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John S. "Pete" Petrie, Alden Snell, Bill Stephenson, Davis, WV, OTR, 1951. Photo by M. K. Miller. |
FOUNDATION
BUILDER |
Donald N. Cournoyer, a D.C. Grotto member in the 1950's-60's, wrote a column for the NSS NEWS entitled "In the Lantern Light." In this column, he gave a biographical account of some of the prominent figures in the NSS. One of those personages featured was Donald N. Cournoyer, ". . .whose efforts and building have become a foundation upon which many, indeed, the entire society, has been able to erect a progressive and successful program." Because "Pete", as he was known to all, is such an integral part of the formative years of the NSS, the DC Grotto, and the VAR, excerpts of Don's article are included here.
After several years in Egypt as Finance & Property Manager with the American Missions of the U.P. Church, Petrie returned to the U.S. because of ill health, and "entered government service in Washington, D.C." While working with the U.S. Patent Office, he met, in 1939, "his colleague, Bill Stephenson, who signed him No. 30, into the newly-organized National Speleological Society.
Pete was responsible for originating correspondence and membership with foreign speleological societies, thereby gaining many of them as affiliates with the NSS. His correspondence with those in the armed forces during World War II was voluminous. He served as Vice President & Secretary from 1942 through 1945. The Society went through a reorganization, and Pete served as Secretary from 1945 through 1949, and then as Executive Vice--President from 1949 through 1952. As the Executive Vice--President he initiated programs for increasing the membership, and outlined programs for the expansion of grottos. Ill health finally forced him to resign in 1952 after nearly ruining his health trying to keep up with NSS business as well as keeping in the hub of active caving. Pete was a pioneer to Schoolhouse Cave, Hellholeand hundreds of others.
Our recollections of Pete are warm and glowing. Sometimes conducting Society transactions out of his own pocket; lending a helping hand to a novice caver; Always loaded with leaflets and applications, ready to drum up prospects, Pete thought nothing of traveling to New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri or Tennessee just to see some new cave or cavers.
If anyone ever undertakes the task of writing the Society's history, the name of John S. Petrie will be found interlacing every activity and strengthening every building block. No praise could be too high, no applause too deserving, no compliments too flattering, but that they should go to YOU, Pete, who have given us so much of yourself."--Donald N. Cournoyer, NSS NEWS, May 1959.
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