The Meaning of "What Cheer, NETOP!"
Since the begining of the Club, all of our Meetings are started with the saying "What Cheer, NETOP!" What Cheer is named for a Native American greeting used in Rhode Island in the 1600s. In 1636, Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island who left Salem, Massachusetts to seek religious freedom, landed at modern-day Providence and was greeted by Narragansett Native Americans with "What Cheer, Netop". Netop was the Narragansett word for friend, and What Cheer was an old English greeting brought to New England by English settlers. Over time, the story of Williams' welcome was absorbed into the legend of Providence, Rhode Island.
"What Cheer, NETOP!" ... Greetings Friend!