In 1957, soon after he had assumed the responsibilities of executive director, Harris Stafford called together the residents of the two halls, Montgomery and Edwards, to discuss organizing a residents association to cooperate with the administration. The residents greeted this suggestion with enthusiasm; and it was decided to call these informal gatherings Town Hall Meetings, in keeping with the New England tradition.

According to Stafford's account of this first meeting, two committees were named, Social and Friday Night Program. Committee members were elected for a six-month period. As time went on, additional committees were organized that reflected the interests of' the residents.

In 1963 by-laws were adopted. The gatherings were now called Town Meetings and the organization, the Mayflower Home Residents Association.

Over the years, the by-laws have been revised to respond to the changing needs and expectations of the residents. The name was shortened to Mayflower Residents Association' (MRA); and the purpose was stated to be "to provide opportunities for residents to, interact educationally, recreationally, religiously and socially."

There are the usual officers: president, president-elect secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer. The librarian historian, Mayflower Log editors and the past president are officers as well. These officers and Ted Mokricky, executive director of the Mayflower, make up the executive council of the association. All residents are automatically members of the MRA.

An important function of the Mayflower Residents Association is Hospitality Council. Almost everyone living in an apartment gets a turn at being hall host of his/her floor or building. Duties of a hall host include welcoming new residents and introducing them to all that goes on at Mayflower. Hosts maintain bulletin boards, which serve as communication centers, and distribute the Log, and the weekly Informer. They keep in touch and are concerned for the welfare of their neighbors.

The Mayflower Home is proof that retirement living can be interesting, creative and a time for new friendships. One of the most rewarding and beneficial aspects of living at Mayflower Home is the opportunity that residents have to interact with the administration and to assume responsibility for much of their own programs and initiatives.

Each year the administration recognizes the volunteers with a special dinner. Not only have residents directed their talents, experience and energy into productive and valuable activities, they also have committed financial resources to the growth of the community and quality of life here. In 1983, residents pledged and raised more than $200,000 toward the $650,000 goal for building Beebe Hall which provided a new level of assistance with living. When a new health center was proposed in 1990, residents in a variety of ways pledged over $500,000 to the $1.9 million fundraising goal. Each year they respond generously to the appeal for the Resident Assistance Fund and the Employee Christmas Fund. This kind of commitment demonstrates a caring and highly motivated community spirit.