Albert Alexander Cree
6/15/1898-3/17/1976
Albert A. Cree, ranked as one of Vermont’s top business and civic leaders, since his arrival to Vermont in the mid 30’s and became the President of Central Vermont Public Service Corps of Rutland.
In an op ed of March 19, 1976 it reads: “In sheer force of personality and business acumen, it is doubtful that his like had been seen in this immediate area since the days of senior Redfield Proctor who put together the Vermont Marble Company, was a US Senator,as well as, secretary of War.”
Mr Cree retained an influence in business and public affairs far beyond his age when most men either retire or lose their positions of prominence to younger men. Mr Cree’s philosophy was “there are no problems, only opportunities.” His impatience for excuses for failure or a job poorly done was indicated by the remark that “the last time I got marked for effort was in the eighth grade”. He was a man who appeared to function best when the going was adverse. Although he raised millions pin millions of dollars for a wide variety of projects, he seemed to have little interest in money or personal possessions, His salary was relatively low compared to other business leaders and he did not own his own home. He was a leader.
He was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania; 1917 he was a freshman at Columbia University. He left school and travelled to France. He was one of the first Americans in Europe driving ammunition at night to the French military. When the Americans arrived he joined the Army Aircorps and flew in France. Although he was not injured, he crashed two planes and was hit by scrapnel, which deflected off his helmet. He returned home at age 20 from World War I, 2LT.
1937 President of the Vermont Electrical Association
1938 President of the Rutland Chamber of Commerce
1942 Executive President Vermont Council of Safety
1946 State Chairman of the American Cancer Society Fundraising Campaign
1946 Vermont Department Commander of The American Legion. Bert elected during a very contentious election against Clarence Lynch of Burlington (the largest post in the state). Post #1 St Albans and Post #2 of Burlington came out with solid 87 votes for Lynch. It appeared that Cree would lose the Northern Post support. However, Montpelier Post #3 gave their upport of 15 delegates, followed by the sister city of Barre Post #10 with 37. The race went neck and neck, but Rutland’s 42 delegates not only voted unanimously for their brother, but they campaigned for his election. After all was said and done...Albert Cree won the election by 4 votes,(239-235). In his acceptance speech he dedicated his year “ to make The Legion a pride of the people of Vermont and of veterans”. He certainly did that. His strength as a businessman, leader and innovative fundraiser strengthened the Vermont American Legion.
1950 Elected Exalted Ruler of the Rutland Elks Club
1953 President of the Rutland Citizens Council that helped negotiate labor strike between Rutland Railroad employees and Executives. Became the Chairman of the Rutland Railroad Committee.
1953 Board of Airport Commission bringing services from Rutland to Boston.
1953 Chairman of the Vermont American Heart Association fundraising drive.
1953 Chairman of the Rutland Citizens Committee and Building Fund for the Rutland Hospital. When others got the jitters and did not want to commit to raising the money for a hospital, Bert never let that stop him. He pushed harder and without Albert Cree, there would not be a Rutland Hospital.
1954 Board of Director f American Wolven Company
1956 Chairman of the Rutland County Red Cross raising thousands of dollars for the Hungarian Relief Fund.
33 years as President of CVPS Corps, man most responsible for the development of the states only nuclear power plant, Vermont Yankee, Vernon,VT. He was ahead of his time with green energy before it was popular.
Bert suffered some personal challenges. His son, Albert Cree Jr entered the Army in WWII and was seriously injured and was hospitalized for almost three years. December 21, 1975 his wife, after a long illness died. March 17th, 1976 while attending a funeral for a friend he suffered a fatal heart attack. Over 500 people packed into Immaculate Heart of Mary Church to honor a man that was a true civic leader who strived to improve the lives of countless others. Businessmen, politicians, veterans, rich and poor prayed for the life and soul of Albert Cree. He is buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
