In 1979, Stan Bennett and I were asked if we would help revive The Portland Club and save it from a near-certain sale. More than 120 people joined the club in the first revival year. Renovations were undertaken and well-attended topical programs and debates were held every week. Often the program was featured the following day in the Press Herald and on local television stations.
In addition, we ushered in two pivotal changes: 10 we transitioned from being a bottle club to holding a liquor license, and 2) women (gratefully) were admitted which helped ensure the club's mission to "demonstrate a socially responsible role by serving as a creative and enterprising forum for social, economic and political discourse in the context of good fellowship" would be realized.
To all those leaders and believers who have persisted now and over the years in preserving this important strand in the fabric of the Portland community, thank you and keep up the good work.