The following article, by WODC President Dick Daniels, appeared in the December 1998 issue of the WODC Newsletter.

Club House?

For as long as I've been a member of the WODC, I have heard the question "Should the WODC have a club house?".  This past summer the question was asked in earnest when the former Wonalancet Post Office was offered for sale.  We were unprepared for this event and before the WODC could even consider what to do the Post Office was sold.  In order to be better prepared for making a fast but rational decision in the future, the Executive Committee (EC) was requested at annual Meeting to consider the pros and cons of a club house and report back at the next Annual Meeting.

Since Annual Meeting the topic of a club house has been discussed at several EC meetings.  The purpose of this article is to summarize those discussions, and to request input from the general WODC membership.

The EC identified several strong reasons in support of a WODC club house.  Such a building could serve as a:

Some strong disadvantages were also cited.  A club house would:

These disadvantages would be mitigated if the club house were a joint effort with the Wonalancet Preservation Association.  Also, a small lot, even 1/4 acre, would be acceptable - although a septic system would be a necessity.  Further reducing the cost would be the fact that volunteer help would be available if a club house were to be constructed.

When considering that a club house requires financial and also volunteer support, keep in mind that this might not detract from trail funds and volunteer efforts since it could lead to a larger membership.  Also, some people who are not able to volunteer for trail work might welcome a different type of volunteer opportunity.

At this time the EC is not prepared to make a recommendation either for or against a club house.  However, if a club house site were offered as a donation (what a nice tax-write-off!), the decision would probably be "yes."  In fact, a donation might be a necessity because the club house site should be in the Wonalancet area, and it would be difficult for the WODC club to pay the going local market price.

Opinions of the general membership, whether for, against, or mixed, are most welcome.   To encourage feedback, a questionnaire will be posted on the WODC web site.   To respond by letter, write to the address shown in the Newsletter masthead.

(WODC, HC 64 Box 5, Wonalancet, NH 03897)