The Bloomfield Scientific Club (BSC) is one of the oldest (over 100 years old) known clubs in the area. It was organized at the turn of the century. When the club was created, its purpose was to make detailed information of scientific or technical subjects available to its members, hence the name Bloomfield Scientific Club.
The BSC was originally composed of men of better-than-average education and those having a greater-than-normal interest in the fantastic growth of scientific, industrial, and general knowledge which marked this period. The meetings were held monthly at the homes of members; therefore, membership necessarily was limited. A new member was accepted by vote, to replace one lost through death or other circumstance. Each month’s program consisted of a “paper” or detailed commentary on a chosen subject thoroughly researched by the member giving it. This responsibility rotated among the group and ensured a relatively broad knowledge of the progress of the times.
The popularity of the club grew, and it became necessary and desirable to have larger accommodations for the monthly meetings. Fortunately, the area churches came to the rescue and meetings were held in various church parlors, after delicious dinners prepared and served by the ladies of the church.
Dues were nominal but maintained a treasury sufficient to grant modest sums to the Boy Scouts, scholarship funds, and other local causes. The last meeting each year became “Ladies Night” when wives joined husbands for a good dinner and entertainment.
At the time the club was formed it was typical of organizations being formed across the nation and in Europe for the same purpose of circulating informative news. Telephones were few; there was no radio or television. Therefore, particularly in small communities, such clubs served a very needed purpose. The Bloomfield Scientific Club is relatively unique only in that it has continued to function uninterruptedly, and it continues to be well attended.
Now, well into the twenty-first century, the monthly meetings are held at restaurants around the area, with loyalty leaning to those in Bloomfield. “Ladies Night” was officially voted out of existence in 2023. Members of the club may bring spouse, significant others, and immediate family members to a meeting if they choose, paying for their dinners. The spouse, etc. may join the club as a member, but it will not be required. We desire no longer to be gender-specific in the club language.
It should be noted that COVID-19 put a lot of stress on the club to exist! There were no dues charged for two years (2020-2021 and 2021-2022), and formal meetings were suspended when the government medical authorities discouraged group gatherings. A few members, less than 10, met several times at a restaurant just for comradery and to say that we were still a club. Organized gatherings slowly started back up in early 2022. Everyone was invited to come to meetings after they were formally resumed – some members came back, and some didn’t. Seasons 2022-2023 and 2023- 2024 have seen a return to “normalcy”, showcasing very interesting monthly presentations and enjoying a growth in membership!
In addition, our Club has implemented a recognition program designating a male and female Bloomfield Central School Citizens of the Year. These two students are faculty-chosen and become the flag bearers for the graduating senior class. The Bloomfield Scientific Club presents each student with $200.00.
We have rebounded from the horrific Covid years to a record membership for the 2022 – 2024 club years. As of June 2024, we have 44 dues-paying members.