Rich Borowy presents "THE TIME MACHINE"
THE HISTORY OF THE LOS ANGELES
CATHOLIC ALUMNI CLUB
WE RIDE TOGETHER
The Los Angeles Catholic Alumni Club was established in 1949 by two brothers, Martin and Robert McManus, and Sister Mary Reginald, to help young Catholic men and women (recent college graduates) find spiritual growth within their faith, promote social functions, community service projects and to (perhaps) find a mate.
The first meeting of LACAC in December, 1949, was attended by 125 persons through notices from alumni groups from several regional colleges from the Los Angeles area. This enthusiasm helped establish a roster of club officers, along with a regular roster of activities for club members. Activities included cultural events, dances, volleyball, Toastmaster meetings, and community service Catholic action projects. Martin McManus served as the first president of LACAC. Dues were set at $6 a year
LACAC's 3rd Birthday (1952)
During the first four years, club events were announced at monthly meetings, and notices were mailed to members. In August, 1953, the first issue of the Catholic Alumni Club News was published, announcing activities, special interest group meetings, and other related news within the club.
Through the years, the membership of the LACAC grew to from 100 in 1950, to 500 four years later. That same year the Harbor chapter based in Long Beach was established. The Desert Valley chapter in 1955 covering the areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the Orange County chapter, based in Anaheim in 1958 soon followed.
While the Southern California clubs were forming, other CAC clubs through the country were establishing themselves, and in 1957, the National Association of Catholic Alumni Clubs (later known as Catholic Alumni Clubs International in 1968) was formed, linking twelve chapters of the CAC located throughout the USA. Ed Webb, one time president of the LACAC (1955-56), was the first president of the National Association (1957).
LACAC Newsletter Staff (1962) 
Back in Los Angeles, the 1950's saw rapid membership growth within the club, rising to 600+ members by 1957. By the beginning of 1960, there were 556 active members, and dues were $9 a year . During the 1960's, activities within the club increased to an average of 25-30 events a month. The regional chapters (Harbor and Desert Valley) were later absorbed to form a stronger central based club, while the Orange County chapter held its independence.
Membership took a sharp decline during the last part of the decade.This was due to the rise of other single clubs and organizations, and a change of the social climate at the time. An emphasis was placed on events designed for smaller groups, such as house parties and home masses , rather than large group events. By early 1970, membership within the LACAC totaled to 164 members, and dues were $12 a year.
The 1970's saw LACAC membership rise steadily. The LACAC newsletter, the Catholic Alumni Club News, had been revised and was now called The LACAC Firecracker, winning many awards for the club at the CACI conventions. That same year (1971) LACAC elected its first female president, Suzanne Miller.
Weekend in Palm Springs (1973)
Club events increased rapidly by the late 70's with larger group activities once again becoming the norm. The semi-monthly Friday night dances drew an average of 350+ persons. The club celebrated its silver anniversary in 1974, with a dinner-dance at the Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena which was attended by 500 current and former members. By early 1980, membership was holding at 214 persons, and dues were $15 a year.
The 1980's again showed a rapid growth of the club. LACAC celebrated its 'jade' (35th) anniversary in 1984 with a dinner-dance at the Los Angeles Hyatt Regency attended by 400 persons (past and present members). In 1989, the club celebrated its 40th anniversary in July of that year with a dinner-dance at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and an informal picnic in nearby Glendale that same weekend (July 22-23)
Membership by January,1990 held steady at 273 members. Dues were $35 per year. The 1990's continued with its roster of social, spiritual, and community-service events. LACAC membership was concentrated in the Los Angeles County area. A few members listed on the LACAC roster included persons based in areas as far away as the Bronx, NY; Calgary, Alberta; and Papeete, Tahiti.
On November 20, 1999, the LACAC will celebrates its golden anniversary with a dinner dance (details to follow). The club will toast its existence since the mid-century as it looks forward to continuing into the next century.
As of July, 1999, the club's membership stands at 200+ persons and rising. We offer many exciting activities including bi-monthly dances which are very well attended, house parties, dinners, home masses, miniature golf, bowling, camping, community service activities, etc. Dues are currently $37 per year membership ($25 for renewals).
Our newsletter the "EPICENTER" includes personal ads as well as event information, etc. Our recent boat dance was sold-out and the profits will be donated to Maryvale Girls' Home and Camp Mariastella. E-mail lacac-1-@-socal.rr.com for time and date of our monthly meetings.
The above history was compiled and written by Rich Borowy, Newsletter Editor of LACAC. Comments on this page can be E-mailed to him at lcp@wgn.net.
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