02 Jun Earl Slocum: The Man Behind the Sign

      Have you noticed that East Main Street in Pawling is now also known as “Honorary Slocum Way?”  If you’re a visitor or a newish member of our community, you might be wondering, “Who is Slocum and why does he have a street named after him?”

         Although Slocums have lived in Pawling since 1760, the particular Slocum to whom the sign refers is Earl Slocum, and yes, he does live on East Main Street in the same house where he was born in 1935. That house and another one exactly like it, purchased from the Sears Roebuck catalog,  were built by Earl’s grandfather, Alexander, for his two sons in the 1920’s.  Alexander Slocum also had the distinction of serving as the very first police officer in the Village of Pawling. In an article by Nancy Murphy for the 2010 Pawling Guidebook, Earl stated, “When the village installed gas lights, my grandfather got a $1 a week raise, because he now had to light the gas lamps every evening.”

        Earl attended Pawling Elementary School and Pawling High School. (There was no middle school back in those days.)  Earl’s father was a member of the Pawling School Board and also volunteered with the Civil Defense during World War II.  Earl’s mother belonged to several Catholic organizations and volunteered at the convalescent hospital that was established at the Trinity Pawling School for wounded soldiers.  Earl’s parents instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of serving the community in their children.

          When Earl was a teenager, he began working for McGrath’s Diner.  He decided to start his own business when he was just twenty years old.  Although he was too young to get a bank loan, had no formal business training, and no assets to provide collateral for a loan, Earl managed to convince the bank to give him a loan to start the Albermac Sweet Shop, right next door to the village’s movie theater. (This was in the building that is now McGrath’s Realty.)  The impressive young man also managed to convince a lumberyard to lend him building materials, with a promise to pay them back later.  He even convinced the Daniels Agency to insure the business, again with a promise to pay later.

           Luckily the Sweet Shop was a great success, and Earl was able to pay his creditors back promptly.  The counter was often packed with teenagers, who came to view Earl as a trusted friend and source of sound advice.  Earl was even invited to chaperone high school dances, a privilege usually reserved for teachers and school staff.

           The sweet shop was only the first of several businesses owned by Earl over the years.  He later opened a pizzeria, a stationary store, and a restaurant and tavern.   Long-time residents probably remember his last business, The Talk of the Town, a lively spot in the 1970’s, where The Turk is currently located.

            Although he worked long hours running his businesses, Earl volunteered to drive the local ambulance service and served for eight years in the U.S. Naval Reserves.  He also volunteered at several local organizations, including the Pawling Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus, and the Pawling Historical Society.  Later, Earl was appointed to the Pawling Village Zoning Board.  He also served as a trustee and as the mayor for two terms. Fun fact: it was Earl Slocum who planted the Christmas tree next to the Chamber of Commerce building that was lit in the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony for many years and was the source of some controversy when it needed to be replaced a few years ago.

             Earl recently celebrated his 90th birthday and is still going strong.  He continues to be an active member of the Pawling Chamber of Commerce and can often be found volunteering in the Pawling Chamber building, helping visitors and new residents find all of the wonderful things Pawling has to offer.  He also enjoys dining out with his many friends.  He still enjoys driving and often chauffeurs his good friend Marie Stewart around town, which he jokingly refers to as “driving Miss Daisy.”

               And there you have it: the story of the man behind the sign. Earl Slocum helped to make Pawling the flourishing village that it is today, through his popular businesses and his civic leadership.   Thank you for your dedication and service to the Pawling community, Earl!

–by Amy Emke