This month, as we approach the 110th anniversary year of the founding of the Varnum Continentals, trustee Brian Wallin takes us back in time to meet one of the founders of our organization and its longtime commander, H.V. Allen.

Howard Vernon Allen was descended from one of Rhode Island’s founding families, and Brian will share a few of their stories to demonstrate the commitment to patriotism and good citizenship that was a hallmark of H.V.’s long and productive life.  From his early days as a young bank clerk to his extensive involvement in community organizations and patriotic initiatives, we’ll hear some of the backstory of life in early 20th century East Greenwich through Howard Allen’s experiences.

Varnum Memorial Armory Vice President and Museum Curator Patrick Donovan has assembled some artifacts associated with H.V.’s role in the Continentals and will have them display. If you are new to our fellowship and are interested in learning about one of our founding fathers or if you would just like to take a brief trip  down memory lane through images and anecdotes, then don’t miss this special presentation.

About the speaker: Brian Wallin, whose career was split between work as a television journalist and then as a hospital administrator, writes our monthly Varnum newsletter history column. He is also a  contributing author to the online journal of RI History, www.smallstatebighistory.com. He is the co-author of a new book on the Rhode Island homefront during World War II, which will be published next spring.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Surf & Turf! Filet Mignon with baked stuffed shrimp, corn on the cob, salad, rolls and butter, dessert, and coffee.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Reservations must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, September 9. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email scott@ritemps.com.