The Story of the Century ... Continued (Association History)

III. Extending Our Reach
The Greater New York Chapter
By Ray Denman, 397-L
Many soldiers of the 100th Infantry Division were from the New York and
New Jersey area, so it is natural that the first chapter should have been
located there. Larry Masi, 325-EC, was a key sparkplug behind the idea
for a local get-together. The group met from the 1950s to 1980, initially
at the Suburban Hotel in East Orange, New Jersey. Never a really formal
organization or program, the dinner-dances were full of reminiscences
and fellowship. The groups usually included 25 to 35 veterans, accompanied
by family and friends. After a few years, the dinners were catered by
the Eppes Essen Restaurant in Livingston, New Jersey, which was owned
by a 100th Infantry Division veteran. After 25 years of annual dinners, the
last chapter dinner-dance was held in May 3, 1980.
The Florida Chapter of the 100th Infantry
Division Association
By Bernice Fishpaw
At a national reunion of the 100th Infantry Division Association meeting
in 1981 several members from Florida discussed the idea of creating a
Florida Chapter. In the spring of 1982, a get-together was held at a hotel
in Orlando on Orange Blossom Trail. About 18 people showed up and the
Florida Chapter was activated. Bill Leighton, 399-2B, was elected president;
Jan DeBouter, 325-EC, was elected secretary/treasurer; Frank
Fanto, 925-B, and Bill Santopietro, 925-B, volunteered to be a hospitality
committee. It was decided to hold the second reunion at the Holiday Inn
in West Orlando.
The following two years, reunions were held in New Port Richey. Jack
Upchurch, 325-E, became president. It was at this meeting that another
guest at the hotel learned about the reunion being held and drew a sketch
on the back of a placemat that later became “Shifty,” the chapter mascot.
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