rogers National Headquarters Building in Cambridge. •'
The $750,000 three-storey contemporary building, set
into the side ,of a hill on a prime piece of the city's
parkland, will be dedicated to Rogers three days and
60 years after he founded the club in Hamilton.
It's afar cry from a small gathering in a Hamilton
cafe in 1920 when Rogers and 11 other young men met
to set the wheels in motion.
Nor would Rogers know at the time that the small
band of men would grow to 18,000 strong in more than
600 clubs across Canada.
When Kinsjien administratorsfirststarted talking
about a new headquarters they didn't anticipate the
swell of support from members across Canada.
*'`At first we thought of buying a building'in Toronto
and leasing office space to_companies..tahelp..with._.the
costs; rxeoutive-Director Peter Hanly says.
"In 10 years we had moved five or six times and we
felt it was time to get a building that would meet our
future expansion needs. We would rent the space we
didn't need until we were ready to- expand."
When it was raised with Kinsmen at a national con-
vention the response was overwhelming. Soon after,
money started flowing in from various clubs, Ha"nly
said. •
"At that point we realized we had the capability to
Wild our own building," be Said.
As Word spread, Kinsmen clubs started talking with
their municipalities about sites Seven were suggested
including Chilliwack; Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Markham,
-Mississauga, Guelph and Cambridge.
"Cambridge was the best site for a number of
reasons," says Hanly. "First the site available to us
was- in a park on a hill with a commanding view of
Highway 401. The land was available for one dollar a
year for 99 years and finally the City of Cambridge was
fully co-operative."
Hanly says the new headquarters is "a dream come
true- for thousands -of Kinsmen. -
He says, "It's a testament -to the strength and quality
of the organization and the people, both men and
women, who are members in the family of Kin,
numbering--nearly-4o000 fronr-coast to coast:"
The 14,000 square foot building houses the adminis-
trative offices, work and supply areas, seminar and
board 'rooms.
Reception rooms,a lunch room and a kitchen are
also part of the facility. .
The most dramatic characteristic of the building,
according to Hanly, is the Founder's Wall, which runs
Congratulations
to the
---Clinton-Kinsmen ,
•
ompbells
MAIN CORNER, aiiiToN, 482-9732
the height .of the three storey structure. Here, silver,.._
coated bricks identify supporting clubs. A bust of Hal
Rogers is set in the area and the club's archives are
found here.
The cost of the building, at $750,000 is substantially
more than the $500,000 the club first expected to raise.
Clubs are not required to donate anything at all to the
new building but already $600,000 has been raised.
• "Contributions are totally' voluntary and .when you
consider that Kinsmen clubs contributed approxim-
ately;43 million to communtiy service work last year -
we are doing well," Hanly says.
The executive -director says the organiatian will not
have to mortgage any part of the building because he is ..
confident the money will be raised.
The organization did consider cutting costa at one
time.
"We removed the elevator (for use by the
handica ) from the plans but . members protested
Iouydi and pledged more contributions to keep it,"
Hanly said.
Opening ceremonies are planned at the site on Feb.
23. Prime Minister Joe Clark is expected to be presqnt
for the festivities. •
In addition Kinsmen representation from every
province in Canada will be attending.
M1�
Compliments of
Al Finch
DEMPSTER-TOASTMASTER BAKERY PRODUCTS
4.82-9133