The village of Utica alone is a fount of history, and each person who has seen the town’s evolution adds to its rich culture with their story.
The Utica Coffee Club is composed of these individuals.
The club meets at
They meet every weekday morning for a coffee and pastry, rotating between locations including Phil Shipley’s house, Martinsburg Cafe, The JitterBug Cafe and Stout's Tree Farm. The club is by no means exclusive; anyone who wants to join the morning meeting is welcome.
“Well, it’s just a group of guys- folks, ladies,” Jim Belt, a member of the club, told the Mount Vernon News. “We get together periodically throughout the week to socialize.”
Mack Kackstetter said a great part of this club is the socialization it offers.
“It’s really a way for everybody to keep social,” Kackstetter said. “That’s one of the worst things seniors can do, is stay home sitting on the couch, watching TV.”
One of many interesting members is Forry Davis, who was a guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for three-and-a-half years. Davis joined the U.S Army when he was only 17 and was in basic training when the Korean War broke out.
On any day, there are 15 to 20 men and women enjoying each other's company.
Even with snow-blocked roads, five made the drive on a recent mid-February morning. While this group is small compared to the usual turnout, club-goers still had a lot to share.
The Utica Coffee Club doesn’t just reminisce about the good ol’ days. Between members, there is a bounty of knowledge and good advice to share.
“If you have a problem, you can come in and say ‘Hey I need to find out who can fix this or do this or that,” Kackstetter said. “There’s such a varied background that usually someone has an answer.”
The members of the Utica Coffee Club have been around since the 1940s, and they don't plan on fading anytime soon.
Take a page out of their book of wisdom and join the club. For meeting locations and details, contact Bernie Snow at Stouts Tree Farm (740) 892-3816.
