The Ale & Quail Society

Don’t let the name “Ale & Quail Society” mislead you . . .

True, members of that group do like their “Ale” and are often observed eyeing a likely – looking “Quail,” but, as a story in the P.-I. one summer described them, they are a group of “young, studious men who are primarily interested in civic betterment” (or words to that effect).

Organized shortly after the war by a group of the younger men of the Washington State Press Club, the Society was mainly a political group, aimed at placing “young blood” on the Club’s Board of Governors.

Shortly after the elections, in which its aims were achieved, the Society became somewhat dormant.

Then in the fall of 1949 the Society became active once again, this time with an entirely new objective … to have fun … and, to boost the Washington State Press Club.

Bob Callan, then with the Fur Journal and later with the Navy in Washington, DC, became president. Through his guidance, the group undertook numerous activities such as special club events, weekly noon luncheon programs, “Young Man of the Year” awards contests, special “caravan” trips, the “Davy Jones” operation of SEAFAIR, and active participation in the Clubs Gridiron Shows.

John T. Closs, Seattle Times photographer, succeeded Callan as president in 1950 and carried on the Ale & Quail activities until he was succeeded by Ed Simonds, Chamber of Commerce publicity man.

“Regardless of what the P.-I. says,” said President Simonds, “we are out to have one H … of a good time, yet at the same time do everything we can to boost the Press Club. Primarily, we are a booster group, even though we do get embroiled in politics now and then. Anything we do to focus favorable attention upon ourselves—such as the highly popular Davy Jones operation of the first two Seattle SEAFAIRS— also focuses favorable attention upon the Press Club. It helps all concerned.”

Closs later became vice-president of the Society, Harry Patton, formerly of the UW Public Relations Department and then of Boeing, was secretary, and Kermit W. Nelson, of Sears Roebuck & Co., was treasurer.

Taking the helm of the Society in early days were such Press Club “wheels” as Jack Gordon, Greater Seattle, Inc., Doug Billmeyer, West Coast Airlines, and Harlowe Hartung [ed: printed in error for Marlowe], local ad agency man.