Lynbrook historical odds & ends: Clubs and organizations were a big deal in 1917

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The Dorcas Club of Lynbrook on 1917, rolling bandages for World War II.
The Dorcas Club of Lynbrook on 1917, rolling bandages for World War II.
Courtesy Art Mattson

Editors note: Lynbrook historical odds and ends is a column that takes a look back at some interesting facts and events in the village from over the years.

In November 1917, the New Era newspaper listed 39 active clubs in Lynbrook:  The Shakespeare Reading Club, The Sans Souci (Without a Care) Embroidery Club, The Dorcas Circle, The Pinochle Club, The Cosmopolitan Study Club, and many others for men, women, boys and girls.

In addition, and not included in the 39-name list, Lynbrook had various commuter, business, political, military, athletic and civic clubs.  In 1917, without radio, TV, video games and the internet, people got up, went out, got involved and did things.

 

Mattson is the official Lynbrook village historian and a director of the Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook. Additionally, he is the author of “The History of Lynbrook,” which is available on Amazon.com and at local libraries.