Our last convention at Hershey, Pa., in September 1941, was a very
outstanding one. Not only was it successful because of good attendance,
excellent addresses and the places of interest we visited, particularly
the home of Mildred Jones, our Secretary, at Lancaster and of the late
Dr. G. A. Zimmerman at Linglestown, but it was important because it
marked the beginning of a long period during which we had to forego our
conventions. The death of Dr. Zimmerman shortly before that meeting
dampened our usually jovial spirits when we were entertained at his
home, but his wife did much to alleviate this.
To me, the last convention we held was by far the most important since
the very first one at New York in November, 1910, because at it I
received the honour of being chosen president for the ensuing year. This
was during the era when presidents were usually re-elected for a second
term, but I assure you that I have not served as president for this long
period because I have been seeking to emulate other presidents, but only
because the war years prevented our holding the annual meetings at which
our officers are elected.
In mentioning any part of the history of our group, we should always
remember that we owe its existence to Dr. Deming, who is now Dean of the
Association.
Now it is not my province to make a long speech about the N. N. G. A.,
because a number of other people will talk to you about it. I believe
that the growth of our society in recent years has fulfilled the fondest
dreams of Dr. Deming, since we have almost doubled our membership since
1941. We now have approximately over 600 members. People all over the
United States are becoming aware of the value of nuts as food important
to men. It is too bad that nuts have not been available on a competitive
price basis with other foods, and that luxury prices have limited
interest in nuts among the women buyers. A better understanding of the
uses and comparative value of nuts is gradually coming about which will
result in a tremendous demand on the nut-growing industry, which of
course, includes the nurserymen who develop and grow all varieties of
nut trees.
It is unfortunate for our newer members that they will never have the
opportunity of knowing those men who were among our earliest and most
valued associates whom death has recently taken from us and that they
are thus deprived of the pleasure and knowledge they might have gained
through personal contact with the wisdom and friendliness these men
displayed. Let us all take advantage of every opportunity we have to
meet with and learn from the senior members of our group who are with us
today. They are the salt of the earth, I assure you.
To those of you who have come long distances from your homes to attend
this annual meeting of the N.N.G.A., to our hosts and to all of my good
friends here, may I express my great pleasure at meeting again with you
after so long a time.