Local Support

Local Support for The Affiliates

Leadership and support came from many backgrounds early in The Affiliates' history. 

Forrest G. Murdock served as the first board president. Mr. Murdock was a retired community college president who moved to Aptos from Southern California.

James Hammond, who went on to be a Port Commissioner and Santa Cruz City Councilmember succeeded him for the following three years. Other officers for that inaugural year were Richard Bennett, Charles McLean and Otto Larson.

Gladys Wishard of Watsonville was the first of the corporate secretaries. Both Wishard and her successor, Charlene Shockley of Santa Cruz served several years as secretary.

Otto Larson, Watsonville banker and his successive colleagues, Walter Dutro and Warren Cotrell held the post of treasurer, each for several years.