The first meeting of the Charter
Oak Color Slide Association was held in the fall of 1951.
The formation of the club was a direct result of a slide
exhibition organized by Joe Chernoff and open to all photographers.
The proceeds from this undertaking were shared by Camp
Courant and the Times Farm Camp, establishing a longtime
commitment to the community.
This exhibition was well received and, as existing camera
clubs were not concerned with color slides, the people
involved in the exhibition and many who submitted slides
and attended the show decided to form a club which would
specifically address itself to the instruction and enjoyment
of color slide photography.
As its community service, the Board of Directors of the
newly formed club voted to continue sponsoring an international
exhibition, and the Third Charter Oak International was
then recognized by the Photographic Society of America,
which assured receiving slides from all over the world.
Through the 26th Charter Oak Color Slide International,
which was held early in 1976, the club has donated over
$31,000 to the same two organizations it started out supporting.
Over the years Charter Oak has grown in stature in the
New England States, steadfastly maintaining its reputation
as the topnotch area club through offering a wide diversity
of photographic knowledge and activities to its members
during the course of a year. Included are monthly teaching
programs, assigned subject competitions, and workshops.
All aspects of color slide photography for the enlightenment
of the neophyte as well as the broadening of the horizons
of the advanced photographer are explored. Field trips,
to apply the knowledge gained and to socialize with other
members, are also conducted. Participation in Photographic
Society of America and New England Camera Club Council
interclub competitions is encouraged.
In 1972 enough interest had been demonstrated to start
a black and white print section. They called themselves
the "Hot Stove League". The prints expanded to include
color prints in 1978. The interest in the print section
had grown steadily to the point where the name Charter
Oak Color Slide Association, Inc. no longer seemed to fit.
The club changed its name in 1985 to Charter Oak Photographic
Society, Inc. to encompass and encourage all aspects of
photography.
Many Charter Oak members have become proficient in the
art of photography and are sought after to present programs,
give instruction, and judge slides and prints. This attests
to the fact that the joining of a camera club of Charter
Oak's caliber, and participation in all activities made
available, can lead to excellence and personal satisfaction
in this hobby.
As fund-raisers, we have held several all day photographic
seminars. Some of the speakers we have brought in are Bill
Thomas, John Shaw, DeWitt Jones, John and Barbara Gerlach,
and Andre Gallant.
P. Robert Maynard set up the Club's first Website in 1998.
In 2002, Robert Gorrill became Charter Oak's Web Master
and set up a new Website, www.photone.com/clubs/charter.html.
With the help of Robert Gorrill, Cindy Gosselin (editor
of the Slide-O-Gram) has put the Club's newsletter on the
Web. The Website also contains a complete Schedule of Events
for the Club season.
In the summer of 2005, Richard Brimley headed a committee
to investigate the possibility of adding electronic imaging
competitions to our menu of services. In November of 2005,
Charter Oak's Electronic Imaging Division went into effect.
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