The CRESCENT SOCIETY began in early 1988, when the Personnel Director, CDC/OKC, urged the formation of a retirees club similar to the one in Minneapolis. A group of retirees representing hourly, salaried and exempt employees, some twelve in total, were gathered together to work up a Constitution and By-laws and lay the groundwork for the suggested organization. That group held two meetings to build the Constitution and select a proposed name for the group. The name, “CRESCENT SOCIETY”, was selected as retirement representing a new life, just as the crescent represents a new phase of the moon.

On June 22, 1988, a notice was sent out and some 48 retired employees and their spouses met at the Saddleback Inn in Oklahoma City, to approve the Constitution and By-laws, the name of the Society, and to elect officers. The CRESCENT SOCIETY was born that night. One for the secondary purposes of the Society was to maintain a pool of retired employees from which experienced temporary help could be obtained when needed by the plant. The chief aim of the Society was to provide fellowship and continued association among retired employees. Due to the start being well into the year, it was designated that the Society year should begin as of July 1 through June 30 and has remained so. General meetings were scheduled for August, November, February and May.

From these humble beginnings, the CRESCENT SOCIETY grew through the dedication of the founding officers, directing the group with meetings and diverse activities. To keep the members informed, a newsletter was circulated and improved over the years. It has been the glue that has held the members together regardless of their proximity to Oklahoma City. The Historian accumulated plant newspapers and established an archives including photos, documents, trinkets and extensive information on products of each company. Joining the electronic age several years ago, by establishing a website, the newsletter, other news items and scheduled events were available to the membership on their computers.

Important By-laws amendments helped expand the organization. They increased membership from the core group to former and current employees who had reached the age of 55 of (1) General Electric and Honeywell and their subsidiaries; (2) Seagate; and (3) eliminated the age 55 or over requirement. Election of officers was changed to February to permit the new officers to prepare for the coming year. The latest revised Bylaws can be found in the directory and on the website.

Two Reunions were organized in 1998 and 2003 and held in Oklahoma City to celebrate the 10th and 15th anniversaries of the CRESCENT SOCIETY. Both were well attended, in excess of 200, and the members renewed friendships and established new ones and out-of-towners had time to visit and reminisce in the city where they had lived.

The membership has many past and present officers and directors to thank for their dedication, sincerity and continued support. They have successfully carried the CRESCENT SOCIETY from the start to its present status.