In June 1944, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus retired from Abraham Lincoln High School, Los Angeles, and began working in CalRTA as Welfare Director of the Southern Section. She was concerned about the plight of the teacher retirees, after a lifetime of devoted service, existing on pensions too low to permit them to live in dignity. Three years later, October 13, 1947, at a CalRTA State meeting in Oakland, California, the National Retired Teacher Association came into being with Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus as its first president. The organization gained momentum and by 1950 published a small quarterly journal. A search began for a site for a retirement home where older teachers could live out their years in pleasant surroundings with congenial colleagues. This led to the founding of Grey Gables, Ojai, California in 1954. Later, the Acacias, a pilot geriatric nursing home, was installed adjacent to Grey Gables. Housing was also provided in the Andrus Apartments, a part of the Acacias.
Noncancellable group health and accident insurance was provided after years of searching for an insurance consultant willing to pioneer the first over 65 low cost National Health and Accident policies for NRTA members. Over 55 friends and family members of insured retired teachers were eager to secure the same coverage as the retired teachers, so the American Association of Retired Persons was the result, founded by Dr. Andrus and making her the first president. The same year the NRTA Travel Service for older people offered its initial season when 185 members visited the Continent. Now tours are available to every part of the world.
Next came the NRTA-AARP Drug Service, which began with a small drug store staffed by two registered pharmacists in Washington, D.C. The service offered medication at dollar stretching prices through the mail. Today its services are offered to the entire United States.
The NRTA-AARP Legislative Committee and Staff keep a watchful eye on Capitol Hill and testify regularly on behalf of passage of legislation benefiting older Americans. At the White House Conferences on Aging, the NRTA-AARP voice was heard and acknowledged.
Dr. Andrus passed away July 13, 1967 after leading NRTA for twenty years. She was succeeded by Cecilia O’Neil of San Jose, California, who served until July 1, 1970. Cecilia had worked closely with Dr. Andrus for many years, and brought to the NRTA presidency not only dedication to Dr. Andrus’ ideals, but also expertise gained during a long term of service in California teacher organizations, active and retired. Mrs. Katherine Pearce, Dallas, Texas, served during the 1970-72 term and was followed by Joseph Fitzgerald for the present 1972-74 term.