Highlights of RGCA History

HIGHLIGHTS OF RGCA HISTORY

Before 1929 individual campers leased campsites from Edward Ruback.

1928 - Warren E. Munson (#14) writes a letter suggesting the formation of an Association.

- Meetings are held. Mr. Ruback endorses the idea.

- The First By-Laws are adopted.

- The first Officers and Directors elected.

    (4 Officers, 6 Directors At-Large.)

1929 - Chadsey survey map of Ruback lands filed in Ballston Spa.

- Association Officers sign lease with Mr. Ruback - to run to 1978.

- First By-Laws of the Association adopted.

- Papers of Incorporation filed with New York State.

- First leases issued by the Association.

- Fisch revision of the Chadsey map filed in Ballston Spa.

1930 - First option to purchase Grove lands signed.

1931 - Second Association By-Laws adopted.  Raises the number of Directors from six to twelve.  (2 from each District in which the President, Vice-President and Treasurer are included). The Secretary has no vote.

1932 - By-Laws governing the Board adopted. Association By-Laws amended.

- Blister Rust assails the Pine Trees.

1933 - The third ice-house in the Grove is built - known as "The Green ice-house."

1934 - Electric power brought into the Grove. 

- "The Green" (lots 18, 19, 20, 150 and 151) set aside for recreational use.

1935 - Mail delivery begins in the Grove.

- The first telephone in the Grove installed at the store.

1936 - All unleased lots declared Commons.

1940 - Sports and Entertainment fund abolished. All future committees to be appointed by the President.

1941 - By-Laws amended to provide for a Board of twelve members consisting of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, one Director from each District and two Directors-at-Large - The Officers and Directors-at- Large to be elected every even year and the District Directors to be elected every odd year.

1945 - The Association purchases the "Green Ice-House" for storage of fire and other equipment. (Fire Station #1)

1947 - The Third Association By-Laws adopted combining Association and Board By-Laws. Makes signature on lease evidence of Association membership.

- Purchase option for Grove lands to be effective upon the decision of the Rubacks to sell the property and binding upon heirs and executor upon the death of the Rubacks. Land purchase fund inaugurated.

- Lease extension of 50 years negotiated by the Association with the Rubacks.

1949 - New leases issued to all members.

1958 - The Postmaster General authorizes the placement of an out-going mailbox at the Grove store.

1964 - The Association purchases the Grove lands from Sarah Ruback, widow of Edward Ruback.

1979 - The Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

1980 - Galway Lake Campers Association purchases the Lake from the Amsterdam Mill Owners Association.

1986 - The Fourth revision of the Association By-Laws is adopted.

- Eurasian Milfoil appears in the Lake.

1989 - Pavilion built.

1990 - Dam Control Tower re-built.

1992 - The Fifth revision of the Association By-Laws is adopted.

1993 - Recycling & Storage Center built.

1994 - "Green Ice-House" torn down.

1996 - Severe windstorm damages many camps in the Grove.

2004 - 75th Anniversary of Incorporation

2007 - Association approves 99 year extension of the lease.

2008 - The Sixth revision of the Association By-Laws is adopted.

2016 Roads repaved

2018 Spring wind storm damages several buildings

First grove wide white pine removal

2019 Wind shear damages pavillion and several camps

Second grove wide white pine removal

    New gate installed at entrance of Grove for shoulder seasons

2020 Covid 19 Pandemic paused many activities