FOUNDER OF EXCHANGE DIES
Charles A. Berkey, "the grand old man of Exchange", whose ideals and traditions inspired the formation of The National Exchange Club, and whose personal life exemplified the Exchange spirit of service, leaves the organization a rich, fruitful heritage.
CLUBS MOURN HIS PASSING
Founder of Exchange, and originator of the trend which resulted in the creation of a truly American institution--the business and professional men's club--Charles A. Berkey, died suddenly of a heart attack in his office at Detroit, Michigan, on September 30. He was 72 years old.
Mr. Berkey, last year, had been ill for several months. Returned to his office as head of the Berkey Manufacturing Company, Detroit, he soon was occupied by his tireless routine. Although suffering from a heart ailment, he continued to be active in Exchange and Masonic circles in addition to his arduous duties as a manufacturer.
On September 30, he had gone to lunch early. Upon his return to the office he collapsed, recovered sufficiently to ask his secretary to call a doctor, then seated himself at his desk. Within a few minutes, however, he quietly passed away.
At the Hamilton Funeral Home, Cass and Alexandrine, Detroit, burial services were held on October 2. Representing The National Exchange Club were National Vice-President Theron M. Hall of Detroit, and National Secretery Herold M. Harter, who were among the pallbearers. Many Clubs, especially those of the Detroit area, were represented at the services. Letters and telegrams from all over the United States expressed condolences to the family, and to The National Exchange Club, for their bereavement.
Lying in state, the bier banked with gorgeous flowers which were the mute testimony of the love which his countless friends bore him, Founder Berkey received the last tribute in the funeral chapel.
The flowers mutely spoke the affection of Exchange Clubs, of the National Organization, of the many Masonic bodies of which he was a member, and of his devoted friends.
The simple but impressive service was read by the Reverend Kirk B. O'Farrel, Dean of the St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Detroit. Soft and beautiful organ music accompanied the service. Interment was made at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Michigan. Oxford was the birthplace of Mrs. Charles A. Berkey. Mr. Harter and Mr. Hall accompanied the family to Oxford for the final rites.
It has been said that a great institution is but the lengthened shadow of a great man. The influence of Charles A. Berkey will be felt as long as The National Exchange Club exists.
Leading a simple life, but a fruitful life, during his three-score and twelve years, Charles A. Berkey inculcated his early associates, as well as his great band of friends in his later years, with the principles of true Americanism.
He was born near Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1870. His parents wer Joshua and Hannah Barbara Mahan Berkey. Born on a farm, he always retained a love for the simple yet strong principles exemplified by those who engage in agricultural pursuits. With his parents, he moved to Cassopolis, Michigan, in 1875. There, he grew to young manhood, and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1889, he left Casspolis to finish his trade apprenticeship in Chicago. There, he remained for two years, learning more about his chosen vocation. In 1891, he went to Detroit, as a traveling salesman. Two years later, he returned to Chicago, spent three years with a jewelry house as a salesman, then went back to Detroit to establish himself permanently.
In 1897, Charles A. Berkey was married to Miss Eva Lois Reid of Oxford, Michigan. With the inspiration of his wife as a guiding influence, he founded his own business as a manufacturing jeweler, at Detroit, in May, 1900. The Berkey Manufacturing Company, in 42 years, has become well known as a supplier of organizational jewelry.
Establishing their home in Detroit, the Berkeys became the parents of three children: Charles Reid Berkey, Jean Berkey (now Mrs. Jean Berkey Richardson of Detroit) and Stanton Mahan Berkey. The latter was engaged with his father in business, and was only 21 years old when he was killed in an automibile accident in Canada, in 1937. At that time, the entire Exchange organization joined with the Founder and Mrs. Berkey in sharing this great personal loss.
As a purposeful American, Mr. Berkey participated in many ventures for the betterment of Detroit. Likewise, he gave much time to Masonic work, reaching high offices in Masonry.
He was among the select group wearing the emblem of a 33rd-degree Mason.
Founder of Exchange, Mr. Berkey remained active in its affairs up until the day of his death. He was beloved as the "grand old man of Exchange". He became known to almost every member, through his attendance at national conventions, through appearances at state conventions, and through the thoughtful articles he wrote for "The Exchangite".
At the twenty-fifth national convention at Richmond, in 1941, he again renewed his many associations, and expressed anew his faith in the principles of the organization that he founded.
Portion of an article from "The Exchangite"
October 1942 issue
Charles A. Berkey, "the grand old man of Exchange", whose ideals and traditions inspired the formation of The National Exchange Club, and whose personal life exemplified the Exchange spirit of service, leaves the organization a rich, fruitful heritage.
CLUBS MOURN HIS PASSING
Founder of Exchange, and originator of the trend which resulted in the creation of a truly American institution--the business and professional men's club--Charles A. Berkey, died suddenly of a heart attack in his office at Detroit, Michigan, on September 30. He was 72 years old.
Mr. Berkey, last year, had been ill for several months. Returned to his office as head of the Berkey Manufacturing Company, Detroit, he soon was occupied by his tireless routine. Although suffering from a heart ailment, he continued to be active in Exchange and Masonic circles in addition to his arduous duties as a manufacturer.
On September 30, he had gone to lunch early. Upon his return to the office he collapsed, recovered sufficiently to ask his secretary to call a doctor, then seated himself at his desk. Within a few minutes, however, he quietly passed away.
At the Hamilton Funeral Home, Cass and Alexandrine, Detroit, burial services were held on October 2. Representing The National Exchange Club were National Vice-President Theron M. Hall of Detroit, and National Secretery Herold M. Harter, who were among the pallbearers. Many Clubs, especially those of the Detroit area, were represented at the services. Letters and telegrams from all over the United States expressed condolences to the family, and to The National Exchange Club, for their bereavement.
Lying in state, the bier banked with gorgeous flowers which were the mute testimony of the love which his countless friends bore him, Founder Berkey received the last tribute in the funeral chapel.
The flowers mutely spoke the affection of Exchange Clubs, of the National Organization, of the many Masonic bodies of which he was a member, and of his devoted friends.
The simple but impressive service was read by the Reverend Kirk B. O'Farrel, Dean of the St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Detroit. Soft and beautiful organ music accompanied the service. Interment was made at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Michigan. Oxford was the birthplace of Mrs. Charles A. Berkey. Mr. Harter and Mr. Hall accompanied the family to Oxford for the final rites.
It has been said that a great institution is but the lengthened shadow of a great man. The influence of Charles A. Berkey will be felt as long as The National Exchange Club exists.
Leading a simple life, but a fruitful life, during his three-score and twelve years, Charles A. Berkey inculcated his early associates, as well as his great band of friends in his later years, with the principles of true Americanism.
He was born near Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1870. His parents wer Joshua and Hannah Barbara Mahan Berkey. Born on a farm, he always retained a love for the simple yet strong principles exemplified by those who engage in agricultural pursuits. With his parents, he moved to Cassopolis, Michigan, in 1875. There, he grew to young manhood, and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1889, he left Casspolis to finish his trade apprenticeship in Chicago. There, he remained for two years, learning more about his chosen vocation. In 1891, he went to Detroit, as a traveling salesman. Two years later, he returned to Chicago, spent three years with a jewelry house as a salesman, then went back to Detroit to establish himself permanently.
In 1897, Charles A. Berkey was married to Miss Eva Lois Reid of Oxford, Michigan. With the inspiration of his wife as a guiding influence, he founded his own business as a manufacturing jeweler, at Detroit, in May, 1900. The Berkey Manufacturing Company, in 42 years, has become well known as a supplier of organizational jewelry.
Establishing their home in Detroit, the Berkeys became the parents of three children: Charles Reid Berkey, Jean Berkey (now Mrs. Jean Berkey Richardson of Detroit) and Stanton Mahan Berkey. The latter was engaged with his father in business, and was only 21 years old when he was killed in an automibile accident in Canada, in 1937. At that time, the entire Exchange organization joined with the Founder and Mrs. Berkey in sharing this great personal loss.
As a purposeful American, Mr. Berkey participated in many ventures for the betterment of Detroit. Likewise, he gave much time to Masonic work, reaching high offices in Masonry.
He was among the select group wearing the emblem of a 33rd-degree Mason.
Founder of Exchange, Mr. Berkey remained active in its affairs up until the day of his death. He was beloved as the "grand old man of Exchange". He became known to almost every member, through his attendance at national conventions, through appearances at state conventions, and through the thoughtful articles he wrote for "The Exchangite".
At the twenty-fifth national convention at Richmond, in 1941, he again renewed his many associations, and expressed anew his faith in the principles of the organization that he founded.
Portion of an article from "The Exchangite"
October 1942 issue
FOUNDER OF EXCHANGE DIES
Charles A. Berkey, "the grand old man of Exchange", whose ideals and traditions inspired the formation of The National Exchange Club, and whose personal life exemplified the Exchange spirit of service, leaves the organization a rich, fruitful heritage.
CLUBS MOURN HIS PASSING
Founder of Exchange, and originator of the trend which resulted in the creation of a truly American institution--the business and professional men's club--Charles A. Berkey, died suddenly of a heart attack in his office at Detroit, Michigan, on September 30. He was 72 years old.
Mr. Berkey, last year, had been ill for several months. Returned to his office as head of the Berkey Manufacturing Company, Detroit, he soon was occupied by his tireless routine. Although suffering from a heart ailment, he continued to be active in Exchange and Masonic circles in addition to his arduous duties as a manufacturer.
On September 30, he had gone to lunch early. Upon his return to the office he collapsed, recovered sufficiently to ask his secretary to call a doctor, then seated himself at his desk. Within a few minutes, however, he quietly passed away.
At the Hamilton Funeral Home, Cass and Alexandrine, Detroit, burial services were held on October 2. Representing The National Exchange Club were National Vice-President Theron M. Hall of Detroit, and National Secretery Herold M. Harter, who were among the pallbearers. Many Clubs, especially those of the Detroit area, were represented at the services. Letters and telegrams from all over the United States expressed condolences to the family, and to The National Exchange Club, for their bereavement.
Lying in state, the bier banked with gorgeous flowers which were the mute testimony of the love which his countless friends bore him, Founder Berkey received the last tribute in the funeral chapel.
The flowers mutely spoke the affection of Exchange Clubs, of the National Organization, of the many Masonic bodies of which he was a member, and of his devoted friends.
The simple but impressive service was read by the Reverend Kirk B. O'Farrel, Dean of the St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Detroit. Soft and beautiful organ music accompanied the service. Interment was made at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Michigan. Oxford was the birthplace of Mrs. Charles A. Berkey. Mr. Harter and Mr. Hall accompanied the family to Oxford for the final rites.
It has been said that a great institution is but the lengthened shadow of a great man. The influence of Charles A. Berkey will be felt as long as The National Exchange Club exists.
Leading a simple life, but a fruitful life, during his three-score and twelve years, Charles A. Berkey inculcated his early associates, as well as his great band of friends in his later years, with the principles of true Americanism.
He was born near Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1870. His parents wer Joshua and Hannah Barbara Mahan Berkey. Born on a farm, he always retained a love for the simple yet strong principles exemplified by those who engage in agricultural pursuits. With his parents, he moved to Cassopolis, Michigan, in 1875. There, he grew to young manhood, and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1889, he left Casspolis to finish his trade apprenticeship in Chicago. There, he remained for two years, learning more about his chosen vocation. In 1891, he went to Detroit, as a traveling salesman. Two years later, he returned to Chicago, spent three years with a jewelry house as a salesman, then went back to Detroit to establish himself permanently.
In 1897, Charles A. Berkey was married to Miss Eva Lois Reid of Oxford, Michigan. With the inspiration of his wife as a guiding influence, he founded his own business as a manufacturing jeweler, at Detroit, in May, 1900. The Berkey Manufacturing Company, in 42 years, has become well known as a supplier of organizational jewelry.
Establishing their home in Detroit, the Berkeys became the parents of three children: Charles Reid Berkey, Jean Berkey (now Mrs. Jean Berkey Richardson of Detroit) and Stanton Mahan Berkey. The latter was engaged with his father in business, and was only 21 years old when he was killed in an automibile accident in Canada, in 1937. At that time, the entire Exchange organization joined with the Founder and Mrs. Berkey in sharing this great personal loss.
As a purposeful American, Mr. Berkey participated in many ventures for the betterment of Detroit. Likewise, he gave much time to Masonic work, reaching high offices in Masonry.
He was among the select group wearing the emblem of a 33rd-degree Mason.
Founder of Exchange, Mr. Berkey remained active in its affairs up until the day of his death. He was beloved as the "grand old man of Exchange". He became known to almost every member, through his attendance at national conventions, through appearances at state conventions, and through the thoughtful articles he wrote for "The Exchangite".
At the twenty-fifth national convention at Richmond, in 1941, he again renewed his many associations, and expressed anew his faith in the principles of the organization that he founded.
Portion of an article from "The Exchangite"
October 1942 issue
Charles A. Berkey, "the grand old man of Exchange", whose ideals and traditions inspired the formation of The National Exchange Club, and whose personal life exemplified the Exchange spirit of service, leaves the organization a rich, fruitful heritage.
CLUBS MOURN HIS PASSING
Founder of Exchange, and originator of the trend which resulted in the creation of a truly American institution--the business and professional men's club--Charles A. Berkey, died suddenly of a heart attack in his office at Detroit, Michigan, on September 30. He was 72 years old.
Mr. Berkey, last year, had been ill for several months. Returned to his office as head of the Berkey Manufacturing Company, Detroit, he soon was occupied by his tireless routine. Although suffering from a heart ailment, he continued to be active in Exchange and Masonic circles in addition to his arduous duties as a manufacturer.
On September 30, he had gone to lunch early. Upon his return to the office he collapsed, recovered sufficiently to ask his secretary to call a doctor, then seated himself at his desk. Within a few minutes, however, he quietly passed away.
At the Hamilton Funeral Home, Cass and Alexandrine, Detroit, burial services were held on October 2. Representing The National Exchange Club were National Vice-President Theron M. Hall of Detroit, and National Secretery Herold M. Harter, who were among the pallbearers. Many Clubs, especially those of the Detroit area, were represented at the services. Letters and telegrams from all over the United States expressed condolences to the family, and to The National Exchange Club, for their bereavement.
Lying in state, the bier banked with gorgeous flowers which were the mute testimony of the love which his countless friends bore him, Founder Berkey received the last tribute in the funeral chapel.
The flowers mutely spoke the affection of Exchange Clubs, of the National Organization, of the many Masonic bodies of which he was a member, and of his devoted friends.
The simple but impressive service was read by the Reverend Kirk B. O'Farrel, Dean of the St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Detroit. Soft and beautiful organ music accompanied the service. Interment was made at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Michigan. Oxford was the birthplace of Mrs. Charles A. Berkey. Mr. Harter and Mr. Hall accompanied the family to Oxford for the final rites.
It has been said that a great institution is but the lengthened shadow of a great man. The influence of Charles A. Berkey will be felt as long as The National Exchange Club exists.
Leading a simple life, but a fruitful life, during his three-score and twelve years, Charles A. Berkey inculcated his early associates, as well as his great band of friends in his later years, with the principles of true Americanism.
He was born near Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1870. His parents wer Joshua and Hannah Barbara Mahan Berkey. Born on a farm, he always retained a love for the simple yet strong principles exemplified by those who engage in agricultural pursuits. With his parents, he moved to Cassopolis, Michigan, in 1875. There, he grew to young manhood, and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1889, he left Casspolis to finish his trade apprenticeship in Chicago. There, he remained for two years, learning more about his chosen vocation. In 1891, he went to Detroit, as a traveling salesman. Two years later, he returned to Chicago, spent three years with a jewelry house as a salesman, then went back to Detroit to establish himself permanently.
In 1897, Charles A. Berkey was married to Miss Eva Lois Reid of Oxford, Michigan. With the inspiration of his wife as a guiding influence, he founded his own business as a manufacturing jeweler, at Detroit, in May, 1900. The Berkey Manufacturing Company, in 42 years, has become well known as a supplier of organizational jewelry.
Establishing their home in Detroit, the Berkeys became the parents of three children: Charles Reid Berkey, Jean Berkey (now Mrs. Jean Berkey Richardson of Detroit) and Stanton Mahan Berkey. The latter was engaged with his father in business, and was only 21 years old when he was killed in an automibile accident in Canada, in 1937. At that time, the entire Exchange organization joined with the Founder and Mrs. Berkey in sharing this great personal loss.
As a purposeful American, Mr. Berkey participated in many ventures for the betterment of Detroit. Likewise, he gave much time to Masonic work, reaching high offices in Masonry.
He was among the select group wearing the emblem of a 33rd-degree Mason.
Founder of Exchange, Mr. Berkey remained active in its affairs up until the day of his death. He was beloved as the "grand old man of Exchange". He became known to almost every member, through his attendance at national conventions, through appearances at state conventions, and through the thoughtful articles he wrote for "The Exchangite".
At the twenty-fifth national convention at Richmond, in 1941, he again renewed his many associations, and expressed anew his faith in the principles of the organization that he founded.
Portion of an article from "The Exchangite"
October 1942 issue
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