40 YEARS OF SERVICE
As I was going through past membership directories, looking for a retired member, I came across the 1964
directory. In the front of the directory was a page titled "History of Mid-Peninsula Dental Society". I found it
very interesting and thought I would share this with you, since most of you would not have a directory that was
32 years old. The Mid-Peninsula area became a potential dental society entity after World War II as the
dentists practicing in the area increased in number. The concept of a Mid-Peninsula Dental Society was
conceived at the Tuesday luncheons of a small group of local dentists. These men had the vision and courage
to recognize a mutual professional need for such a society which would include dentists in Menlo Park, Palo Alto
and Los Altos. California Dental Association President, William S. Smith, officially presented the charter
January 19, 1956. Frederick C. Hadeler was installed as President, Alan R. Cass as President-Elect,
James R. Cross, Treasurer; John S. Ledgerwood, Editor; E. Pearl Hannah, Librarian-Historian; Carl H Ellertson,
Jr. and Joseph B. Weeden as Directors. The society originally encompassed the boundaries of three
mid-peninsula cities, i.e., Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Los Altos. The boundary on the west was Skyline Boulevard
and on the east San Francisco Bay. Several years later Mountain View voted to join the Mid-Peninsula Dental
Society, making a total of four cities. The society is unique in its geographical limits; it is the only bi-county society
in the California Dental Association. Since the official presentation of the charter, the society has grown in size,
influence, and prestige and has participated in may worthwhile civic projects. On June 19, 1956 a successful
community dental society project provided the people of Palo Alto with protection from dental caries by
fluoridation of its water supply. In 1957 under Seminar and Study Club Chairman, Shirl S. Fox, the society held
its first annual Dental Seminar at Adobe Creek Lodge, Los Altos. Since that time a highly successful yearly
seminar has been held. The seventh Annual Seminar was presented at Palo Alto Hills Country Club in September,
1963 under the Chairmanship of Gorden Kretchmar. This event is attended each year by many men from
neighboring societies; a testimonial to the quality and worth of this affair. After eight years of existence the
society consists of 188 dentists. Among these men are many who have assumed responsible positions in local,
state and national dental societies. We are especially proud of the large number of essayists, clinicians,
administrators and faculty members of leading dental schools who live and practice in the mid-peninsula area.
What can be anticipated in the next eight years? The society has every reason to expect that further growth will
bring added strength and solidarity, the hallmarks of the mature society.
As I was going through past membership directories, looking for a retired member, I came across the 1964
directory. In the front of the directory was a page titled "History of Mid-Peninsula Dental Society". I found it
very interesting and thought I would share this with you, since most of you would not have a directory that was
32 years old. The Mid-Peninsula area became a potential dental society entity after World War II as the
dentists practicing in the area increased in number. The concept of a Mid-Peninsula Dental Society was
conceived at the Tuesday luncheons of a small group of local dentists. These men had the vision and courage
to recognize a mutual professional need for such a society which would include dentists in Menlo Park, Palo Alto
and Los Altos. California Dental Association President, William S. Smith, officially presented the charter
January 19, 1956. Frederick C. Hadeler was installed as President, Alan R. Cass as President-Elect,
James R. Cross, Treasurer; John S. Ledgerwood, Editor; E. Pearl Hannah, Librarian-Historian; Carl H Ellertson,
Jr. and Joseph B. Weeden as Directors. The society originally encompassed the boundaries of three
mid-peninsula cities, i.e., Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Los Altos. The boundary on the west was Skyline Boulevard
and on the east San Francisco Bay. Several years later Mountain View voted to join the Mid-Peninsula Dental
Society, making a total of four cities. The society is unique in its geographical limits; it is the only bi-county society
in the California Dental Association. Since the official presentation of the charter, the society has grown in size,
influence, and prestige and has participated in may worthwhile civic projects. On June 19, 1956 a successful
community dental society project provided the people of Palo Alto with protection from dental caries by
fluoridation of its water supply. In 1957 under Seminar and Study Club Chairman, Shirl S. Fox, the society held
its first annual Dental Seminar at Adobe Creek Lodge, Los Altos. Since that time a highly successful yearly
seminar has been held. The seventh Annual Seminar was presented at Palo Alto Hills Country Club in September,
1963 under the Chairmanship of Gorden Kretchmar. This event is attended each year by many men from
neighboring societies; a testimonial to the quality and worth of this affair. After eight years of existence the
society consists of 188 dentists. Among these men are many who have assumed responsible positions in local,
state and national dental societies. We are especially proud of the large number of essayists, clinicians,
administrators and faculty members of leading dental schools who live and practice in the mid-peninsula area.
What can be anticipated in the next eight years? The society has every reason to expect that further growth will
bring added strength and solidarity, the hallmarks of the mature society.
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