SMUG: Salem Macintosh User Group News and Information

S.M.U.G. News and Information

S.M.U.G. History

Welcome Back, Neil Sherwood!

Neil was one of the original members of S.M.U.G., the first newsletter editor and the first elected president. He is back with the group after a hiatus of several years. Doug Parrow, who still lives in Salem, was another founding member. He was the first vice-president and then president for three years.

S.M.U.G. has turned 24 years old!

The Salem Macintosh User's Group was started by Robert Newbold in April of 1985.

Quoted from the February 1986 newsletter (Neil Sherwood, editor):

"I started this organization last April simply because it was needed. I believe that it will prosper more fully with an interested group of officers in charge. I'll help. Let's keep things stirred up and lively. A moderate diet of open and lively controversy makes for a healthy organization. Don't just sit there, stir the pot!"

The first newsletters were one-page announcements of the meetings, but within a year had become very informative with 6 - 8 pages. By 1987 newsletters were being mailed to 100 members. At one time the mailing/membership list was more than 200!

Doug Parrow says:

"We built the membership numbers by offering a variety of Saturday morning workshops on basic Mac use - Word, Excel, FileMaker, graphics, HyperCard, etc. We linked up with Salem-Keizer Schools for the workshops and held one nearly every month. The workshop fee included a year's club membership."