This short intro into the Beginnings of the JCPD Emerald Society was done with the assistance of John W. Curran who was the fourth president of the ES (1975-1976).

While I do not have the years attached to the locations maybe someone can fill them in.

The first meetings were held in Dohoney's Tavern. The meetings went to the Barrell Tavern on Linden Ave., Narrowbacks on the Boulevard, O'Doyle's on Summit and Charles and then at the Knights of Columbus on West Side Ave. Sept. 2002 we moved to our current location, The Astor Bar in McGinley Square.

The first 'party' was held at the Moose Hall on West Side Ave. - the fare was hot dogs and beer. The party became the dinner dance and went to the Holiday Inn at the tunnel, then to the McKenzie Post in Bayonne. The manager of the McKenzie Post couldn't believe how much beer these guys could drink. John relates that when he was president that one week before the dinner dance was to occur, the McKenzie Post burned down. It was a mad scramble, but they were able to get the Villa Nova in Bayonne. They went back to the Post the next year, same roast beef dinner, Irish music and 'Mickey' Rooney singing "Danny Boy". As Con Hartnett might say, "It would bring a tear to a glass eye". The Patty Noonan band played their hearts out for us year after year. The night wasn't complete without the U.S. National Anthem, the Irish Anthem and a medley of patriotic songs where everyone joined in singing and snake dancing through the aisles. Eventually we came to the Casino in the Park. the day of the dinner dance it snowed and snowed and it was feared that very few would come, but you can't keep a good Irishman down. The place was packed. Currently we are using the Radisson Hotel in Secaucus for our dinner dance, a large leap from the hot dogs and beer days.

If anyone wishes to add anything regarding times, incidents funny or otherwise, it would make a great history lesson for present and past members. Maybe we could start with information about the original charter and how it was obtained, who was involved, and more. Please send any info to me, Richie Kist