Our History
Anthony Ustjanauskas, a Hartford Supermarket operator, founded The Hundred Club of Connecticut in June of 1967. His inspiration came from an article of The Hundred Club movement published in a National Magazine. In 1950 Detroit Automobile Dealer, Mr. William Packer solicited $100 from one hundred friends to assist the pregnant widow of a slain Detroit Police Officer. Inspired by these efforts Mr. Ustjanauskas set out to financially assist the Connecticut survivors of police officers and fire firefighters killed in the line of duty.
He summoned a hand full of friends to his home, including Hartford Mayor George B. Kinsella and Dr. Emanuel Marcus. The two became the first President and Vice Presidents of The Hundred Club. First to join as an honorary member was Governor John N. Dempsey. The club quickly grew to thirty-eight members during its first year. Mr. “A” received a great deal of guidance and assistance from George Swartz, founder and President of the Hundred Club of Massachusetts, who attended several organizational meetings at the Ustjanauskas home.
Mayor George Kinsella of Hartford, the club’s founding President, and Mr. Ustjanauskas delivered the initial $1,000 check to Mrs. Young widow of Hartford Police Officer Harvey R. Young. Officer Young was murdered on August 25, 1967 when he walked into an armed robbery in progress. At the wake, the widow later recalled that, although numb with grief, the unexpected gift gave her a psychological lift because she only had $1 to her name at the time of her husband’s death. Because it sharpened awareness of the dangers faced daily by members of the public safety services, the slaying of Officer Young gave impetus to the early growth of the Hundred Club.
Further progress was made in building the Club when support came from then Governor John N. Dempsey and State Police Commissioner Leo J. Mulcahy. Commissioner Mulcahy assigned State Police Major Caroll E. Shaw to assist in getting the new organization established. In 1974, upon his retirement from the State Police, Major Shaw became the Club’s first Managing Director.
Today, The Hundred Club has grown to nearly two thousand dues paying members and over four hundred “Life” members. The “Club with a Heart” has assisted over 270 families, gifting more than fourteen million dollars. The Club has a healthy investment trust, while dues remain at $250, as originally established by the founders.
Being a member of The Hundred Club signifies to all citizens of Connecticut that “We care for our public safety servants. We recognize the ultimate sacrifice, and we are morally bound to care for those who cared for us.” We are indeed – The Club With a Heart.