The Highland Society of Harford County originated in 1966 as an offspring of the Saint Andrews Society of Baltimore. The idea was first suggested by several members of that Society who lived in Harford County (D. Franklin McGinnis, Sr., Gwynne L. Holden and Harry E. Dyer, Jr.), and believed there would be sufficient interest in Harford to support a separate and independent society. A conceptual meeting was accordingly held in December 1966 and its proceedings recorded as follows:
Minutes For an As Yet Un-Named Society: On the afternoon of the 5th of December 1966, at the Maryland Golf and Country Club on the bonnie braes of Bynum, some Harford Members of the Baltimore Saint Andrew’s Society and their friends met to form a local association which would uphold Scottish traditions, promote sociability, and be a worthwhile institution in the community. The Chairman was D. Franklin McGinnis who introduced Mr. Robert Grant of the Saint Andrew’s Society in Baltimore. Also in attendance were: Col. Wm. B. Howard, Mr. George L. VanBibber, Mr. Howard McCann, Mr. Dale S. Snodgrass, Judge Harry E. Dyer, Jr., Dr. Donald G. Russell, Mr. John Malcomb, Mr. Brodnax Cameron, Jr., and Mr. Gwynne Holden. This was a luncheon meeting and during it, Mr. VanBibber was requested by the Chair to take minutes, which he did. Mr. Gwynne Holden was appointed by the Chair as Program Chairman for the next meeting. Such matters were discussed as the name of the Society, whether or not kilts would be worn at the Society’s meetings and other gatherings, and, if so, by whom, and whether the Society should have a piper. It was decided that the above questions would be dealt with at the next meeting, the date of which was set at Wednesday, the anniversary of the birthday of Bobby Burns, on the 25th of January, 1967. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. (From the minutes of the Society, p.1.)
The initial meeting was held as planned and the proceedings recorded as follows:
On the evening of Wednesday 25 January 1967, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hickory Inn at Hickory, Maryland, D. Franklin McGinnis presided over the meeting of the Society which had had its first meeting at the Maryland Golf and Country Club on 15 December 1966. Those present, besides the President, were as follows: Howard McCann, Barton McLean, Col. Wm. H. B. Howard, John Malcomb, George L. VanBibber, and J. Garland Green … Discussions began on the proper name of the organization. Col. William Howard suggested “The Highland Society of Harford County” and the motion was seconded and passed.
The Highland Society of Harford County was formally incorporated on 7 March 1967, for the purpose of the preservation of the spirit, dress, music, and antiquities of the Scottish People and dedicated to the promotion of these traditions among those of Scottish ancestry within Harford County, Maryland, and its environs.
