Bob, I am also a native New Yorker (upstate) and a bit older than both you and Amy and I also was a member of the Turtles. I expect although I am just guessing, that this club started during the war years. Why, I don't know. Be interesting to find out the history of this nation-wide group. Probably close to the Kilroy group of enthusiasts, but of course, not world wide as Kilroy was.