THE ROTARY CLUB PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY cdt 76aCf Cental# of Sezvlee and JettcwAkip DISTRICT 753 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL -----------------------------------------------------Page 1-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG ROTARY CLUB 50th GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY A Tribute to Our First President The first president of the Parkersburg Rotary Club was John Marshall. Ilis original interest and timely effort in the years 1918 and 1919 led to the formation of our club John Marshall was born in New Cumberland, West Virginia, July 28, 1881. He received a B.A. degree from Bethany College in 1902, an M.A. degree from Bethany in 1905, and was honored with an LL.D, from that school in 1936. He also obtained a B.A. degree from Yale University in 1903 and an LL.B, degree from West Virginia University in 1904. On January 25, 1906, he married Rebecca Pauli. Two sons were born of this marriage, John and Joseph Pauli. John Marshall was admitted to the West Virginia Bar in 1904, and began the practice of law that year in Parkersburg. He later was a partner in the firm of Marshall and Forrer. He was Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, 1908-1912. He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in the years 1920, 1924 and 1928. During the years 1925 to 1929, he served as Deputy Attorney General of the United States. He was a National Director of the Navy League of the United States. He served as Trustee, Robert A. Taft Memorial Foundation. He was a Trustee of the Foreign Service League, Foundation for Religious Action in the Social and Civil Order and the American Good Government Society. He served as Trustee of Bethany College. He was president of the Institute of Fiscal and Political Education. His affiliations included Beta Theta Pi and Delta Chi. He was a member of the Disciples of Christ Church. His death occurred February 1, 1966. Rotary and Parkersburg now honor JOHN MARSHALL his foresight, his diligence for and loyalty to his community and country, his love of people, his desire for worthwhile fellowship, and his devotion to the high standards of Rotary ideals. Greetings From Our 50th President It is a great honor for me to serve as President of the Parkersburg Rotary Club as we celebrate our "Golden Anniversary Year.” It was with humility that 1 accepted this office. In view of the outstanding men who have served in this capacity, I wondered how I too, could efficiently fulfill the many responsibilities of the office. Then I realized that you are the answer. This Club exists through the combined efforts of every member. It has been reassuring to know that you have assisted me when you could render that service which is the very spirit of Rotary. To each and every one of you, I give thanks. This Club has grown in strength and service since its inception fifty years ago, and I say with confidence that with the true Rotary spirit we will continue to grow and accept the complex challenges of the future. CHARLES O. CASTO CHARLES CASTO -----------------------------------------------------Page 2-----------------------------------------------------  GREETINGS FROM DISTINGUISHED ROTARIANS Dear fellow Rotarians: It is a pleasure to send greetings to Rotarians of Parkersburg on the Fiftieth Anniversary of your club in March, 1969. A half-century of service to others, of fellowship, and of working together toward common goals now becomes a part of the recorded experience of the men who have contributed over the years to the success of Rotary in Parkersburg. Remember that Rotary is an association of individuals from many nations and many walks of life, speaking many languages and embracing many faiths—but united in the common goal of offering service to mankind above self. As you mark this occasion, remember that personal participation implies utiliza­ tion to the fullest of all that is now available to us today in Rotary. As you reach towards your second half century, may you dedicate yourself anew to the Rotary ideals, so that Rotary, with your help, may be an ever-increasing force for good in a troubled world. KIYOSHI TOGASAKI, President Rotary International, 1968-1969 Tokyo, Japan Sincerely, KIYOSHI TOGASAKI President Dear Fellow Rotarians: My sincerest Greetings and Congratulations to you and all of the fine members of the Parkersburg Rotary Club upon the celebration of your GOLDEN-FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY! Commemorating the accomplishments of your Club and Rotarians who have served Parkersburg Rotary so well will be most gratifying. May your Club's next fifty years of fellowship and service be even more outstanding than that of its glorious past. I look forward to being with you upon this happy occasion. Yours in Rotary, ALBERT M. MORGAN ALBERT M. MORGAN District Governor R. I. District 753, 1968-1969 Morgantown, West Virginia -----------------------------------------------------Page 3-----------------------------------------------------  AND LEADING CITIZENS My Fellow Rotarians: The pride all of you must have in the observance of the Parkersburg Rotary Club’s 50th anniversary is shared by us here, for your organization’s contributions to the good of West Virginia as a whole have been many and substantial. It is my sincere hope that the years ahead will be marked by your continued interest in our state and in its improvement. West Virginia will grow and pro­ gress only to the extent that the citizens, and civic clubs such as yours, partici­ pate in the programs and activities designed to bring a better way of life. Rotary sets a fine example in service, and I congratulate you on your out­ standing record. I am confident your work will be a factor in the advancement West Virginia enjoys in the future. My administration is dedicated to serving the best interests of the state, constantly and with highest honor, and the aid of Rotary will make our endeavors extremely less difficult. I am counting on you. Service above self remains our hallmark, I assure you. Again, congratulations, not only on your anniversary, but also on your past accomplishments. ARCH A. MOORE Governor State of West Virginia With best wishes, Sincerely, ARCH A. MOORE, JR. Governor Dear Rotarians, As Mayor of Parkersburg, it is a pleasure and a great privilege for me to congratulate the Parkersburg Rotary Club on its Fiftieth Anniversary. Rotary has always been deeply involved in Civic affairs and I feel that in sharing your celebration, I am more clearly able to see the true meaning of Rotary. If good communications and understanding are to exist in our com­ munity, people living within the community must share this responsibility. Rotarians fulfill this responsibility by bringing together citizens in a combined effort to achieve understanding and to accomplish Rotary objective. May I extend my best wishes for your continued success in the next 50 years. GLEN B. GAINER Mayor, City of Parkersburg GLEN B. GAINER, JR. Mayor City of Parkersburg -----------------------------------------------------Page 4-----------------------------------------------------  PAUL P. HARRIS THE FOUNDING OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL Many times during his life, Paul P. Harris, the founder of Rotary, was asked: When you founded Rotary, did you think it would become a world-wide movement? Paul Harris answered that question in his 1947 anniversary message, and any consideration of the founding of Rotary would not be com­ plete without his reply. He wrote: My answer to that question is ‘No’. My thoughts then were far from any such thing. I here was no inspired beginning. Young businessmen, mostly from the country, came in response to my call. Unacquainted with city life, we gatheied together to help and befriend each other. We had been lonesome and we found a cure for lonesomeness.” No, I did not in 1905 foresee a world-wide Rotary movement. When a man plants an unpromising sapling in the Springtime, can he be sure that some­ day here will grow a mighty tree? Does he not have to reckon with the rain and the sunshine and the smile of Providence? Once he sees the first bud—then he can begin to dream of shade.” Paul Harris was born in Racine, Wisconsin on April 19, 1863. When three years old, he was taken to live with his grandparents in Wallingford, Vermont. He studied at the University of Vermont and Princeton University, and was graduated from the law school of the University of Iowa in 1891. He determin­ ed then to spend the next five years in seeing the world before settling down to practice law in Chicago. He visited California, Colorado, Louisiana, England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium and Italy in his travels prior to beginning his law career in 1896. In 1900, he resolved to organize a club which would band together a group of representative business and professional men in friendship and fellowship. Finally, on February 23, 1905, at the invitation of Paul Harris, four men met in an office in the Unity Building, (now the 127 North Dearborn Building) in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to Paul Harris, there were present Silvester Schiele, a coal dealer, Gustavus E. Loehr, a mining engineer, and Hiram E.Shorey, a merchant tailor. It was agreed then that these men would organize a club which would be based on the idea which Paul Harris had been developing for the past five years—that men in business could be and should be personal friends. The following day, Paul Harris interested Harry Ruggles, a printer, in the proposed club. Pie in turn interested Will Jenson, a real estate dealer. Within a short time, the club organization was completed during a meeting in Schiele’s office, with the election of Schiele as President, Jenson as Corresponding Secretary, Shorey as Recording Secretary and Ruggles as Treasurer. Paul Harris modestly declined any office in the new clu'b, and he did not become its President until two years later. At one of the early meetings, several names were suggested for the new organization. Adopted was Paul Harris’ suggestion, “Rotary” which was prompted by the original plan of the club members to meet in rotation at their various places of business. The membership of the new club grew rapidly. Its novelty was attractive and those who joined Rotary found its friendship and fellowship a tonic that stimulated them to better endeavors in their business, social and community re­ lationships. As the club’s membership increased, it became inconvenient to meet in the offices of members. As a result, the club began to hold dinner meetings, which later gave way to weekly noon luncheons. In 1907, when Paul Harris was President of the Rotary Club of Chicago, he first stated his hopes to see Rotary Clubs in every important city of the United States. In that same year, the Rotary Club’s first public service was under­ taken in an effort to broaden its activities by including definite work for the welfare of the community. The first Rotary Convention was held in the Congress Hotel of Chicago in August, 1910, with Chesley R. Perry of Chicago as the presiding officer. Twenty nine delegates were in attendance representing 14 of the 16 existing Rotary Clubs. The National Association of Rotary Clubs was organized at this convention with a membership of 16 clubs and approximately 1,500 Rotarians. Before the end of 1910, eight more clubs were organized, including one in Winnipeg, Canada, the first club outside the U.S.A. In 1911, a club was organized in London, England, bringing into reality the establishment of Rotary in Europe. By 1919, the year in which Rotary came to Parkersburg, West Virginia, there were 530 Rotary Clubs with an ap­ proximate membership of 45,000. Fifty years later, in this year of 1969, 13,400 Rotary Clubs exist in 145 countries and geographical regions. An esti­ mated* 640,000 Rotarians attest to the dynamic growth and vital worth of this truly exciting world wide organization. Paul Harris died in 1947. In his last anniversary message, he wrote these striking words: “I would like to think that the pioneering days of Rotary have only just begun. There are just as many new things to be done as ever there were. Rotary must certainly continue to pioneer or be left in the rear of progress. Rotary came up the hard way, through the work of self-sacrificing men who gave of themselves unsparingly. Now it continues on its miracle-working way. More power, more power to you, my beloved Rotary.” -----------------------------------------------------Page 5-----------------------------------------------------  International Association of Rotary Clubs APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP To the Secretary of the International Association of Rotary Clubs, 910 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, U. S. A. Dear Sir: /> , / Rotary Club of. .of the State of hereby makes application for membership in the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROTARY CLUBS in accordance with the provisions of Article III of the Constitution of said Asso­ ciation. Upon notice of our admission to such membership we will make payment of per capita tax and subscriptions to “The Rotarian” as provided and execute and de­ liver to you a ratification of the constitution of the Association Rotary Club of 7^was organized . ff..,,,. 19/.7., and at the time of making this application has. .A./?. .members, of whom a com­ plete roster list is hereto attached in duplicate. Attached hereto is a copy of our constitution and by-laws. It is understood and agreed that no change in, or amendment to, the club’s constitution herewith sub­ mitted, nor any amendment to the club’s by-laws which will conflict with the con­ stitution of the club or of the Association, will be made without first submitting same to the Secretary of the Association for approval by its board of direct01^. The present officers and directors are: Regular meetings are held (insert place, day and hour): What is approximately the present population of your city?. Approximately how many manufacturing plants has your city) J"7 Approximately how many retail stores has your city ? 32. 7 All the foregoing we certify to be facts. Dated Attest: -----------------------------------------------------Page 6-----------------------------------------------------  CHARTER MEMBERS GEORGE O. ANDERSON General Porcelain Co. E. A. BRAST. JESSE L. CRAMER EDWIN L. DAVIDSON ISAAC D. DAVIS SHERMAN DILS BRAINARD J. DUDLEY. VICTOR GARRETTSON. THOMAS E. GRAHAM OSWALD S. HAWKINS J. W. JOHNSTON. VIRGIL P. KLINE LEW LLOYD SAMUEL LOGAN JOHN MARSHALL ROBERT L. MCFARLAND. HENRY S. NEWTON. P. D. NEAL. FERGUS C. O’CONNOR. H. E. ODGERS JOHN H. PARKER M. J. RATHBONE JOHN W. ROMINE JOSEPFI C. RUSSELL. CHARLES S. SMOOT ROBERT T. STEA-LEY. J. B. WILES The Parkersburg Hotel Co. ............................. Accountant Parkersburg Mill Co. ..'National Surety Co. H. P. Dils & Sons J. W. Dudley Sons Co. Men’s Clothier Graham - Bumgarner Co. West Virginia Real Estate Co. ...Portland Cement Association Oil Producer Empire Cleaning and Dyeing Co. Parkersburg Shale Brick Works ............................................. Attorney Ohio Valley Publishing Co. ..Monongahela Valley Traction Co. Parkersburg Chair Co. Constitution Stone Co. ...Superintendent, Public Schools ............ J. H. Parker & Son, Inc. Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey .......... J. W. Romine Lumber Co. Burroughs Adding Machine Co. Smoot Advertising Co. Traders Building Association ..Secretary, Board of Commerce FIRST OFFICERS PresidentJOHN MARSHALL Vice PresidentVICTOR GARRETSON Secretary-Treasurer. J. B. WILES Sergeant-at-Arms. JOHN W. ROMINE -----------------------------------------------------Page 7-----------------------------------------------------  THE FOUNDING OF ROTARY IN PARKERSBURG Rotary came to Parkersburg approximately fourteen years after its beginning in Chicago in the year 1905. Ten other W. Va. cities had organized Rotary Clubs in the years from 1915 to 1919. Since the beginning Rotary had spread rapidly across the land. It was a time for optimism. Two million soldiers were returning from France. Parkersburg was a thriving city of approximately 25,000 people, and in the year 1919, the seed of Rotary was firmly planted in this growing Ohio Valley community. Beginning in 1917, Major William H. Banks, a Rotarian from Huntington, West Virginia, had made several efforts to get in contact with someone in Parkersburg who would do the necessary organization work to launch a Rotary Club. Repeatedly, after a month or so of correspondence, the persons contacted would drop out due to the press of other matters, principally due to war time activities. Finally in March of 1918, John Marshall, an attorney at law, took hold of the project, and progess was made. Finally, on Saturday, October 12, 1918, an organization meeting was planned, but on about the 8th of October, due to an influenza epidemic, the Board of Health of Parkersburg forbid the gathering of any large numbers of people. The organization meeting was then rescheduled for February 8, 1919. On Saturday night, February 8, 1919, a group of twenty seven leading citizens of Parkersburg met in the Chancel­ lor Hotel to organize the Parkersburg Rotary Club and to petition the International Association of Rotary Clubs for a charter. There was present a committee from the Huntington Rotary Club, including Major W. H. Banks, Chairman, Harry Zeller, J. C. Todd, E. L. Hutchinson, John E. Norman and R. L. Archer. Major Banks addressed the gathering, explaining the principals of Rotary. A constitution and by-laws were proposed and adopted at the meeting, and it was believed that the territorial limits of the club should be Wood County. The first officers of the club were elected and installed that evening by Major Banks. The following charter mem­ bers were elected to the first Board of Directors: J. W. Johnston, E. A. Brast, John Marshall, Vic Garretson, O. S. Haw­ kins, M. J. Rathbone, E. L. Davidson, J. H. Parker and II. S. Newton. The officers were: PresidentJOHN MARSHALL Vice PresidentVICTOR GARRETSON Secretary-TreasurerJ. B. WILES Sergeant-at-ArmsJOHN W. ROMINE Of particular interest to present day members is that the club in this first meeting agreed to meet weekly-every Monday at 12:15 p.m. in the “parlors” of the Chancellor Hotel. The News article covering the organization meeting ended: “The organization meeting of the local club lasted un­ til nearly eleven o’clock and ended with everything pointing to a useful and honorable career for ‘Rotary” in Parkers­ burg. The second meeting of the club was held on February 24, 1919, at the Chancellor. “Rotary—What It Is and What It Stands For” was the principal theme for discussion. J. B. Wiles, club secretary, read a pamphlet on the principles and practices of Rotary, and H. S. Newton, Manager of the Monongahela Valley Traction Company, made a brief address on “The Principles of Rotary”. Mr. Newton called emphatic attention to the fact that there is nothing in the nature of a lodge about Rotary-that a Rotary Club was made up of practical, aggressive business and professional men, held to­ gether by a closer bond than is the case in most organizations. The ultimate aim of a Rotary Club was civic betterment and improvement of the community. Taken further from the newspaper article covering this meeting is the following: “John Romine reported for the Committee to confer with the State Executive as to the best means of raising a rev­ enue to pay the ‘Virginia Debt’. He said the conference was largely attended and adopted a resolution favoring the rais­ ing of the revenue by means of taxation, the same equitable and uniform in its application to all who shall pay it.” “A resolution approving the Parkersburg Philanthropic Federation and its campaign to raise $45,000.00 for local organizations was introduced by E. L. Davidson and adopted.” “A communication asking the endorsement of a plan to continue the Daylight Savings arrangement, in effect some months ago; a communication from L. D. Spaun, State Director of Employment, asking that the club take action to combat efforts of certain fee-charging employment agencies to induce Congress not to make appropriations for the U. S. Employment Service; and a communication embodying the club’s protest against Bolshevism, were all referred to the Committee on Resolutions.” From the beginning, the Parkersburg Rotary Club appeared to be founded by strong men, concerned citizens, and Rotarians who truly believed in the new club’s principles of community service and wholesome fellowship. Dwight O. Conner, in his history of the Parkersburg Rotary Club, made these interesting comments: “Even a cur­ sory examination of the newspapers of 1919 indicates just how great the changes in our local and national life have been during the past fifty years.” Then he concluded, “How very little the great organization of Rotary has veered from its original concepts. It has not found it necessary to seek new slogans. ‘Service above self’ and ‘lie Profits Most Who Serves the Best’ continue to have the same meaning now as they had fifty years ago.” -----------------------------------------------------Page 8-----------------------------------------------------  FIFTY YEARS of SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP 1919 JOHN MARSHALL, President Organization meetings were held in February, 1919. Charter received, dated March 1, 1919. Twenty-seven charter members. Club advised “not to take new members too rapidly.” Fourteen community service committees in addition to required Rotary committees appointed. Studied local economic, housing and working conditions. Good Roads Committee active. Assisted Parkersburg Philanthropic Federation raise $45,000 for community charities. Mayor Gilbert spoke on extending city limits. Interest in new industries. Assisted new shirt factory. Committee to investigate local food prices. Donated $412 to Dr. Carpenter fund project. First civic club to entertain Big Red football team. Participated in Corpus Christi flood relief. John Phillip Sousa invited for program but did not appear. 1920 VICTOR GARRETTSON, President Club grew in membership, more community leaders taken in. Rcdpath Chautauqua sponsored. Boy Scout Day observed with outstanding program. Kiwanis Club of Parkersburg organized. Joint meeting with Kiwanis. “Vigilante Committee” organized to help police with lawlessness. Committee urged establishment of community playground near steel mill. Beginning of interest in public recreation in Wood County. Interest developed in Marietta-Cleveland Canal. Committee appeared at hearing in Pittsburgh. First “Ladies Night” program held. 1921 II. E. ODGERS, President Sponsored organization of Marietta Rotary Club, February 23, 1921. Club officers and leaders participated in Marietta meetings. Redpath Chautauqua again sponsored. Ultimately a financial failure. President Odgers urged support of local Y.M.C.A. Christmas dinner for underprivileged boys held. Probably first of community dinners held for underprivileged. 1922 ED S. MOORE, President Parkersburg Lions Club organized February 22, 1922. Joint meetings held with both Kiwanis and Lions Clubs. Crippled children projects encouraged by Rotary International. Interest high in all West Virginia Rotary Clubs concerning crippled children. Club sponsored opening of City Park playground. Committee appointed and interest keen to move West Virginia State Capitol to Parkersburg. “City Fathers” offered City Park for Capitol site. 1923 ROBERT S. LEMON, President West Virginia Society for Crippled Children formed. Local Rotarians active in formation. Club increased interest in remedial work with crippled children. Benefit performance of De Wolf Hopper Comic Opera Company sponsored for crippled children. “The Mikado” raised $1,900. Speakers on crippled children projects. Names of T. L. Harris, Ben O. Robinson, R. 11. Boice, S. M. Prunty, O. D. Barker and Ward A. Frame appear with reference to crippled children projects. Visitation Committee for crippled children. Rotary endorsed and worked for organization of Community Chest; Dave Kahn, Chairman. Club raised $500 for purchase of band instruments for Parkersburg High School. These instruments provided beginning equipment for Big Red Band. Members of Rotary were active in Stadium Corporation. John Randolph and Sherman Dils sold in a single day a total of 33 bonds at $1000.00 each to make it possible to begin work on first unit of Parkersburg High School Memorial Stadium. 1924 FAYETTE C. SMOOT, President Joint meeting held with Marietta Rotary Club. Bob Lemon provided outstanding speech and entertainment. Original “Bank of Sunshine” project begun. Sale of certificates for $25 each nets $3,750 for crippled children and charity. George Dietz employed at Parkersburg High School. Rotary assisted in obtaining capes for first Big Red Band. Interest of club in “Back to School” movement to “keep the boys in school.” West Virginia Legislature created West Virginia Crippled Children’s Council, with Parkersburg Rotarians presenting proposals to Legislature. 1925 CHARLES KREPS, President HAROLD W. PIGGOTT, President President Kreps began fifteen minutes study of U. S. Constitution at each meeting. Continued throughout year. Crippled children interest still high. Growth of club membership encouraging. Charles Kreps moved from city early in his term of office. Harold Piggott served as President for remainder of 1925. -----------------------------------------------------Page 9-----------------------------------------------------  FIFTY YEARS of SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP 1926 HAROLD W. PIGGOTT, President Harold Piggott remembers men of Rotary during his term of office as “men” of distinction and quiet dignity. He believed “a roll call of Rotarians of those days would show the men who built not only Rotary but also Parkersburg itself.” April 12-13, 1926, marked dates of the Annual Conference of 24th District of Rotary Inter­ national in Parkersburg. Harold Piggott called this meeting to order and welcomed the club delegates and guests to Parkersburg. Estimates were placed on Rotary’s expenditures for crippled children during 1926-1927 from $4000 to $5000. This money was probably raised in prior years. 1927-1928 HERBERT S. BOREMAN, President By 1927, club membership reached 93. The Rotary year was changed at the end of 1927 from the calendar year to the year ending June 30. President Boreman and other officers were asked to remain in office for another six months, thus giving Herbert Boreman the distinction of having served as President of our club longer than any other man since his term. Trouble with programs were met by capable local speakers. Gill I. Wilson was the chib’s beloved Secretary and continued to serve in this vital position to strengthen every facet of Rotary in Parkersburg. 1928-1929 JESSE L. CRAMER, President In 1928, Rotary in West Virginia numbered 1,811 members. The Parkersburg club took its place among the strongest and most active clubs in the District. Committee activity was studied by the Board of Directors, and every effort was put forth to improve committee participation. 1929-1930 SHERMAN D. ARCHBOLD, President In 1929, the West Virginia Crippled Children’s Council began to function. Parkersburg Rotarians were active. The beginning of economic uncertainty in the nation caused great concern. Good programs and active committees helped maintain interest. Membership and attendance were stressed. Sherman Archbold, writing from Toronto, Canada, recently stated: “I think back some 40 years to the happy life we led in Parkersburg, and the honor which was bestowed on me by my fellow Rotarians. I extend good wishes to Parkersburg Rotary and to all its members.” 1930-1931 DAVID H. KAHN, President President Dave Kahn aroused much civic interest among members, but declining membership and a tight budget prevented expansion of activities. A crippled child was sent to Cincinnati for therapy during the year. 1931-1932 JOHN H. RANDOLPH, President By 1932, the Parkersburg club’s membership had dropped to 62. The depression years were difficult, and President Randolph did all in his power to maintain interest and continued devotion to service at this time. Fund raising projects were not popular, and donations to charitable causes were greatly reduced. -----------------------------------------------------Page 10-----------------------------------------------------  FIFTY YEARS of SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP 1932-1933 PARKER J. CORBITT, SR., President Good fellowship and community interest continued to keep Rotarians together. Charitable donations within the financial limitations of the club were made, and particularly youth and welfare work were accented at this difficult period in our national and community life. Committee activity was encouraged. Under the leadership of “P. J.” Corbitt, Rotary experienced an interesting and worthwhile year. 1933-1934 GILL I. WILSON, President Gill I. Wilson became President after serving as club Secretary for twelve years. At the District Conference in White Sulphur Springs, Gill Wilson was nominated for District Governor. His year as President of the local club was active and the club obtained much benefit from his leadership. 1934-1935 WILMER I. STEER, President Parkersburg Rotary was honored during this year in having Rev. Gill I. Wilson as District Governor. West Virginia Rotary in this yeai had a membership of 1,371. Community activity by individual club members and good programs were emphasized. 1935-1936 GEORGE P. DONOVAN, President Our club continued to serve its leadership role in community affairs. Emphasis on civic improvement and increasing job opportunities in the area was maintained. President George Donovan remembers “That it was a most rewarding and pleasant chore to work with the fine men that always make up the Parkersburg Rotary.” He modestly adds “I can say this—it did much more for me than I did for it — I assure you.” 1936-1937 ERNEST E. CHURCH, President L. S. MICHAEL, President Ernest Church was Principal of Parkersburg High School at the time of his serving as President of our club. He continued the close contacts of Rotary with the Wood County public school system, and these ties have been maintained to the present day. During his year as President of Parkersburg Rotary, Ernest Church was called to be President of Potomac State College. L. S. Michael completed his term. President Church was later to become District Governor of R. I. District 735, and to maintain active interest in Rotary for many years to come. He recently wrote: “Rotary has a history of solid accomplishments and is built on firm foundations. If we are true to our heritage and are not afraid to pioneer, Rotary will have an even more glorious future. I am happy to salute Parkersburg Rotary on its Golden Anniversary.” 1937-1938 JOHN D. ANKROM, President Ernest E. Church Improving business conditions provided background for community activity and concern from Rotary, Good programs and fellowship, participation in District affairs and charitable contributions made this a good Rotary year. 1938-1939 WADE H. TONKIN, President Rotary in Parkersburg was active in promoting civic growth. The Big Red football team was undefeated state champions in the fall of 1938, and Rotary entertained and honored the team. Rotary, through its strong individual members, was influential in bringing optimism and improved community spirit to Parkersburg. 1939-1940 KELLY S. COLEMAN, President Our Rotary Club was responsible for the building of a wooden cabin at Camp Kootaga — Boy Scout Camp on the Hughes River. Gathering war clouds in Europe caused concern in our nation and community. Good programs and active committees continued Rotary’s important contributions to Parkersburg community life. 1940-1941 EARL C. WHEELER, President Rotary’s strong membership and community concern provided a means for bringing new leadership to civic endeavors. It was noticeable that younger members were brought into the club, and many of these younger men were prepared to lead Rotary and our civic life. -----------------------------------------------------Page 11-----------------------------------------------------  FIFTY YEARS of SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP 1941-1942 CHARLES E. ARNOLD, JR., President ATHEY R. LUTZ, President THOMAS BOEHM, President Charles Arnold served as President part of this year, and leaving for military duty, Thomas Boehm was asked to continue the Presidency. Tom Boehm served briefly before moving to Pennsylvania, and upon his resignation Athey R. Lutz became President. Younger members were being called to the armed services and older Rotarians filled their places to provide leadership for the club. 1942-1943 ATHEY R. LUTZ, President JAMES WOLTZ, President Dr. Athey Lutz, as President, provided a keen interest in continuing Rotary’s work with crippled children. The club under his leadership was active in charitable endeavor and during this year contributed to the Salvation Army toy fund and the Community Chest. Rotary s first bowling team was organized at this time. Athey Lutz was called to military service in August of 1942, and James Woltz completed the term as President. Club activities were difficult with many members answering the call for military duty. 1943-1944 DENVER PICKENS, President war year when attendance and membership was down. Club moved from Chancellor to Wilmar Restaurant due to lack of staff personnel to serve at hotel. Official directory of members published. Cooperated with Jaycees in their financial drive. Pan American Club sponsored at Parkerffburg High School . Teen age center established at Y.M.C.A. with Rotary assistance. Club’s 25th Anniversary celebrated Februt iry 23, 1944, with special program. Endorsed extension of city boundary to include South Parkersburg. Joint meetings with Kiwanis and Lions. Boy Scout and Community Chest funds supported. 1944-1945 DWIGHT O. CONNER, President Dwight Conner, as President, provided most capable leadership during another difficut war year. Improvement was made in weekly news letter. Policy began lor each club member to sponsor one program per year. Whitney Boys Choir appeared on program. Joint picnic with Kiwanis and Lions at W. H. Bickel property. Support given to Boy Scout and Salvation Army funds. As Principal of Parkersburg High School, Dwight Conner provided another close tie with Wood County schools and youth, assuring to Rotary invaluable opportunities for service. Dwight Conner later was to give steadfast service to Rotary as club Secretary and Historian. 1945-1946 RUSSELL KRESS, President Club assisted in location of Veterans’ Administration office in Parkersburg. Agreed to make monthly contri­ bution for six months to support necessary budget to establish V. A. office. Rotary badges ordered for each member. Endorsed action of Wood County Board of Education to permit dances and parties at Parkersburg High School. Supported Boy Scout, Salvation Army and Community Chest drives. Assisted Jaycees by pur­ chase of bond. Sponsored P. II. S. student to Mountaineer Boys State. 1946-1947 ROBERT S. BROWN, President Returning veterans from the war were welcomed enthusiastically. Younger new members were taken into membership. Rotary endorsed unit of West Virginia National Guard for Parkersburg. Controversial donation for Parkersburg’s representative to “Miss West Virginia” contest made, as enthusiastic Rotarians passed motion for this expenditure on floor of club meeting without first obtaining approval of Board. Community Chest supported. P. II. S. student sent to Mountaineer Boys State. A Cappella Choir for Christmas program. 1947-1948 CHARLES NIEMAN, President Club service committees became more active this year. Rotary pins were furnished to all members and a campaign was conducted to encourage members to wear pins. New song books were ordered. Community “Go to Church Week” actively supported. Members of the club went to Columbus, Ohio, to witness our Rotarian Roy Yoke inaugurated as Supreme Governor of Loyal Order of Moose. A joint meeting with Kiwanis and Lions held in February. -----------------------------------------------------Page 12-----------------------------------------------------  FIFTY YEARS of SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP 1962-1963 ROBERT E. MENTZER, President For years after, citizens of Parkersburg will appreciate the good work of Parkersburg Rotarians in the year 1962-63, as they enjoy the concrete benches placed around the large lily pond at the City Park. More than 80% of the club membership personally participated in some way on the project. George Breckenridge and Gordon Custer did fine work as co-chairmen of the City Park bench project. Rotarian Jim Chacona was host to a meeting, with Rotary-Anns, at Emerson Lanes where a bowling demonstration and fine fellowship were enjoyed. A meeting at the P.H.S. planetarium was well attended and informative, the club again witnessing and enjoying a facility given to the community in part by Rotary. Christmas with the P.H.S. A Cappella Choir was delightful. President Bol? Mentzer was to leave Parkersburg, become President of two other Rotary Clubs, and be honored as District Governor nominee for the year 1969-70. 1963-1964 FRANK M. CAIN, President Early in Frank Cain’s year as our President, Carl Miller, Rotary International President, proposed a major emphasis on world-wide matching Rotary districts. District 753 was matched with District 164 in northc rn 1* rance and the Parkersburg club matched with Rouen, France. Our members were urged to correspond with matched French Rotarians. Our Community Service Committee produced a 78 color slide film strip entitled “Our Town,” with narration by Bob Martinet in French and Ron Maines, a Rotarian, in English. The film depicted Parkersburg and its people. A delegation of French Rotarians visited our district. Philippe Morice, President of the Rouen club, his wife, and other companions, were guests of our club. We even learned to sing “The Marseillaise” in French. Fine programs, the usual student interest and charitable contributions were continued throughout the year. 1964-1965 DAVID REICH, President An active and interesting year, with Dave Reich providing fine leadership and masterful humor at the podium. The club will long remember the St. Patrick’s Day program. Rotary Information was an important phase of induction for new members. The community service project involved purchase of physical therapy equipment for the Wood County Crippled Children’s Clinic, a total contribution of over $1,800. A fine luncheon was held at the crippled children’s clinic and a wall plaque attesting to Rotary’s donation was presented. The annual conference of District 753 was held in Parkersburg on April 23-24, 1965, with Bernard Flood, Past District Governor, as chairman. Many club members assisted to make this a most successful event. 1965-1966 PAUL E. STEWART, President Paul Stewart’s year as President involved varying activities and changes. A bulletin board and badge box were purchased and erected. A policy was established that members of Rotary cannot hold membership in other civic clubs. Classifications of the “Legal Profession” were clarified and filled. A permanent post office box was obtained. Famous “Handlan Motion” first adopted by Board of Directors. Two bowling teams provided keen inter-club competition. Rotary trip to W.V. U.-Duke basketball game. Ellis Vest golf tournament held in Parkersburg. A.F. S. students sponsored to Cedar Lakes. Contributions to Boys’ Club, Y.M.C.A. and United Fund. Senior Service Awards to Dwight Conner, Carl Heatwole, Bernard Flood and Art Oliver. 1966-1967 EDWIN L. D. DIES, President Membership rose to 113 this year. Committee activity was stressed, and the International Services Committee, David DuBois, Chairman, was presented the first annual “Outstanding Committee” award. $500 was contributed to Junior Achievement. Boy Scouts, Salvation Army and United Fund were supported. A film, “Every Hour - Every Day,” was purchased for benefit of Parkersburg police department. We became a 200% Rotary Foundation Club during the year. Nine students went to World Affairs Institute in Morgantown. Art Oliver made us laugh and proud when he won the community “Maharajah” contest. The first theater party was held. “The Rotarian” magazine was sent to all colleges, high schools and junior high schools in Wood County. The application for William Mallory as a Rotary Fellow was submitted. Dr. P. J. Corbitt was awarded our Senior Service Award. The club constitution and by-laws were studied, amended and approved. 1967-1968 EARL C. DYE, JR., President President Earl Dye continued splendid service to Rotary through leadership of an active year. Regular monthly Board of Directors meetings were established. A Rotary office was rented in the Union Trust Building. A birthday table was re-established and members were honored at birthdates. William F. Mallory was selected as Rotary Fellow during this year. A new policy on contributions was established. Community service project provided refurnishing of adult reading room at Carnegie Library at a cost of $1275. Nine students attended World Affairs Institutes in Morgantown and Cincinnati. Parkersburg South and Parkersburg Catholic High Schools were included in honors to football squads. A fine theater party and June picnic were held. The A Cappella Christmas program was held for first time at First Presbyterian Church. 1968-1969 CHARLES O. CASTO, President Charles Casto has the honor of being our chib’s 50th President. Early in this year, plans were affirmed for celebration of the club’s 50th Anniversary in March, 1969. A District Leadership Assembly was held in Parkersburg in September under District Governor Al Morgan. The 50th Anniversary community project was decided in December. Excellent programs were held at Jefferson School on “Beginning Arithmetic” and at the Parkersburg High School planetarium on “The Sky at Christmas.” A theater party was most successful. Parkers­ burg Rotary was anxious to enjoy an interesting and constructive year to complete 50 years of service and fellowship. -----------------------------------------------------Page 13-----------------------------------------------------  THE OBJECT OF ROTARY To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: 1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; 2. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society; 3. The application of the ideal of service by ever Rotarian to his personal, business and community life; 4. The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through world fellowship of business and professional men united in the ideal of service. THE FOUR WAY TEST OF THE THINGS WE THINK, SAY OR DO Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Sezvice c/l&we SeCf Tie Pzoflfa WloAt Who Sezve& ^jke Beat -----------------------------------------------------Page 14-----------------------------------------------------  OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN - 1968-69 OFFICERS PresidentCHARLES O. CASTO Vice PresidentL. EDWARD SUTTER SecretaryE. DAVID DuBOIS TreasurerKEITH ATKINSON Chaplain .............. Song Leader Sergeant-at-Arms Bulletin Editor. .. .. .ROBERT GILBERT ............. JOHN EVANS JAMES A. CHACONA .......... FRANK SIEBEL 1969 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1970 1971 Keith Atkinson Milfred G. Campbell Samuel J. Marshall Henry D. Bixby Charles O. Casto L. Edward Sutter Joe C. Hushion Earl C. Dye, Jr. Robert L. Waters COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AttendanceGeorge W. Shindiedecker AuditC. Edgar Pratt BulletinO. Frank Siebel Classification... Fellowship Entertainment ..... Earl C. Dye, Jr. Robert P. Wheeler . ..Wilbur E. Ruehl Historian Dwight O. Conner Magazine Program Public Relations Rotary Information... International Service. Vocational Service- Community Service William E. Watson ..Randall T. Murrill Art Oliver, Jr. ..... David Reich James Johnston Daniel Taylor ... Jack Brooks Edwin L. D. Dils, Chairman Bernard F. Flood Stephen B. Thompson Frank M. Herbert E. Dearth Earl C. Dye, Jr. 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Joe C. Hushion' Art Oliver, Jr. Dwight O. Conner Charles O. Casto Wiley H. Hicks James D. Maddox James A. Chacona David Reich Art Oliver, Sr. Joel Stern George R. Breckenridge P. J. Corbitt, Sr. -----------------------------------------------------Page 15-----------------------------------------------------  GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM CHANCELLOR HOTEL Parkersburg, West Virginia 7:30 p. m. Saturday, March 1, 1969 JOE HANDLAN, Master of Ceremonies CALL TO ORDERCharles Casto “AMERICA”John Evans PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATIONBob Gilbert DINNER WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER “GOLDEN THOUGHTS OF ROTARY”Dr. Merrill R. Patterson INTRODUCTION OF DISTRICT GOVERNOR RECOGNITION OF CHARTER MEMBERS ENTERTAINMENT RECOGNITION OF 50TII ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE BENEDICTIONBob Gilbert CLOSINGJohn Evans -----------------------------------------------------Page 16-----------------------------------------------------  BRAINARD J. DUDLEY-CHARTER MEMBER In 1919, twenty-seven original charter members organized the Parkersburg Rotary Club—50 years ago. Of those men, only one is still living. He is Brainard Dudley. Our club honors these farsighted men of Rotary, and we are particu­ larly pleased to pay tribute to a former Rotarian, Brainard Dudley. Brainard Dudley was born in Parkersburg on November 11, 1883, the son of John W. Dudley and Emma Gertrude Leonard Dudley. He attended Parkersburg schools, graduating from Parkersburg High School in June of 1903. He played for our Big Red football team in the years 1900, 1901 and 1902. Attending East­ man Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York, he returned to Parkersburg and to his family florist business. He became President of J. W. Dudley Sons Com­ pany in 1913, and he has continued to serve in this capacity to the present time. The early business years of his life also were spent in active community en­ deavors. He was a member of Rotary until 1932, having served as a member of Rotary’s Board of Directors. He served on the Board of Directors of the Parkers­ burg Chamber of Commerce. He was co-chairman of a Community Chest cam­ paign. Although in recent years he could not be as active, Brainard Dudley has kept a keen interest in affairs of his community and has lived the precepts of Rotary. He is married to the former Julia Savage. Their marriage has been blessed with four children, B. Judd Dudley, Mrs. Ann Dudley Hall, Mrs. Jane Dudley Merchant and Mrs. Catherine Dudley Hartman. He is a member of the First Baptist Church. Brainard and Julia Dudley continue to reside at 1007 Ann Street in Parkersburg. BRAINARD J. DUDLEY Rotary and Parkersburg pay honor to Brainard Dudley. OUR PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS F. ROY YOKE — District Governor, 1924 -1925 Senior Active Yoke and Yoke, Attorneys at Law September, 1933 BERNARD F. FLOOD — District Governor, 1954 -1955 Senior Active Wharton Insurance Agency April, 1946 J. CLAIR JARVIS — District Governor, 1964- 1965 Senior Active Parkersburg District Methodist Church July, 1967 -----------------------------------------------------Page 17-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG ROTARIANS-1969 KEITH W. ATKINSON Plate Glass Distributing, General Glass Co., January 1963 JAMES C. AYERS, JR. Iron and Steel Mfg., Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp., July 1968 JOHN R. BADGER Lumber Retailing, Badger Lumber Co., September 1965 WESLEY V. BERGDORF Boys’ Work Organizations, Boy Scouts of America, May 1967 DONALD R. BERNHARDT, M. D. Radiology, January 1969 Z' W i 1 HENRY D. BIXBY Ceramic Insulator Mfg., A. B. Chance Co., May 1965 GEORGE R. BRECKENRIDGE Auto Retailing, Mullen Motors, Inc., March 1955 JOHN D. BROOKS Motor Freight Trans. Serv., United Dispatch, Inc., Oct. 1956 RICHARD D. BUTTERMORE, JR. Jewelry Retailing, R. D. Buttermore & Son, June 1961 FRANK M. CAIN Linen Supply Service, Uwanta Linen Supply, Inc., March 1957 GRIFFIN C. CALLAHAN Christianity — Protestantism, Trinity Episcopal Church, July 1964 MILFRED G. CAMPBELL Gas Service, Hope Natural Gas Co., April 1963 LEO D. CARSNER Hospitals, Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, October 1963 CHARLES O. CASTO Savings and Loan Assns., Traders Federal S. & L. Assoc., March 1965 JAMES A. CHACONA Senior Active (Bowling Lanes), Emerson Bowling Lancs, Oct. 1940 RALPH J. CLAY Phamaceutical Chem. Mfg., Amer. Cyanamid Co., April 1966 A. HERMAN CONAWAY Nursing Homes, Green Lawn Manor, November 1966 DWIGHT O. CONNER Senior Active, Retired — Wood Co. School System, mber 1941 RICHARD W. CORBITT, M. D. Urology, January 1947 PARKER J. CORBITT, JR., D. D. S. Senior Active (Dentistry), October 1952 PARKER J. CORBITT, D. D. S. Senior Active (Dentistry), January 1926 ALBERT W. COUCH Tire Retailing, Couch Tire Co., September 1941 CARROLL II. CURRY Elec. Light and Power Serv., Monongahela Power Co., Aug. 1966 HERBERT E. DEARTH Senior Active (Iron & Steel Mfg.), Pksbg. Steel Co., May 1948 EDWIN L. D. DIES Department Stores, Dils Brothers & Company, August 1962 DAVID E. DuBOIS Christianity-—-Protestantism, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, July 1965 EARL C. DYE, JR. Casualty Insurance, The Dye Agency, Inc., December 1959 J. FRED EARLEY 'Pitie Law, Earley, Bailey & Pfalzgraf, December 1965 -----------------------------------------------------Page 18-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG ROTARIANS-1969 JOHN W. EVANS Outdoor Advertising, Cotterman Advertising Co., October 1965 DONALD P. FLEMING Senior Active (Carbonated Bev. Mfg.), Pksbg. Coca-Cola Co., May 1960 WILLIAM L. FLESHER State Road Commissions, W. Va. State Road Comm., Nov. 1966 BERNARD F. FLOOD, SR. Senior Active (Fire Ins.), Wharton Ins. Agency, April 1946 W. CHAPMAN FRAZIER Heavy Construction Equipment Distrib’ing, Rish Equipment Co., Feb. 1964 CHARLES A. FROST, JR. Corrugated Box Mfg., Ideal Corrugated Box Co., October 1956 H. ROBERT GILBERT Associations—The Salvation Army, The Salvation Army, July 1966 WILLIAM W. GRACEY Corporation Law, Gracey & Powell, November 1965 THOMAS E. GRAHAM, HI Electric Fittings Mfg., Union Insulating Co., April 1968 FAY P. GREENE, JR., M. D. General Surgery, September 1966 EDWARD F. GREENWALD Paint Retailing, W. V. A. Paint Co., December 1960 ANDREW L. GREINER Baking, Retail, Greiner’s Bakery, August 1965 JOSEPH M. HANDLAN General Law — Additional Active, MeDougle, Davis and Morris, Feb. 1955 WALLER C. HARDY, JR. Securities Brokerage, Kay, Richards & Co., September 1957 THOMAS L. HARRIS Senior Active (General Surgery), Physician, March 1919 CHARLES M. HARRISON Motels, Green Acres Motel, August 1956 CARL R. HEATWOLE Senior Active, Retired — Universal Supply Co., March 1958 BURHYL T. HENRY Senior Active, Retired—Monongahela Power Co., October 1962 WALTER F. HESS Automobile Financing, G.M.A.C., October 1967 Rw HOWARD Plastic Mat. Dist., Marbon Div., Borg-Warner Corp. Sept. 1968 WILEY II. HICKS Interion Designing and Decorator Service, Wiley H. Hicks Co., March 1965 BERNARD E. HISSOM Elec. Light-Power Ser., Add. Active, Monongahela Power Co., Nov. 1968 EDWARD J. HIEHLE Senior Active, Southwestern Petroleum Co., January 1965 ROBERT L. HOCK Add’l Active—Corr. Box Mfg., Ideal Corr. Box Co., Nov. 1968 JOE C. HUSHION . I J Printing, McGlothlin Printing Co., April 1961 J. CLAIR JARVIS Sr. Active (Christianity, Prot.), Pksbg. Dist. Methodist Church, July 1967 JAMES W. JOHNSTON Paper Products Distributing, R. D. Wilson & Sons Co., Aug. 1964 CHARLES H. LEAVITT Funeral Directing, Leavitt Funeral Home, January 1960 -----------------------------------------------------Page 19-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG ROTARIANS-1969 G. EDWARD LEAVITT Funeral Directing — Additional Active, Leavitt Funeral Home, June 1954 CARLE L. LEWIS Plumbing, Young Plumbing Co., June 1963 JAMES E. LITTLE Truck Retailing, West Virginia-Ohio Motor Sales, Inc., Aug. 1967 RALPH L. LOTSHAW, D. D. S. Oral Surgery, September 1959 MALCOLM B. LOUDEN Commercial Law, January 1969 ATHEY R. LUTZ, M. D. Senior Active (Orthopedic Surgery), August 1938 WILLIAM J. McCLURE Telephone Service, C. & P. Telephone Co., December 1963 james m . M c C utcheon Auctioning Serv., Stephens Blueprint & Supply Co., Oct. 1967 WALTER P. McKAIN Well Drilling Machinery Mfg., Acme Fishing Tool Co., September 1958 JAMES D. MADDOX Furniture Retailing, James Maddox Interiors, November 1961 SAMUEL J. MARSHALL Christianity—Prot., First United Presbyterian Church, July 1965 HOBART E. MARTIN, D. O. Optometry, April 1956 RAY L. MASTERSON Drug Retailing, Parkersburg Central Pharmacy, Inc., November 1961 LARK B. MAYNARD Refined Oil Products Retailing, Humble Oil Co., January 1963 LELAND C. MERRILL Senior Active (Civil Engineering), Retired, October I960 WILLIAM E. MILDREN Savings Banking, Commercial Banking & Trust Co., Jan. ’47 LAWRENCE W. MIMS Carbon Black Mfg., Cabot Corporation, September 1967 JOHN R. MORRIS General Law, McDougle, Davis and Morris, February 1958 VIRGIL S. MORRIS Gas Service—Additional Active, Hope Natural Gas Co., April 1963 J. ROBERT MULLENIX Shoe Retailing, Smith Shoe Store, October 1954 RANDALL T. MURR1LL Plastic Material Mfg., E. I. duPont de Ncmours & Co., January 1964 HAROLD NEELY Education—Universities, Add’l Active, Pksbg. Branch, W.V.U., Nov. ’68 ART OLIVER, SR. Senior Active (Auto Clubs), Parkersburg Automobile Club, Jan. ’30 ART OLIVER, JR. Auto Clubs, Parkersburg Automobile Club, February 1960 JOHN J. OPL1NGER Compressed and Liquefied Gas Mfg., Burdett Oxygen Co., December 1964 HARRY W. PITTS Sanitary Engineering, Parkersburg Sanitary Board, April 1966 EUGENE L. PLENINGER Estate and Trust Banking, Parkersburg National Bank, March 1967 JAMES M. POWELL Education—Colleges, Ohio Valley College, December 1966 -----------------------------------------------------Page 20-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG ROTARIANS-1969 WILLIAM L. PRALLEY, D. D. S Dentistry, January 1969 C. EDGAR PRATT Accounting Service, Glass, Pratt & Snyder, December 1946 GEORGE B. RAIMEY Pharmacy, Ramey’s Lakeview Drug Store, November 1968 JOHN H. RANDOLPH Sr. Active (Creamery & Dairy Prod. Dist.), Retired, May 1919 DAVID REICH Auto Parts and Accessories Retailing, Dave’s Auto Parts, April 1961 G. ALLAN REID Sr. Active (Gas Producing), Retired—So. Penn Nat. Gas Co., Nov. 1948 PAUL O. RICE Young Men’s Christian Associations, May 1968 FRANK W. RIDGE Sr. Active (Confectionary Dist.) ,Goldsmit-Black Co., Feb. ’58 ROBERT W. RITCHEY Zirconium Refining, Amax Specialty Metals, Inc., July 1967 JOHN V. ROBERTS Life Insurance, Reagle-Roberts, Inc., March 1962 ROBERT E. ROBINSON Oil Pipe Line Operation, Eureka Pipe Line Co., April 1961 WILBUR E. RUEHL Groceries Retailing, Darrel’s Foodbasket, March 1967 BERNARD W. SCHMITT Education—Prep. Schools, St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary, Nov. 1968 GEORGE W. SHINDLEDECKER Soft Water Service, Culligan of Parkersburg, Inc., December 1966 O. FRANK SIEBEL Boys’ Work Organizations — Boys’ Club, March 1967 JOHN |. SINAR Refined Oil Products Distribution, John’s Oil Co., Nov. 1968 ROBERT II. STAUFFER Education—Universities, Parkersburg Center, West Va. Univ., May 1967 CARL E. STEPHENS General Contracting, Stephens Construction Co., July 1953 JOEL STERN Men’s Clothing Retailing, Stern Brothers, March 1957 GEORGE A. STEVENSON Municipal Planning Commissions, City-County Planning Commission, April 1967 PAUL E. STEWART Chambers of Commerce, Gr. Parkersburg Chamber of Commerce, May 1961 L. EDWARD SUTTER Industrial Glassware Mfg., Corning Glass Works, May 1967 NED II. TANNER Photographic Finishing, Premier Photo Service, Jjily 1963 DANIEL B. TAYLOR Education—-Public Schools, Wood Co. Bd. of Ed., May 1966 -----------------------------------------------------Page 21-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG ROTARIANS-1969 STEPHEN B. THOMPSON Drugs Distributing, Kauffman-Lattimer Co., February 1952 JOHN L. THORN Monument Manufacturing, Thorn Monument Co., November 1957 JACK W. TREHARNE Carbonated Beverage Dist., Seven-Up Bottling Co., Oct. 1952 ROBERT L. WATERS Fire Insurance, Miller & Waters Insurance Agency, Jan. 1965 WILLIAM F. WATSON Floor Duct Mfg., Walkcr/Parkersburg Div., Textron, Inc., July 1966 ROBERT F. WEISK1RCHER Christianity—Roman Catholic, St. Francis Xavier Church, May 1968 CARLTON E. WELCH Commercial Banking, Union Trust and Deposit Co., March 1967 DONALD C. WEST Mail Order Retailing, Sears, Roebuck & Co., March 1967 ROBERT P. WHEELER Civil Engineering, Wheeler Associates, Inc., March 1966 ANDREW C. WOOFTER, M. D. Internal Medicine, October 1957 FRANK R. YOKE, JR. Civil Law, Yoke and Yoke, August 1954 F. ROY YOKE, SR. Senior Active, Yoke and Yoke, September 1933 PARKERSBURG ROTARY SECRETARIES 1919- 20 —J. B. Wiles A. B. White 1920- 21 — Gill Robb Wilson 192D22 —Gill I. Wilson 1922-23—Gill I. Wilson 1923^24 —Gill I. Wilson 1924- 25 —Gill I. Wilson 1925- 26 — Gill I. Wilson 1926- 27—Gill I. Wilson 1927- 28 —Gill I. Wilson 1928- 29 —Gill [.Wilson 1929- 30 —Gill I. Wilson 1930- 31—Gill I. Wilson 1931- 32 —Gill I. Wilson 1932- 33 — Gill I. Wilson 1933- 34 —L. S. Michael 1934- 35 —L. S. Michael 1935- 36 — L. S. Michael 1936- 37 — Burhyl T. Henry 1937- 38 — Burhyl T. Henry 1938- 39 — Charles E. Arnold, Jr. 1939- 40 — Charles E. Arnold, Jr. 1940- 41—John D. Ankrom 1941- 42 — Charles H. Decker 1942- 43 — Charles H. Decker 1943- 44 — R a y Wyland 1944- 45 —Ray Wyland 1945- 46 —Ray Wyland 1946- 47 — Ray Wyland 1947- 48 — Ray Wyland 1948- 49 — Joseph L. Longmir 1949- 50 — Dwight O. Conner 1950- 51 — Dwight O. Conner 1951432—Dwight O. Conner 1952453— Dwight O. Conner 1953- 54 — Dwight O. Conner 1954- 55 — Dwight (). Conner 1955- 56 — Dwight O. Conner 1956- 57 _ p a ul C. Hartman 1957- 58 — Frank R. Yoke, Jr. 1958- 59—Frank R. Yoke, Jr. 1959- 60 —Frank M. Cain 1960- 61 — Frank M. Cain 1961- 62 — Frank M. Cain 1962- 63 — James B. Moellendick 1963- 64 — James B. Moellendick 1964- 65 — Paul E. Stewart 1965- 66 —Earl C. Dye, Jr. 1966- 67 — Earl C. Dye, Jr. 1967- 68 — Charles O. Casto 1968- 69 — E. David DuBois -----------------------------------------------------Page 22-----------------------------------------------------  FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT $ I ' CAMDEN-CLARK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Community Services At the regularly scheduled meeting of Monday, December 9, 1968, the Community Service Committee presented the program. A panel consisting of Chairman Jack Brooks, George Stevenson, Dr. Dick Coibitt and Milfred Campbell submitted to Rotary the Community Services project for the year 1968-1969. It was pointed out that many projects were worthy of consideration, but the committee wanted a lasting one in commemoration of our 50th Anniversary. The recommendation was for Rotary to make a Memorial Gift to the current Building Campaign of the Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. This Memorial Gift was to be a Nurse Station. The important function of a Nurse Station and the urgency of the Building Program were presented by the panel. A motion was made by Milfred Campbell that: The Parkersburg Rotary Club make a Memorial Gift of $8,000.00 to the Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital Building Fund to construct a Nurse Station and that a bronze plaque be placed on the wall of this Nurse Station commemorating the gift made by the Parkersburg Rotary Club in conjunction with its 50th Anniversary. Joe Hushion seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Parkersburg Rotary Club knows that again they have contributed to the community a worthwhile project that will have a long-lasting effect to the community. Members of Community Services Committee are: Jack Brooks, Chairman; Wes Bergdorf, George Breckenridge, Tom Graham, Andy Greiner, Cecil Hardy, Tom Harris, Chuck Harrison, Carle Lewis, Bill Mildren, Virgil Morris, Lark Maynard, Leland Merrill, Gene Pleninger, Harry Pitts, Carl Stephens, George Stevenson. -----------------------------------------------------Page 23-----------------------------------------------------  PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS ROTARY DISTRICT 753 Rotarians in District 753 are proud of those who have served as District Governor and who now comprise the College of Past Governors of District 753. Pictured above are: Left to right, bottom row, Governor Albert M. Morgan, W. A. Powell, Jr., of New Martinsville and Joe Marteney of Weston. Second row, Judge Mel Snyder of Kingwood, Lawrence R. Snyder of Morgantown and Edward Hartman of Weirton. Third row, Paul King of Ripley, George Eubanks of New Martinsville and Bernard Flood of Parkersbur Fourth row, Bud Saylor of Clarksburg, Dr. Clair Jarvis of Parkersburg and Edgar Jaynes of Fairmont. Top row, Brad Laidley of Morgantown, Spike Bisping of Clarksburg and Governor Nominee Robert E. Mentzer of Weirton. -----------------------------------------------------Page 24-----------------------------------------------------  OUR CLUB ENJOYS LUNCHEON PROGRAM GOOD FELLOWSHIP AND GOOD SPEAKERS -----------------------------------------------------Page 25-----------------------------------------------------  WHAT ROTARY HAS MEANT TO ,4s Expressed By Ed, PJ. and Art EDWARD J. HIEHLE — Rotary is something very special to me! Upon many occasions I’ve driven 50 to 100 miles for a ^Make Up.” I’m jealous of my 100% attendance mi irk! My Theatre classification in Parkersburg, Marietta and Newark, Ohio, gave me 19 years of consecutive membership, plus returning to Parkersburg these past four years in Building Maintenance Senior Active Class. “PARTICIPATE” is this year’s Theme, and “Service Above Self.” I’ll Take It! ****** DR. P. J. CORBITT — Since I have been a member of Rotary Club for almost 43 years I believe my main benefit over these many years has been my association with a wonderful bunch of fellows. I believe the biggest thrill I got out of Rotary was when we had the Crippled Children’s Program in the late twenties or early thirties. The late Fred Summers and myself were a committee of two on this program. We selected a boy whose parents were very poor. He was about ten years of age and radically club footed. His feet were practically turned opposite. He could walk only by using crutches. The club at that time assessed each member to carry on the program. We sent this boy to Dr. Jones’ Orthopedic Clinic. When he came back about two years later, he came to my office. It was on Monday, and 1 was most happy to take him to the Rotary Clulb for lunch. The Club was amazed to see the progress he had made. He was walking very well with the aid of a cane. He finished High School and has been employed by an Akron rubber company for the past thirty years. His present salary is $17,000 a year. He is married and has three children, all normal. Whenever he is in Parkersburg he always comes to see me and thanks me for the wonderfid help he received from the Rotary Club. I think this is the most outstanding thing that Rotary has meant to me. ****** ART OLIVER, SR.— My first thoughts of Rotary go back quite a few years, in fact before I ever became a member. There was a very pleasant young girl who was employed in one of the offices in downtown Parkersburg. 1 would see her on the street and we would pass the time of day. She was crippled and walked on the ankle of one foot. There was a period of time that I did not see her. When we again met, 1 was surprised to see that she was no longer crippled. I asked what had happened and she told me that the Rotary Club had arranged for her to have an operation. I think that Dr. Harris performed the operation but it may have been done out-of-town. I cannot remember, but 1 do recall how happy Rotary made this girl. It was then and there that I decided I would like to become a Rotary member. I was later asked to join and our clulb has done many nice things through the years but I keep remembering that very happy girl. This is what Rotary has always meant to me. -----------------------------------------------------Page 26-----------------------------------------------------  ROTARY BEGAN IN PARKERSBURG 50 YEARS AGO "OUR TOWN" IN 1919 LOOKING SOUTH ON MARKET ABOVE SEVENTH Population—25,000 CHARTER ROTARY MEMBERSHIP-27 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 45,000 Members 530 Clubs -----------------------------------------------------Page 27-----------------------------------------------------  PARKERSBURG IN 1969 OZvtaty 7£a& Skated (jtowtk and Ptogtew 1969 ROTARY MEMBERSHIP 120 PARKERSBURG POPULATION 50,000 Rotary International 640,000 MEMBERS 13,400 CLUBS 145 COUNTRIES -----------------------------------------------------Page 28-----------------------------------------------------  PICTURES SPEAK LOUDER THAN A 1,000 WORDS V « 1] / ■ * ■ ▼ lisSS -----------------------------------------------------Page 29-----------------------------------------------------  GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY -----------------------------------------------------Page 30-----------------------------------------------------  THE ROTARY CLUB PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY TtaCf Qentuzy of Sezoice and *Jettow&kip DISTRICT 753 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL -----------------------------------------------------Page 31-----------------------------------------------------