This brief history of the highlights of the Ridgewood Camera Club, starting from its first meeting on September 15, 1937 to its activities in 1997 and 1998 was taken from the 60th Anniversary pamphlet prepared by Marian Coe, Anita Reilly, Sue Albert, Paul Minnich and Agnes Perrilloux.
We have relied heavily on research noted in our 50th Anniversary book, written and published by Floyd Rodgers. The 50th anniversary committee also consisted of Hilding Johnson, Sue Albert, Edward and Anita Reilly.
Many special events were planned to celebrate our 50th. The slide and print of the night was chosen by judges. The slide was reproduced, framed and hung in the Wild Life Center Library along with the print of the night. Lee Meyer and Marian Coe created a 50th Anniversary mug. The silhouette of members featured on the mug is still used as an R.C.C. club signature. Also held at the Wild Life Center in Wyckoff, was an exhibit of antique photographic equipment and prints from past members. At the annual dinner a slide show, "50 Years in R.C.C.: A Retrospective", containing award-winning slides and prints from each decade was presented by Hilding Johnson, assisted by Ken and Ethel McEwan.
Although color photography was introduced in 1942, in 1947 the Club was doing mostly black and white prints. The first slide competition was held at the annual dinner in May 1949.
Four years later the first monthly competitions began. The first Tri-Club competition was held in 1960, with Teaneck, Englewood and Ridgewood competing. A new competition class, NATURE, was introduced in 1961 and later ASSIGNED SUBJECTS were added. While interest in color slides increased, interest in prints waned and finally print competitions were discontinued in 1968. Print competitions were resumed in September 1979.
From the beginning of the Club until the Fall of 1971, members were divided into three categories based on expertise (Novice, Advanced, and Beginners). In 1971 these were dropped in favor of just two; "Class A" advanced, and "Class B" beginners. Seven years later the present scoring system for slides and prints was adopted.
In January 1984, the first International Salon, attracting entries from all over the world, was held with Ara Chakarian, APSA, NJFCC, as chairman. He continues today with the help of many members of the Club participating in preparing the slides for judging, assisting on judging day and assembling and presenting the Slide Show Exhibition. The Exhibition, containing acceptances, H.M.'s and Medal winners, is seen by as many as seven clubs in the area.
After many years of meetings at the Wild Life Center, the Club moved in 1990 to new headquarters in the Woman's Club of Wyckoff. The new quarters provided the use of a kitchen and added storage space. Trade Print Competitions were introduced in 1992.
The Club had its first exposure to Digital Imaging through an exciting workshop presented by Vinnie Kempf and Keith Yagaloff in 1994. Also in that year, the Executive Committee unanimously voted to change the Alice Yates Award for Assigned Subject, to the Lee Meyer Award as a memorial in her honor and for her many contributions to the Club.
In the fall of 1995, having their prints included in the "Fall Foliage Exhibition" in the lobby of the Kodalux Processing Laboratory honored several members. The tee and sweatshirt sale, featuring our silhouette logo, added funds to our treasury. The Club hosted the P.S.A. International Competition in September 1995, in addition to our annual International in January. Ara Chakarian was again chairman. A repeat sale of the silhouette mugs was very successful in the hands of Maggie Molino.
The highlight of our 1996-97 season was our participation in "PHOTOFEST 97", presented jointly with Hacker Photo-Video, the Bergen County Zoo, and R.C.C. The proceeds benefited the Bergen County Zoo. A good crowd enjoyed a day of displays and services by vendors: photo exhibits, workshops and slide shows, given by Club members: and a photo contest that was concluded in September.
In August 1997, Harry and Joan Becker were hosts to 35 members at a kick-off picnic at their home in Branchville. A wonderful way to start our 60th Anniversary year!
September 1997 brought us to our Diamond Anniversary year, which began with a six-week rotating exhibit of photographs at Kodalux. Twenty-two members participated. Special 60th Anniversary title slides, created by Ed Hansbury, APSA, FPSA, NJFCC, were used at our competitions and at the annual dinner. The sale of jackets displaying the Club logo was a success and the weekend trip to Cape Ann was fun for all in attendance. Unfortunately, in March 1998, although R.C.C. had a strong Club entry, the Tri-Club trophy went to Tri-County Camera Club with a Club score of four points difference, R.C.C. was in second place.
Our annual dinner was a special diamond jubilee. Appropriate decorations, diamond bookmarks and special programs at each place made it festive. The highlights of the evening were the slide show, "The Best of Ridgewood," containing the winning slides from club competitions during the year and a display of prints from winners through the season. What a delightful way to close our celebration.
The Club has been active in many community affairs through the years with members volunteering their services by presenting slide shows in nursing homes, libraries, Senior Citizen meetings and other community organizations. We have sponsored many photographic seminars, workshops and exhibits for the public. The Executive Committee continues to represent the membership and their interests by providing interesting programs, lectures, workshops and field trips which offer an opportunity to learn more about the how-to and fun of photography.
The Club continues to participate in and to host outside competitions such as NJFCC, Tri-Club, P.S.A. Inter-Club and P.S.A. Internationals. Members participate in P.S.A. Salons; many hold stars in several categories.
The Annual Dinner will be held each year in May, allowing a final get-together for everyone. At that time awards will be presented to the high-scoring winners in slides and prints. Following the dinner, it has become a custom to present a slide show, "The Best of Ridgewood," to enjoy once more the winning slides of the year, and the winning prints of the year are on display in the banquet hall during the evening. We look forward to an annual picnic held during the summer with good food, fun, renewed friendships and shared experiences.
The 60th Anniversary committee wishes to thank everyone who participated in our 60th Anniversary celebration.
In November 2004 we started holding digitally projected competitions that are an extension of our normal slide competitions.