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You are here: Home / Archives for howard vernon allen

[SEPTEMBER 12 DINNER MEETING] Howard Vernon Allen, Community Leader and Legend

September 3, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum

Howard Vernon Allen
Howard Vernon Allen

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.

H.V. Allen's Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen’s Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen's Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen’s Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen's Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen’s Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen's Varnum Continentals Uniform
H.V. Allen’s Varnum Continentals Uniform

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.

Filed Under: Speaking Program Tagged With: howard vernon allen, speaker program, speaking program, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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