Suggested Constitution & By-Laws

Article I – Name

1. The name of this association shall be the Ransom Nichols Family Association.

Article II – Object

1. The object of this association is to:
   1. Preserve and protect the brotherhood of the descendents of Ransom and Minnie Nichols which they so
      religiously cultivated during their lifetime.
   2. Promote the ideals of brotherhood of man, integrity, industry, love of the land and faith in God which were so
      much a part of life followed by Ransom and Minnie Nichols.

Article III – Membership

1. Regular: All adults (over 21 years of age), direct descendents of Ransom Nichols and Minnie Whittemore Nichols and
   their spouses are eligible to regular membership. Direct descendents of the same couple, under 21 years of age, but
   who are married, are, together with their spouses, eligible to regular membership.
2. Junior: All minor, unmarried, direct descendents of Ransom and Minnie Nichols are eligible for junior membership.
   Junior members will have all the privileges of regular members except those of holding regular offices and voting.

Article IV – Officers

1. Regular officers of the associations shall be:
   1. President
   2. Vice-President
   3. Secretary-Treasurer
   4. Corresponding Secretary

Article V – Duties of Officers

1. The duties of the officers of this association shall be those usually performed by such officers and as prescribed by Roberts Rules of Order. In addition, the secretary shall provide all regular members with copies of the minutes of each regular (annual) meeting.

Article VI – Executive Committee

1. The regular officers together with the chairmen of standing committees shall constitute the Executive Committee.
2. The Executive Committee is authorized to transact such business as, in their judgment, must be transacted between regular or special meetings, including the authorization of expenditure of necessary funds in keeping with association policy. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be convened at the call of the president or a majority of the members of the Executive Committee. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Article VII – Quorum

1. One-third of the regular members shall constitute a quorum of the Association for the transaction of business.

Article VIII – Amendments

1. This constitution may be amended if two-thirds of the regular members present at any regular or special meeting or if two-thirds of the total membership, in the interim between meetings, vote in favor of the amendment and providing notice of the proposed amendment is given to all regular members at least one month in advance.

Article IX – Rules of Order

1. Roberts Rules of Order shall be used to govern the procedure at all meetings of the association.

By-Laws

Article I – Meetings

1. There will be one regular (annual) meeting each year convened at the approximate date and place established by the
   membership at the previous regular meeting. All members shall be notified at least one month in advance of each
   regular meeting.
2. Special meetings may be called, as needed, by the Executive Committee or by a petition of one-half of the regular
   members. All members shall be notified at least one week in advance of each special meeting.
3. The Order of Business at all meetings of the association shall be as follows:
   1. Call to Order
   2. Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting
   3. Statement of the Treasurer
   4. Reading of communications
   5. Reports and their disposal
      1. Executive Committee
      2. Standing Committees
      3. Special Committees
   6. Unfinished Business
   7. New Business
   8. Election of officers (regular meetings only)
   9. Announcements
   10. Adjournment

Article II – Election of Officers

1. The regular officers shall be elected by ballot at each regular (annual) meeting and shall serve for a period of one year or until their successors have been elected. A majority vote is necessary for election. Only regular members are eligible to hold regular offices. The secretary treasurer must live within a fifty mile radius of Argyle, New York.

Article III – Committees

1. Committee membership is open to all members and junior members.
   1. Standing Committees
      Such standing committees shall be created by the Executive
      Committee as may be required to promote the objectives and interests of this association. Standing committees
      shall meet at the time of each annual meeting to elect a chairman and to carry on such other business as may be
      required. The chairman may call other meetings as may be necessary. The chairman, after election, shall give his
      or her name to the Secretary-Treasurer. Terms of special committees shall be for one year or until their
      successors are appointed.
   2. Special Committees
      Such special committees shall be created by the Executive
      Committee as may be required to promote the objectives and interests of this association. The
      president shall name the chairman of all special committees who, in turn, shall call such meetings as
      required. The term of any special committee shall be until the purpose for which it was created has been
      discharged and a report filed with the Executive Committee or the association or until its successor has
      been appointed. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all standing and special committees

Article IV – Dues

1. The annual dues for all regular members shall be______________ and for all junior members___________ payable to the secretary-treasurer within one month following the close of the regular meeting.

Article V – Ammendments

1. These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the regular members present at any regular or special meeting or by a majority vote of the regular members, during the interim between meetings.

Nichols Family Association Officers

Present were their nine children, Ruth Tilford, Argyle, Le Roy Nichols, Argyle, Florence Stanley, Greenwich, Donald Nichols, Argyle, Louise Danforth, Kingsbury, Leslie Nichols, Washington D.C., Harold Nichols, Kirkville, Dorothy Alberding, Red Creek, and Roland Nichols, Tonawanda, N.Y., together with their husbands and wives. Leslie Nichols acted as temporary Chairman.

After some discussion the following officers were decided upon, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and corresponding Secretary. Those chosen for the year 1953 were:

Leslie Nichols, President
Le Roy Nichols, Sec. Treas.
Jean Nichols Vice-President
Ruth Tilford, Corresp. Sec.

A committee to draw up necessary by-laws was appointed, composed of Jean Nichols, Harold Nichols and Florence Stanley, a copy which was to be given to each member of the immediate family.

The officers and Lawrence Danforth and Ted Stanley were named as a committee to plan the first annual reunion.

A resolution of appreciation for what the in-laws had done during the illness, and at the time of our Mother’s death was offered by Harold Nichols, a copy to be incorporated in these minutes.

At a meeting of the Committee, Ted Stanley was named Chairman of the first annual reunion, time and place to be decided at a later date.

Resolution adopted at December 6, 1952 meeting:

Be it resolved by those of us who have moved from the immediate vicinity of the Adamsville homestead, namely Leslie, Harold, Dorothy, and Roland that we express to the rest of the family our appreciation for those things which they have done during Mother’s last years, that have been the responsibilities of all of us since Dad’s death.

Be it resolved by the members of the immediate family, namely Ruth, Roy, Florence, Donald, Louise, Leslie, Harold, Dorothy that we make known our appreciation for the acts of thoughtfulness expressed in so many ways to our Mother in the years since Dad died, by those who have entered the family circle thru marriage. Such resolutions being in order because of those many things each one has done over and beyond what might be expected under similar circumstances.

Note: Roland’s name is not listed in the resolution; I am guessing that this is an oversight.

E.D.

Present were forty six members and two guests, Mrs. Stanley and Irene Tilford. Members present Lester and Ruth Tilford and Martha, Nelson and Charles Tilford of Argyle. Helen Louise, Carl and Lois Cameron of Troy. Barbara, Bill and Linda Cobb of North Creek. LeRoy and Elsie Nichols of Argyle. Florence, Ted, Sharon, and Sharlene Stanley of Greenwich. Donald, Jean, Claire, Sheila, Kalista and Scott Nichols of Argyle. Louise, Lawrence, Beth, Ernest and James Danforth of Kingsbury. Leslie, Esther, Warren, Malcolm, Merle and Ralph Nichols of Riverdale, Maryland. Harold, Jane , Sandra and Ransom Nichols of Kirkville. Dorothy, Derwin, Johann and Myron Alberding of Red Creek, New York. Roland, Barbara, Judy and Kenneth Nichols of Tonawanda, New York. Absent were Patricia Nichols, Joyce Nichols, and Merwin and Joyce Nichols.

Patricia being away at work at a resort in the Adirondacks, Joyce L. in the Navy Department at Washington, D.C. and Merwin and Joyce C. at Parris Island, N.C. Merwin being in the Marine Corps.

Minutes of the previous organization meeting were read and approved. Committee on the by laws presented the proposed by-laws which were read and after some discussion adopted as read. A copy of the by-laws to be incorporated in the minutes.

Discussion on method of paying expense of annual meeting. After some debate it was decided to pay them by assessment. Motion made seconded and duly carried that the dues should be $1.50 for adult members and .50 for junior members. Junior members being all under 21 years of age.

Following suggestion was offered to the expense committee on use of monies. Five dollars for flowers on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to be placed on the altar of Zion Episcopal Church, and twenty dollars for CARE packages, motion made, seconded, and duly carried.

Motions of commendation to committee on by-laws made seconded and duly carried. Vote of commendation for excellent work of committee for planning the first annual reunion, made and carried.

Vote of appreciation to Donald for his assistance in carrying out plans of the committee.

Report of the Administrator on progress of settlement of Estate. Administrator reported it is the hope of the Attorney to be able to settle estate by fall term of court. A lot of legal work however before a complete settlement.

Motion to accept Donald’s invitation to hold 1954 reunion at his farm the latter part of August 1954 made seconded and carried. Final decision to be left ot committee. Motion made and seconded that lot in Union Cemetery be placed under perpetual care before estate is settled. Motion carried.

Motion made that officers are not to succeed themselves. Motion carried. Officers for the ensuing year were nominated and duly elected.

President – Harold Nichols
Vice President – Theodore Stanley
Secretary & Treasurer – Jean Nichols
Corr. Secretary – Louise Nichols

President elect announced meeting of executive committee immediately following the close of the business meeting. No further business meeting adjourned.

It seemed to be the opinion of all members that he first annual meeting of the Nichols family was a great success and was enjoyed by all.

The Executive committee met and appointed the following officers:

Memorial Committee:
Ruth Tilford
Donald Nichols
Elsie Nichols
Historical Record Committee
Martha Tilford (Ruth 2nd)
Nelson Tilford (Ruth 2nd)
Patricia Nichols (Donald 2nd)

Round Robin to be incorporated in historical records.

Minutes of the first annual meeting were read and approved.

Report of Historical Record Comm. by Ruth Tilford in the absence of the chair – Martha Tilford: an album has been started. There will be one page for each reunion. The chair requested a picture of each family and their home.

Motion made and seconded to commend the committee and accept report.

Motion made and seconded to amend the above motion to thank Ruth Tilford for helping the committee. Amended motion carried.

Report of the Memorial Committee by Ruth Tilford, Chair: $10.00 CARE food package sent to Korea on Ransom Nichols’ birthday; $7.50 CARE anti-TB package sent to Korea on Minnie Nichols’ birthday; $3.00 for Christmas wreaths for the graves; geraniums on the graves of Ransom and Minnie Nichols and Ransom’s mother and father: flowers on the altar of the Zion Episcopal Church on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. There was a discussion as to the amount to pay for flowers for the altar. It was felt that $10.00 was too high. Suggested that memorials to more people could be made with smaller CARE pkgs. and/or donations to other funds. Motion made and seconded to accept report as read.

Motion made and seconded to amend the above motion to include a commendation to the committee. Amended motion carried.

Just about then Roland Nichols called on the telephone from Huron, Ohio for which a vote of appreciation is herein inserted.

LeRoy Nichols reported that the lawyer advised it was better not to handle the placing of the cemetery lot under perpetual care through the Estate as voted last year. Motion made and seconded to assess the sons and daughters of Ransom and Minnie Nichols to cover the cost of perpetual care. Motion made and seconded to table the preceding motion. Carried

Motion made and seconded that the cost of the clam steam be born by per capita assessment age 5 and over, exclusive of guests. Carried. (What? No amendment?) The arrangements committee thanks Leslie Nichols for his able assistance.

New business: Discussion of proposed amendments to constitution. Change in Article III membership. Proposed that wage earners under 21 be included in regular membership. Tabled.

Article IV – Officers. Proposed split Secretary-Treasurer into two offices – secretary not required to live within 50 mi. radius of Argyle. Motion made, seconded and carried to consider such proposal at next regular meeting.

Article V – Duties of Officers. Proposed duties of Corresponding Secretary shall be: 1. Notify all regular members of exigent and pertinent family matters. 2. To initiate and perpetuate and regulate intra-family correspondence. (Any future corresponding secretary desiring name of member of the executive board who instigated the above may have same by contacting me) Motion made, seconded and carried to consider such proposal at next meeting.

Article VI – Executive Committee. Proposed that the outgoing President be member of the Executive committee. Motion made, seconded and carried to consider such proposal at next meeting.

Change in by-laws: Article II – election of officers. Motion made, seconded and carried that a nominating committee be named each year to prepare a slate of officers. Motion made seconded and carried that the Corresponding Secretary live in 50 mi radius of Argyle.

The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers:

President Theodore Stanley, Greenwich, NY
Vice President Roland Nichols, Huron, Ohio
Sec’y-Treas Merwin Nichols, Salem, NY (Roy 2nd)
Corresponding Sec’y Elsie Nichols, Argyle, NY

Motion made and seconded that the Sec’y cast one ballot for the slate of officers as read. Carried.

Invitation by Donald Nichols to return to the home farm for the third annual reunion was accepted.

The suggestion was made that another year there be a program in addition to the business meeting.

Meeting adjourned until Clam steam August 8.

At a short meeting following the clam steam the motion was made and seconded that any additional funds that might be left after the major part of the estate was settled (as explained by Administrator LeRoy Nichols) be turned over to the Treas. of the Ransom Nichols Assoc. Carried.

Motion made and seconded that we give LeRoy Nichols our sincere thanks for a job well done in his capacity as Administrator of the estates of Ransom and Minnie Nichols. Carried.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes of last meeting were read. Florence Stanley made motion to approve minutes. Seconded by Harold Nichols. Carried.

Treasurer’s Report was read. Balance of $44.65. Motion made by Ruth Tilford to accept the report as read. Seconded by Louise Danforth. Carried

Correspondence from Union Cemetery concerning assessment notice read. Motion made that Executive Committee examine the status of ownership of Union Cemetery lot and take appropriate action. Roland Nichols seconded motion. Louise Danforth mad a legitimate second due to doubtful status of afore-mentioned member. Carried.

Report made by chairman, Ruth Tilford, on Memorial Committee. Report accepted and vote of commendation given. Motion made by Roland Nichols to donate $10.00 to Zion Episcopal flower fund in lieu of previous annual donation of $5.00 on Father’s Day and $5.00 on Mother’s Day. Donation to be made on Jan. 1st. Seconded by Harold Nichols. Carried. Amendment to above motion to make it a suggestion rather than a motion made by Leslie Nichols. Carried.

Report by Ruth Tilford on Historical Committee. Scrapbook well under way.

Old Business:
Article IV-Officers. Proposed split Secretary-Treasurer into two offices – Secretary not being required to reside in 50 mile radius of Argyle. Motion made, seconded and carried.
Article V-Duties of Officers. Proposed duties of Corresponding Secretary to be:
1.Notify all regular members of exigent and pertinent family matters.
2. To initiate and perpetuate and regulate intra-family correspondence. Motion made, seconded and carried.
Article VI-Executive Committee. Proposed that outgoing President be a member of the Executive Committee. Motion made, seconded and carried.

New Business:
Motion made by Roland Nichols to have Treasurer open checking account. Seconded by Esther Nichols. Motion defeated.
Invitation by Donald Nichols to return to home farm for Fourth Annual Reunion was accepted.
Leslie Nichols nominated new slate of officers as follows:

President – Roland Nichols
Vice President – Donald Nichols
Secretary – Dorothy Alberding
Treasurer – Elsie Nichols
Corresponding Secretary – Florence Stanley

Motion made by Louise Danforth that Secretary cast one ballot on above slate of officers. Carried.

Roland Nichols made motion to adjourn meeting. Seconded by Ruth Tilford

Minutes were read and approved with the amendment made by Leslie Nichols that the slides shown were of the current year rather than the previous year.

Under “old business” Roy Nichols reported the Union Cemetery lot goes to existing heirs, Dad and Uncle Del, and so on down the line of heirs. The tax levy is legal. There is $30.00 due against the lot. The taxes have to be paid or forfeit our right to the remaining 3 empty lots. Ruth Tilford made the motion we pay the assessment. The motion was put aside for the treasurer’s report.

Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $36.71. The report was accepted as presented.

Discussion resumed on previous motion. Harold proposed amendment that we pay past assessment and the treasurer pays any future assessment if the treasurer is able to do so. Leslie amended the amendment that we pay only assessments for which we are legally liable to keep ownership. It was unanimously decided not to ask Uncle Del to pay anything toward the assessment. Roy suggested we skip the amendments and decide it each year. Leslie suggested we could do so but leave motion and amendments in the minutes. Motion and two amendments were seconded by Roy. Leslie mad a point of order that we would have to vote on each. Jane seconded second amendment. Leslie seconded first amendment. All carried.

Under “new business” the question of dues was discussed. Harold stated he wants flowers for his $1.50 when he dies. Rest didn’t care if they got flowers or not. Ruth suggested dues be raised to meet expenses. The President appointed a committee consisting of Donald, Ruth and Roy to study problem of dues, decide if present dues are adequate and how to meet necessary expenses such as gas mileage.

President announced two could go see Louise in the hospital the next morning at 10:30. Esther and Jane were to go with Roland.

President suggested idea of charcoal broiled chicken next year instead of the steamed chicken with Derwin in charge of cooking it.

Ruth reported on scrapbook and memorial fund. She had bought flowers for the McCotter funeral and the Warnock brothers’ funerals, for the altar on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and for the cemetery. She had sent a CARE package to Korea and one to Vietnam. The scrapbook was available to be looked at.

The following slate of officers was presented;

President – Donald Nichols
Vice president – Roy Nichols
Secretary – Esther Nichols
Corresponding Secretary – Ruth Tilford
Treasurer – Red Danforth

Leslie suggested Jean for corresponding secretary. Harold suggested Derwin for vice president. Donald silently mad the motion that the slate be closed. It was seconded and carried.

Leslie made the motion the president, secretary, and treasurer be accepted as suggested. Seconded and carried. Ten voted for Derwin for vice president – two for Roy. Fourteen voted for Jean for corresponding secretary and one for Ruth. So Derwin was the new vice president and Jean the new corresponding secretary.

Esther made a motion we give a commendation to the Memorial Committee. Seconded and carried. Harold made a motion we express our appreciation to Donald and his family for having us. Seconded and carried.

Leslie made the motion the secretary read the minutes at the present meeting for approval. She didn�t. Donald invited us to present site for 1957. Roland as president accepted.

Florence made the motion we adjourn. Seconded and carried.

Motion was made by Roland Nichols to commend the Memorial Committee for excellent work done and in her choice of places to put our money in memory of people. Ruth Tilford was five a rising vote of thanks.

Ruth Tilford reported the Historical Committee had no picture of Florence’s or Elsie’s house. The news article in the paper concerning the reunion is entered in the book each year.

The 1957 Christmas list was read and accepted. A list was put in the Secretary’s book and one in Jean’s safe.

Old Business: Concerning assessment on the cemetery lot, Roy Nichols made the motion we pay the assessment until otherwise changed; seconded by Ted Stanley. Passed.

The committee on dues reported they decided the dues were adequate for the present. Louise Danforth said she felt, if there was need of additional assessment, it should fall on just those of the first generation. Donald and Roland Nichols felt all should participate as members of an organization. It was tabled until some time such a need arises. Ruth Tilford reported there would be on Whittemore reunion this year. The lack of interest of the second generation was discussed. President thought the second generation should be brought into the officers and that, as they reached maturity, they would be interested. The dues committee report was accepted. Motion was made by Ted Stanley that dues be paid by June 1st; seconded by Roy Nichols. Louise Danforth. Louise Danforth suggested the date be changed to July 1st and a reservation be made for clam steam. Motion carried. This motion amended the constitution.

Roland Nichols made the motion the minutes be transcribed by the secretary and sent to the regular members. It was tabled.

The following slate of officers were read and duly elected by cast of one ballot by Secretary:

President – Derwin Alberding
Vice president – Roy Nichols
Secretary – Barbara Nichols
Treasurer – Lester Tilford
Corresponding Secretary – Louise Danforth

Louise Danforth made the motion we adjourn; seconded by Florence Stanley. Motion carried.

The meeting was followed by slides.