Our Story
The California Retired Teachers Association was formed in April 1929 by Miss Laura E. Settle and a group of retired teachers in Pasadena. Their primary purpose was protection and equity for this nearly-forgotten segment of people who dedicated their lives to California youth.
In the East Bay, eighteen months later (1931) six teachers formed The Teachers' Social Club. The six charter members were Mrs. Bertha Capell, the Misses Hannah and Alice Stewart, Mrs. Alice Davies, Mr. Francis O'Donnell, and Mr. F. M. Fisher. By their second meeting (1932) in the Golden Gate Library basement, there were twenty members. Mr. O'Donnell was elected their first president. For nine years, meetings were held in the library. During this time, Laura Settle made many visits to the Bay Area, helping the new group and setting up an affiliation with the Pasadena organization.
On September 19, 1941 the Teachers' Social Club received an eleven-room house at 2529 Hillegass Avenue in Berkeley to be used as their clubhouse. It was a gift from Mr. Stephen Babson in memory of his mother, a former teacher. Several active school superintendents attended the presentation: Dr. Virgil E. Dickson, Berkeley; W. Ewing, Oakland; Walter Helms, Richmond; and William Paden, Alameda.
As membership grew, the clubhouse became too crowded and renovation was considered cost-prohibitive. With Mr. Babson's approval, proceeds from the sale ($10,000) went to the East Bay Division. The last president of the Teachers' Social Club was Mrs. Victoria Connelly. The new division incorporated in October 28, 1953 and Mr. Robert Bowman was elected the first Division 2 president.
The group met temporarily at Lake Merritt Club House at 1520 Oak Street, Oakland. For over thirty years the organization then enjoyed the Garden Center at Lakeside Park at 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland. When rental fees grew too high, another location had to be found. In December 1988, the members voted to hold their meetings at the Mastick Senior Center at 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. Division 2 celebrated its 60th anniversary in 1991 followed by a statewide celebration in 1994 of the 65th anniversary of the founding of CalRTA in Pasadena (1929).
In 2006, East Bay Division 2 marked its 75th anniversary on March 31 at the Airport Hilton Hotel, Oakland. The State President-Elect and Area 4 Director were present.
On May 27, 2011 the 80th anniversary celebration was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Emeryville. Of note, a Proclamation of this longevity accomplishment was signed by many local Congressional Members and presented to East Bay Division 2 at this time.
East Bay Division 2 has continuously supported the mission statement of CalRTA. Past president Jesse Perry is the first African American member of CalRTA to hold office on the State Executive Board as Secretary. We have actively participated in state and local activities concerning retired teachers such as the fully funding of CalSTRS, the reinstatement of funds to the Supplementary Benefit Maintenance Account and the Elk Hills project, pension equity and the repeal of the WEP/GPO. Current teachers are especially acknowledged on "Day of the Teacher" with refreshments and Letters to the Editor in local newspapers. The East Bay Division Scholarship Foundation continues to award teacher candidates every year and has increased these amounts over the years. As well as gathering for our monthly division meeting and lunch, we are conducting an ongoing program of collecting needed supplies for the women and children living in shelters. Planning for the 85th anniversary began in the Fall of 2015. The celebration took place at The Hilton Garden Inn in Emeryville, CA on May 27, 2016.
In January 2019, East Bay Division 2 moved to the Elks Club at 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda CA — in the Rathskeller room — for its monthly general luncheon meetings with programs.