Fall Gala 2021
Honoree Earl Slocum
Earl Slocum, a lifelong resident of Pawling, hails from a long line of Slocums who settled in Pawling as far back as 1760 and had a major impact on the town.
Earl’s grandmother, Maggie Lynch Slocum, ran the telephone company on Smith Street, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. His grandfather, Alexander A. Slocum, was the first policeman in Pawling and opened the first mechanic shop, Slocum’s Garage, where residents could refill their tanks, enjoy a bowling alley out back, or buy a used car. His great grandfather was George Washington Slocum.
Earl’s mother Christina, originally from Amenia and his gather, Earl, who was of Irish and English descent raised Earl and his two brothers, Robert and John.
Earl was a budding entrepreneur from an early age. As a child Earl worked mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and the age of 14 worked at the First National for the Charlie Horn.
When Earl was 19, the Sweet Shop was established in the center of the village next to the Albermac Movie Theatre, where Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate is located today. Next, Earl went on to open up a small business called the Pizza Party, which sold donuts like mad — way before there “en vogue, fashionable”. If that was not enough, Earl had another business called Earl Slocum’s Stationery and Office Supplies.
Earl didn’t stop there. He ventured to open up Earl Slocum’s Cookery & Saloon in Pawling, always supporting his community by sponsoring Men & Women’s Bowling, touch football, and championship softball teams. Earl Slocum’s Talk of the Town was his final endeavor. Earl proudly served his country in the US Navy and was honorably discharged after eight years.
Earl remains very active in the town that he loves. He has sat on the boards and has been active in the Pawling Lions Club, Pawling Rotary, Pawling Singers, Pawling Fire Department, Harlem Valley Partnership, NYS Division for Youth & Community at the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center, Historical Society Quaker Hill, Knights of Columbus, Pawling Chamber of Commerce, Pawling Resource Center, Village Planning Board, and Village Trustee. Earl was the mayor of the Village from 1991 to 1995.
We are fortunate that Earl served on the Pawling Community Foundation Board for 29 years. He was instrumental in successfully raising funds for the beautiful Village Green we all enjoy today. When he stepped off the board last year, Earl thought it was time to make room for new members. We can only hope that PCF board member will have a fraction of the devotion to Pawling as Earl has had his whole life. Congratulations Earl! We are thrilled to recognize your dedication to Pawling at this evening’s Gala.
October 2, 2021
