Snub'd by Phila St Andrews Society

[MACKAY]

Not that this matters much to me in hindsight – but looked up the local St Andrew’s Society (Philadelphia St Andrew’s Society – on of the oldest in the USA) to find out how one goes about getting information on membership. The Web page had a contact link for further information. I sent a nice cordial email explaining my Scottish heritage and my interest in learning more about the Philadelphia St Andrew’s Society, and perhaps attending some events and even joining at some point.

A few days later I received a polite, but curt response that basically said, “WE will call you if we notice you and WE feel you can contribute to the membership of the society, we do not accept unsolicited membership applications. Membership is by invite only - Have a nice day.”

I have to admit I was a little surprised by the curt reply. I assume that they are a private organization and have their own membership requirements as a private club, and if they are that snobby, then I really don’t think I would fit in anyway. So much for that famous Highland hospitality!

Oh well – no skin off my back. Just wanted to rant.

[starbkjrus]

That's ridiculous. I've never heard of a St. Andrew's Society with an attitude like that. I also agree that if they have that attitude I'd want nothing to do with them.

[auld argonian]

Remember that it was Groucho Marx who said, " I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member."

Sorry that you got that response. I haven't joined yet but the folks at the Illinois St. Andrew's Society actually seemed anxious to accept new members...even those of us with Scots ancestors and Polish surnames.

Take solace in the fact that you are a member of an elite worldwide group of kilties already...Xmarks!

Best

AA

[cavscout]

You could always start your own promotion campaign with bumper stickers that say...

"for a good time..." and then put their contact information

Seriously though, I'm all for private clubs. The letter could have been a bit more congenial it sounds. Water off a ducks back...

Whenever I meet someone like this though, I go out of my way to appear like I have NO IDEA who they are or what they profess to be a part of. I'm willing to make time to give pretentious people a hard time

[James MacMillan]

That's just wierd. Can you tell me that there are enough people, that they don't want new members.

Every organization that I belong to, and that's a whole bunch, want new members.

New blood, new vigor, new money, new ideas, more workers for projects, etc etc etc

[McMurdo]

Sounds very strange, I was looking into joining my local St. Andrews Society they didn't even want any money, they say it would be appreciated though, so I have put it off until I can donate something, I would feel better about it that way.

Funny though, Philly is the city of Brotherly Love, I have met some really nice people in Philadelphia. I wonder is there another St. Andrews society near you?

[James MacMillan]

Did you send a picture? Did you go in person?

Maybe you were regected because you just aren't one of the beautiful people.

I have heard clubs like the Daughters of the American Revolution, can be very very snooty.

If they don't want you - 'em

[ChromeScholar]

So, if someone wanted to start a St. Andrews society in an area that doesn't have one, or has one that keeps itself exclusive, where would he look for the rules? Is there a main international headquarters for the society, or are all the societies independent with no overseeing body?

[McClef]

I wonder what you have to do to be noticed by the Philly St Andrews Society?

Swim kilted in the Schuykill? Lift your pleats and moon at them from Camden? Play bagpipes at 30th St Station?

I think this bunch of exclusive snobs ought to think more about what the name of the City means!

[ChromeScholar]

I suspect that it is a "rich man's" organization, from what I can glean from their website. A bit like belonging to the country club, if you know what I mean. You can only apply if you are recommended by someone who already belongs.