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Meet the St. Andrews Society of Schenectady
The local St. Andrews societies in New York State are a depiction of how important Scottish ties are to those living in the area. The St. Andrews Society of Schenectady are one example of these esteemed groups.
An Interview with the President - Chuck Tarbay
How and why was the St. Andrews Society of Schenectady formed?
The society was founded in 1803, in Reubin Simon's Tavern on the southwestern corner of Union and Church Streets. 27 Scotsmen got together and decided they needed to create hospitality and help families that were coming over... to help Scots immigrants who were coming to America to get settled.
Does the society today continue to help the charities it is linked to?
Yes, we do. We try to stick to our core values of helping others and throughout the years we have expanded to be a benevolent society. We have a 5% administration cost, while 95% of what we take in goes out every year to charities.
The Society supports local and international charities such as City Mission, Salvation Army, Red Cross and the Rachael House in Scotland. The Society also supports local organisations like the Schenectady Museum, Proctor's Theater, Braemar Highland Dance School, Capital District Scottish Games.
In addition, we support individuals in the wider community, whether that be supporting widows of deceased members, or awarding youth scholarships to further studies of their Scottish Heritage. I will give Emily as an example when she came to Albany to begin setting up the new ScotlandShop store we helped her make friends, made her an honourary member of the society, and did what we could do to help her get settled. We try to live to that core today.
What is your favourite Scottish event in the State of New York?
The Capital District Scottish Games. They are dear to my heart because of the family atmosphere, you can bring the kids to it, you can bring Grandma, everyone is welcome and can come together over common ground - your heritage. We went there as a family when I was younger to explore our heritage and then years later my wife and I decided to have a small Cèilidh on the evening of the games, over the years our small Cèilidh grew to over 65 people, and now we rent out a hall after the games... Fellowship, that is what it is about. Just a whole bunch of like-minded people: men and women. The whole thing about the games is it is all for charity. As I said they are near and dear to my heart being the Scottish games linked to our local community, they are held in my hometown of Altamont so I can even walk to the games.
Does the society attend many other events?
Our motto is 'do and be silent', but in today's society where people aren't as likely to join societies, we need to get our name out there because we need new and younger members. And without the newer and younger members, we will fade away. So coming to events is important! Even if people do not sign up, it gets our name out there. When we talk to people they may say I want to explore my heritage more and join a St. Andrews. Even if it is not our society, we all have the same core and mission and I think that is important to keep up for future generations. Both of my kids are members and when they come to events like this there is a sense of inclusion but there is also a sense of looking towards the future.
What is your favourite tartan and why?
The society's tartan is Lindsay Modern, but personally, I'm part of the Gordon Clan and the Gordon Red Ancient is my favourite. A lot of people wear the more traditional Gordon Clan Modern and the Gordon Clan Ancient tartans but a lot of people don’t wear the Red Ancient. I am an individualist.
I think it can be witnessed through Chuck's answers that I had an extremely insightful conversation with the society's President. It showcased how important groups of these kind are to families and the memories they can make together. I hope my generation can cherish the same values and prolong the survival of St. Andrews Societies near and far.
Faire Sans Dire - Action without words. This is something the Society of Schenectady continue to do even in a society where we talk a lot with very little action.
