The Old Guard, Inc.

Special Note to Members: Minutes of Virtual Meeting held May 12 available in Members Only page

The Old Guard

The Old Guard is a group of retired and semi-retired men dedicated to education, fellowship and community service. Weekly meetings feature guest speakers from government, education and business. Opportunities for fellowship include informal gathering before the meetings, excursions and athletic events, bowling, golf and luncheons. Committee chairmen work with civic groups to organize opportunities for member contributions, both financial and donation of time,some periodic, some ongoing. Old Guard members work with Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Foodshare, Salvation Army, the West Hartford YMCA and the University of Connecticut Medical Center. Old Guard members provided leadership in the revitalization and ongoing administration of the West Hartford Seniors Job Bank.

A Commemoration of Fifty Years

In 1966 a group of retired executives approached the director of the West Hartford YMCA, Orwell Tousley, for support in helping to create an organization for retired men.

It was the beginning of the Old Guard. After 50 successful years and after having welcomed many new members, then President Bob Hill led a commemoration of its first fifty years featuring dedication of a tree at Fern Park and the burial of a time capsule at its base.

With still over 250 members, the Old Guard continues to support many community activities and charities. Old Guard members are retired, but not done with service to the community.