COPY OF CHARTER
ISSUED TO
ROTARY CLUB OF SEBRING
BY
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
This certifies that the Rotary Club of
SEBRING, FLORIDA
Having been duly organized and having agreed, through its officers and members, to be bound by the Constitution and By-Laws, of Rotary International which agreement is evidenced by the acceptance of this certificate, is now a duly elected member of
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
CLUB NO. 1816
and is entitled to all the rights and privileges of such membership.
In witness whereof the seal of Rotary International is hereto affixed and the signatures of its officers, duly authorized, are subscribed hereto this eighth, day of September, Anno Domini 1924.
(Signed by) Everett W. Hill________________________
President, Rotary International
(Signed by) Chesley R. Perry_______________________
Secretary, Rotary International
HISTORY OF
THE ROTARY CLUB OF SEBRING, FLORIDA
THE FOUNDER
In the city of Cumberland, Maryland a young man by the name of R.G. Haskins married a young lady by the name of Josephine Pennington and a short time later moved to the little town of Junior, West Virginia, overlooking the Tygart River in the South-east corner of Barbour County and there settled down to make their home and raise their family.
In the course of due time this union was rewarded by the arrival of four children, two girls and two boys. One of the boys, born in 1892 was christened Fairfax T. This child was destined, thirty-two years later, in 1924 to become the father of The Rotary Club of Sebring.
The family remained in West Virginia until 1903 when they moved to Winter Haven, Florida where Fairfax (affectionately called Fax) received his education. He attended the Winter Haven High School and the John B. Stetson University where he received his L.L.B. degree. While in college he was captain of both the football and the baseball teams and in his junior year edited the school paper. Years later in 1945, he received the Honorary Degree of L.L.D., from the John B. Stetson University.
When he was 18 years of age in the year 1910 he spent his summer vacation at Paw Paw Lake in Michigan where he met and became well acquainted with Paul Harris the founder of Rotary. During these visits with Paul Harris he became vitally interested in Rotary and ever after that he had a burning desire to become a Rotarian.
In 1916 a personal friend, George E. Sebring, persuaded him to come to Sebring, Florida and open a law office which he did.
While living in Winter Haven he met and fell in love with a young lady by the name of Idell Lee. This friendship continued and on July 23rd, 1921 he returned to Winter Haven to claim Idell as his bride and brought her back to Sebring, here to make their home.
In 1924 he organized the Rotary Club of Sebring and was elected to serve our club as its first President for the Rotary Year 1924-25 and was reelected for the same office for 1925-26. He also served our club as its Secretary-Treasurer during the year 1932-33.
In the Rotary year 1941-42 acting in the typical Rotary spirit of "Service Above Self" he served as Governor of this district which was then the 167th District of Rotary International.
During the thirty years that have intervened he has indeed proven to be a good father to our club, ever present, ever active, ever ready to five needed counsel and advice and always ready to do his share in the work constituting the activity of our club.
At our Inter-City meeting with the Avon Park Rotary Club on November 15, 1954 he was to have been the principal speaker. This was in celebration of the Thirteenth anniversary of the two clubs and rather elaborate preparations had been made. After the opening of the meeting the announcement was made that "Fax" had been stricken with a heart attack and was then in Walker Memorial Hospital. Two weeks later, on November 29th, we were again saddened by the news that he had passed to the great beyond.
Our own "Fax", the father of our club and the dynamo that supplied the power to keep our Rotary Wheel turning until it had attained sufficient momentum to establish its own equilibrium, had passed to that better land from which there is no return; a land with more responsibilities and offering greater opportunities for the pursuit of his favorite activity, "Service Above Self."
He is survived by his daughter Juanita who lives in Sebring.
Sebring Rotarians can never forget his love and steadfast devotion to Rotary, the cause that was so dear to his heart. We can but pray that we will, ourselves, be able to emulate his example and that we shall be able to carry on the work he started and so well established with its consequent benefit to the community.
Funeral services, held in the Methodist Church, Sebring at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, Dec. 1st, 1954, were in charge of Rev. H.D. Graetz, of Avon Park assisted by Rev. Luther L. Price and Rev. Edward J. Rees, both of Sebring. The body was taken to Winter Haven for burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
At the close of the service Rev. Graetz quoted one verse from a poem, A favorite of Fax's.
Twas a glorious game from the opening bell,
Good plays, bad plays and thrills pell mell,
The speed of the game burned my years away
But I thank the Great Coach that he let me play.
ORGANIZATION
The idea of a Rotary Club in Sebring originated with Fairfax T. Haskins and had been occupying much of his thought for a number of years, so late in the year 1923 he decided the time was ripe. It was first necessary to select a sufficient number of men with the proper moral standing in the community and a satisfactory professional or business classification. His first selection was Dan M. Andrews, under the classification Fine Arts & Music. Together they agreed on a third party then the three unanimously selected a fourth and so on until the complete roster of 23 charter members had been selected.
This process necessarily required quite a little time and several meetings, but on July 18, 1924 the final organization meeting was held in the offices of Fairfax T. Haskins, Attorney at Law, Highlands Bank & Trust Company Building. Twenty-three men were present. F. T. Haskins was appointed Chairman of the Organization Committee. A preliminary organization was effected. The Charter No. 1816 was issued by Rotary International September 8th, 1924. Presentation of our Charter was made jointly with the Avon Park Rotary Club by District Governor Wm. C. Lanier of West Point, GA., assisted by Chas. C. Williams, Secretary of the Lakeland Rotary Club and delegations from Rotary Clubs of Ft. Meyers, Lakeland, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Live Oak, Haines City and Orlando, at Lake Byrd Lodge on the evening of September 12th, 1924.
The first officers elected in the Sebring Rotary Club on July 18th, 1924, to act until the fiscal year ending March 31st, 1925 were:
F. T. Haskins, President G. F. Bobb, Treasurer
E. O. Douglas, 1st Vice-President R. O. Baker, Secretary
R. N. Durrance, 2nd Vice-President
There were 22 members at the close of the year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
F. T. Haskins E. O. Douglas H.O. Sebring G. A. Nash G. F. Bobb R. O. Baker B. L. Laird
Committee chairmen appointed for the ensuing year were:
MEMBERSHIP R. N. Durrance PUBLICITY T. V. Conway
PROGRAM Dan Andrews BUSINESS METHODS E. L. Hainz
FELLOWSHIP Dick Hart ATTENDANCE R. O. Baker
PUBLIC AFFAIRS H. O. Sebring BOYS WORK W. Z. Dalgety
ROTARY EDUCATION B. L. Laird CLASSIFICATION G. F. Bobb
SECOND YEAR 1925 - 1926
F. T. HASKINS PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
H. O. Sebring T. V. Conway G. R. Perrine E. O. Douglas Dr. H. V. Weems R. O. Baker
F. T. Haskins and R. O. Baker were re-elected respectively President and Secretary. H. O. Sebring, Vice President, E. O. Douglas, Treasurer. The club was very active during this year in aiding the Boy Scouts work, Chamber of Commerce, Woman?s Club and various charities. Added ten new members to its roll. T. V. Conway represented the club at the International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, June 15th, 16th, 1925. Membership at the close of year was 32.
THIRD YEAR 1926 - 1927
H. O. SEBRING PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
F. T. Haskins E. P. Martin W. S. Clinton R. O. Baker E. O. Douglas T. V. Conway
H. O. Sebring was elected President for the ensuing years; R. P. Martin, Vice president, R. O. Baker re-elected Secretary Treasurer. This being the year that the Sebring High School Band was organized it was naturally a year of great activity for our club. More details of this event appear later under the heading "The Sebring High School Bands"
FOURTH YEAR 1927 - 1928
R. NEIL CURRANCE PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
F. T. Haskins R. P. Martin R. O. Baker Col. F. N. K. Bailey E. O. Douglas Prof. Gustat
THE SEBRING HIGH SCHOOL BAND
The Sebring High School Band was sponsored and started by the Rotary Club of Sebring in the year 1927. For a description of the band and its activities I quote from a letter written on November 1st, 1939 by Ford W. Heacock, Sr., President of our local club, to Mr. Leland D. Case, Editor of the Rotarian for use in that magazine.
?Professor Peter J. Gustat, an accomplished musician, with a large experience in the directing of bands, was the director of the Sebring Municipal Band in 1926. Late in that year the Municipal band was disbanded on account of financial conditions. At that time several Rotarians requested Professor Gustat to appear before the Club and endeavor to interest it in sponsoring a school band. This suggestion was immediately approved by the club and in order to supply sufficient instruments with which to start the band the Rotary Club underwrote the project for $3000.00 with a view of letting the student players pay for their instruments as they could. The final outcome of this first commitment by the club was that we actually paid $1800.00 of the above amount. This amount was paid by the club and individual members thereof. Since that time the club has continually supported the band financially by putting on minstrel shows for their benefit, by making outright donations for the purchase of new instruments, uniforms, music and other requirements. AT the present time the Rotary Club budgets $100.00 each year for the band. In addition to this amount, individual Rotarians subscribe to the Band fund. Of course to get the complete picture of our situation you must know that this band has grown in such proportions that it now has its own Band Association which handles the details concerning its operations and also all of its funds. In this Association Rotary is liberally represented.
"The band project was a success from the very beginning, both in so far as its musical ability was concerned and as a definite community asset rendering a real service. During our winter season the Ban plays a regular Sunday afternoon concert, the band is on call for any unusual celebration or activity within the City and innumerable times during the year it is invited to neighboring cities to help them in putting on celebrations, conventions, and activities of that nature."
"Each year there is a state contest held in the state of Florida for high school bands. The bands are classified in accordance with the enrollment of the high school. Our school enrollment is in the lowest bracket which classifies us as a Class C Band. Class B Bands are those with a high school registration of 250 to 500. Class A Bands are those with a high school registration of 500 and over. Regardless of these classifications you are permitted to participate in a higher class if you so desire, but not in a lower one. The first state contest we participated in was in 1929 and at that time we competed in Class B and won highest honors in the state for that class band. In 1930 we again participated in the state contest but competed as a Class A Band and won the state championship. We have competed in this state contest each year since then as a Class A Band and have won highest honors each year."
?National contests for High School Bands are conducted on a regional basis and we are in the eighth region, which consists of seven Southeastern States. The rules of this contest are the same as in the state contest. We went to the regional contest in 1937 which was held at Rock Hill, North Carolina, and won highest honors with the same rating as mentioned above. This is remarkable when you consider that we are competing with schools having high school enrollments of 3000 or more. At both state and national contests, individuals and groups, such as Woodwind quartettes, Saxophone quartets, brass quartets, woodwind ensembles, French horn quartets and trios compete and are rated by the state or national judges as to their respective abilities. In this phase of the contests we have been more than successful, as individual members of our band during the last ten years have won innumerable first, second and third honors.
In addition to the community service rendered by this ban in Sebring it has been a great influence and inspiration to high school bands in other towns throughout the state and has also had its effect among those bands attending the national contests from other states, by setting a high standard of efficiency, which has made it inspirational to the other bands.
Graduates from this band are in demand by universities and college throughout the southeast and each year a liberal number of scholarships are offered to the graduating class. Over the period of the last ten years over $100,000.00 in scholarships have been offered to graduates from this band. Last year, for example, $10,000.00 in scholarships was offered of which the graduates took advantage of $9,000.00. This work has been going on long enough now to where we also fine some of our graduates have completed their college educations and is now holding responsible music teaching positions.
"Rotarian P. J. Gustat, the director of this band since its beginning, is the real driving force that put this project over in this community"
The band at that time, 1039, consisted of sixty-five members and continued on its unbroken line of success up to and through the depression years when, although they were having a struggle, they kept their chins up and marched on.
They gave their regular weekly concerts in Sebring and made many trips to neighboring and distant cities setting patterns for other bands and pointing to a goal toward which they should march. At the close of the 1949-50 school years Peter Gustat having reached the age of seventy retired and his son Paul was selected to fill his place. Two years later, on May 17, 1952, Peter Gustat died.
FIFTH YEAR 1928-1929
COL. F. N. K. BAILEY PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
F. T. Haskins R. O. Baker T. V. Conway H. O. Sebring P. J. Gustat R. N. Durrance
SIXTH YEAR 1929-1930
W. C. PARKER PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Col. F. N. K. Bailey R. O. Baker Pem. Pemberton P. J. Gustat R. N. Durrance Dr. H. V. Weems
As the Sebring High School band was still in the formative stage, the principal activity of our club, during the fourth, fifth and sixth years, was in connection with the band, rendering such service as we could, financially or otherwise, as occasion demanded.
SEVENTH YEAR 1930-1931
H. J. PEMBERTON & DR. J. M. ADAMS PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Col. F. N. K. Bailey R. O. Baker W. C. Parker R. N. Durrance Dr. H. V. Weems Dr. J. M. Adams
EIGHTH YEAR 1931-1932
P. J. GUSTAT PRESIDENT
R. O. BAKER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
H. O. Sebring R. O. Baker H. J. Pemberton W. C. Parker R. N. Durrance F. T. Haskins
NINTH YEAR 1932-1933
FR. P. D. O'BRIEN PRESIDENT
F. T. HASKINS SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
P. J. Gustat H. A. Broking W. J. Layton
F. T. Haskins C. E. Lien J. M. Adams
TENTH YEAR 1933-1934
DR. H. V. WEEMS PRESIDENT
M. F. MCGEE SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fr. P. D. O'Brien Prof. Gustat W. J. Layton
M. F. McGee Ebb. Gallaher J. M. Adams
The four preceding years were depression years and naturally problems of a different nature and much more urgent than in normal years, were present, demanding quick and positive action.
In order to be of help in an effectual manner, in the solution of these pressing problems a committee was appointed consisting of a Catholic Priest, Fr. P. D. O'Brien and a Methodist Minister, Rev. Bill Clinton both members of our club. This committee, as might be expected, was very efficient and active and our older members now look back on these years and remember with gratitude that during those trying times our club was able to quietly do a considerable amount toward the relief of distressing conditions.
Also during this time our club began to take a more active part in Boy Scout work and appointed one of our members, Judge Wm. J. Barker as Scout Master to work with one of the troops in which we were particularly interested.
Our annual dues which were $25.00 payable $12.50 semi-annually were sufficient for club expenses but did now leave enough for charity and other outside, activities so it was necessary to raise money by other means; this was done both by direct donations by those of our membership who could afford it and by other means such as concerts, card parties, etc.
During the Presidency of Dr. H. V. Weems it was decided to change the plan of collecting dues from semi-annually payments to weekly payments of $.50 each payable at our luncheon meetings. This plan has proven to be good and is an effectual help to our treasury.
ELEVENTH YEAR 1934-1935
M. B. MCGEE PRESIDENT
L. H. ALSMEYER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ebb Gallaher L. H. Alsmeyer Selwyn Ives
Ford Heacock Dr. H. V. Weems Jim Melton
AS PUBLISHED IN THE AVON PARK TIMES, 9-21-34
ROTARY CLUBS JOINT MEETING
Avon Park and Sebring Clubs celebrate their tenth anniversary.
The tenth anniversary of the founding of Sebring and Avon Park Rotary clubs was celebrated Wednesday night with a banquet at the Jacaranda Hotel in Avon Park with about 80 Rotarians, Former Rotarian s and their wives present.
Charles H. Williams, of Lakeland, who was responsible for the organization of the two clubs was present at the dinner and made a short talk in which he told of the organization of the clubs which were the only clubs in existence in towns as small as Sebring and Avon Park were at that time.
F. T. Haskins, first president of the Sebring Rotary Club, presided as toastmaster. Ed. R. Bentley of Lakeland, past district governor of Rotary in Florida, was the principal speaker of the evening.
W. T. Coates, president of the Avon Park club, delivered the address of welcome and M. F. McGee, president of the Sebring club, cut the huge birthday cake.
The principal activity for the Rotary year 1934-35 was the supplying of glasses to school children whose parents were not financially able to supply them. This activity was carried on by our club for a number of years and was the favorite charity of our genial president "Mac."
TWELFTH YEAR 1935-1936
SELWIN C. IVES PRESIDENT
L. H. ALSMEYER SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
M. F. McGEE JIM MELTON FAX HASKINS L. H. ALSMEYER FORD HEACOCK, SR. PROF. GUSTAT
THIRTEENTH YEAR 1936-1937
L. H. ALSMEYER PRESIDENT
JIM F. MELTON SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IVES MAXCY ADAMS WEEMS KAHN MELTON
During this administration the Rotary Club of Sebring gave the first Teacher's Night Party and that practice has continued through the years up to the present time.
Also during this administration the first budget was adopted ad adhered to and the first direct loan was made to the student by the club.
Dr. W. J. Layton, a member of our club and a former member of our Board of Directors passed away the day before the inter-city meeting with Avon Park at Lake Byrd Lodge. This was the first loss by death of an active member to be sustained by the club.
It was decided by the Board of Directors to make future donations to the Sebring High School Band a part of our budget instead of raising the money by having concerts and minstrels.
FOURTEENTH YEAR 1937-1938
JIM F. MELTON PRESIDENT
J. M. BUNCH SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. J. M. Adams G. Maxcy J. M. Bunch L. H. Alsmeyer J. Stephenson Dr. H. V. Weems
FIFTEENTH YEAR 1938-1939
GUIGNARD MAXCY PRESIDENT
V. G. WATTERS SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. F. Melton Dr. J. M. Adams J. M. Bunch L. H. Alsmeyer J. T. Williams V. G. Watters
AS PUBLISHED IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER UNDER DATE OF 9-12-38.
The early days of Rotary on the Ridge were recalled last night in a joint celebration when Rotarians and Rotary-Ann?s and their families gathered at the Santa Rosa Hotel to participate while enjoying a delicious chicken dinner in the annual charter night of the Sebring Rotary Club.
President Guy and Mrs. Maxcy presided at the gathering with Ford Heacock ably serving in the role of program director, and Fax Haskins - one of the four charter members present - relating in brief the colorful history of the "first baby community in Florida to receive a Rotary club charter," which honor was enjoyed simultaneously with Avon Park.
?It is with a choky sensation that I look back on the day the Sebring Club received its charter and recall its members of which but four are here tonight; Dr. H. V. Weems, George E. Sebring, Neil Durrance and myself. On our first charter night we had, Bill Dalgety, Bill Amy, Dick Hart, Basil Bowden, George E. Sebring, Sr., Bus Rasco, Bill Perrine, E. O. Douglas and a dozen others all now deceased or gone from the city or state.
It was those same Rotarians who dared to organize and underwrite the Sebring High School band after a consultation with P. J. Gustat who advised us at the time that we were launching upon an almost impossible undertaking. But he is still with us and has since - I trust - changed his attitude.?
Though our initial quota was some $3,800.00, we have been accused at times, by those who do not know the ban?s history of not contributing generously.
The speaker after recalling many humorous incidents, tolled off the years and likewise the names of past presidents of the local Rotary club, the mention of which unfolds a veritable cavalcade of local history. From 1924 to the present day they are: F. T. Haskins, (2 terms); George E. Sebring, Neal Durrance, F. N. K. Bailey, J. C. Pemberton, Dr. J. M. Adams, P. J. Gustat, Rev. Patrick O?Brien, Dr. H. V. Weems, M. F. McGee, Selwyn C. Ives, Louis H. Alsmeyer, James Melton and the current president, Guy Maxcy.
About 65 attended.
At a board meeting held September 20, 1938 it was moved by Adams, seconded and passed that the club pay for on Highlands Hammock Sign, at a cost no to exceed $54.00.
SIXTEENTH YEAR 1939 - 1940
FORD HEACOCK, SR. PRESIDENT
S.J. RUDASILL, SR. SECRETARY/TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rev. Floyd Jim Meltor R. O. Turner G. Maxcy S. J. Rudasill, Sr. W. G. Watters
At a regualr Board Meeting of the Directors held on Sept. 12, 1939, a motion was made by Rev. Floyd, seconded by V. G. Watters and approved by the board quthorizing Ford Heacock as President and S. J. Rudasill as Secretary of the Sebring Rotary Club, to endorse a note of $100.00 at Tropical State Bank for loan to Jim Hancock for Jeanette Hancock for the purpose of continuing her school work at University of Tampa. This note is to be paid by Mr. Hancock at $5.00 monthly for nine months, and the balance of $50.00 to be paid at the end of one year from September 11, on which it was executed.
On may 6th, 1940 it was moved by Maxcy, seconded by Melton, and passed for Rotary Club to make up whatever deficit there is from the band trip to West Palm Beach.
It was moved by Maxcy, seconded by Floyd, and passed to increase budget on flasses to $80.00 if necessary.
The Annual Rotary Intervational Convention was held in Havana, Cuba this year and President Ford Heacock and Past President Guignard Maxcy together with their Rotary-Anns attended as representatives of the Sebring Club.
As this was a war year considerable time was spent by President Heacock and other members of the club in assisting the Government in arranging for the airport and the home building projects for housing the Air Force Personnel as well as assisting the Government in the sale of War Bonds.
Addition to the above the club carried on its regular activities such as Teacher's Night, Boy Scout work, contributions to the School Lunch Fund, etc.
SEVENTEENTH YEAR 1940-1941
V. G. WATTERS PRESIDENT
JIM FULTON SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ford Heacock, Sr. S. J. Rudasill, Sr. Jim Fulton J. F. Melton J. M. Graham R. O. Turner
EIGHTEENTH YEAR 1941-1942
S. J. RUDASILL, SR. PRESIDENT
JIM FULTON SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Fulton H. G. Livingston R. O. Turner A. K. Hallett J. F. Melton V. G. Watters
During the year of S. J. Rudasill, Sr.'s adminstration the following list of expenditures appeared. These are for activitities other than the regular conduct of the club.
Defense Council $10.00
Woman's Club $ 5.00
Ladies Night $13.00
Inter City Meeting $14.00
Florida Educational Loan Corp. $33.00
Glasses for needy children $100.00
Christmas Treat $27.97
Miscellaneous $20.00
Diversified Training $32.00
Teacher's Night $15.00
Total $270.47
It should not be assumed that the $15.00 listed above as the cost for Teacher's Night or other similar parties represents the entire cost.
If the total cost of a party was, for example, $265.00 and $250.00 was received from the sale of tickets to Rotarians and Rotary-Anns, this would leave a deficit of $15.00 to be paid from the Club Treasury and is the amount listed as expense.
NINETEENTH YEAR 1942-1943
J. M. STEPHENSON PRESIDENT
A. K. HALLETT SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chas. Longbottom A. K. Hallett Rev. R. C. Floyd J. F. Melton Jim Fulton S. Rudasill, Sr.
TWENTIETH YEAR 1943-1944
DR. R. L. JOHNSON PRESIDENT
V. G. WATTERW SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C. Longbottom S. Rudasill, Sr. Rev. R. C. Floyd V. G. Watters J. F. Melton J. Stephenson
TWENTY-FIRST YEAR 1944-1945
REV. R. C. FLOYD PRESIDENT
C. L. LONGBOTTOM SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chas. Longbottom Alex Blair T. N. Wyatt Dr. R. L. Johnson J. F. Melton J Stephenson
During the Rotary Year 1944 - 1945 under the presidency of Rev. R. C. Floyd we find expenses listed for activities under the Community Service committee as follows:
Florida Educational Loan Corp. $38.00
Boy Scouts $20.00
High School Band $50.00
Sebring High School Annual $15.00
Teacher's & Ladies' Nights $75.50
Apples - Christmas $17.50
Total $216.00
TWENTY-SECOND YEAR 1945 - 1946
C. L. LONGBOTTOM PRESIDENT
J. R. CARTWRIGHT SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. R. Cartwright F. Heacock, SR. S. J. Rudasill, Sr. Rev. R. C. Floyd Dr. R. L. Johnson T. N. Wyatt
Early in 1945 the need for more recreational facilities for children was becoming more and more apparent. This was brought to the attention of the Rotary Club and a committee was appointed to check into the matter and see waht could be done to relieve the situation and determine where playground equipment could be placed so it would serve the greatest number of children.
After considerable time, thought and investigation it was decided to equip Tuscawilla Park located directly across the street from the Court House, this being in a location where there would not be too much traffic endangering the lives or well being of the children, yet being centrally enough located that it would be easily available to all who wished to take advantage of it.
At a Board of Directors Meeting on July 12th, 1945 a motion was made and passed that "Up to $729.00 be paid for play-ground equipment for "Tuscawilla Park."
The equipment selected included such items as a merry-go-round, an all metal slide for small children, a larger all metal slide for larger children, one set of six all metal swings, one set of six all metal swings for smaller children, trapeze, teeter-totter, etc.
After nine years in which it had a lot of hard use the equipment for the most part is still in use and in very good condition although on e or two pieces are in need of repair or replacement.
TWENTY-THIRD YEAR 1946-1947
J. H. CARTWRIGHT PRESIDENT
T. N. WYATT SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
V. G. Watters Dr. R. L. Johnson S. J. Rudasill, Sr. F. Heacock Chas. Longbottom T. N. Wyatt
Projects suggested for club participation:
"Establish concession at county courthouse to be operated by blind person in conformity with State law concerning such stands. Such concession selling cold drinks, candy, tobacco, magazines, papers, etc., all profit to go to operator of concession. This suggestion was referred to proper club committee for investigation
Lookout Committee
(Signed) Chas. Longbottom
This concession was soon established and has been operating ever since.
TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR 1947-1948
J CLAGETT TAYLOR PRESIDENT
THOS. T. WYLIE SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. R. L. Johnston Chas Longbottom J. Stephenson F. T. Haskins S. J. Rudasill, Sr. T. T. Wylie
EUROPEAN RELIEF FUND FOR ROTARIANS
At the close of the second World War vast areas in Europe lay in ruins, millions of people were destitute and idsease was spreading, at an alarming rate because of undernourishment, sanitation, insufficient clothing and shelter.
Rotary Clubs throughout the U.S.A., organized and supported the European Relief Fund for Rotarians.
The Rotary Club of Sebring was quite active in this and collected good used clothing, had them all dry cleaned and sent about twelve large packages to the devastated areas where they were received by the proper Rotary Committees and distributed according to need.
On club of France reciprocated by sending us a gross of glass ash trays. When these trays were received it was decided to auction them off to the club members. This was done and prduced a substantial amount, some trays bringing as much as $10.00, which total amount was added to the amount already raised and forwarded to Europe to the Rotary Relief Committee.
TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR 1948-1949
ALEX BLAIR PRESIDENT
JACK INGLE SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Puckett C. Schaeffer C. Taylor Chuck Rafferty C. Longbottom Dr. R. L. Johnston
The following items appear in this year's expense as contributions to the various activities coming under the classification of Communtiy Service.
High School Band $50.00
Boy Scouts $20.00
Girl Scouts $10.00
Athletic Association $50.00
Christmas Party $25.00
National Honor Society $10.00
Under Privileged Children $50.00
T. B. Association $10.00
March of Dimes $10.00
Total $235.00
At a Board Meeting Jack Ingle was asked to present projects to help young farmers in securing improved lives-stock. The details of handling pig and catle projects was presented and information as to the availability of several registered pigs was presented.
Alex Blair and Jack Ingle waived their $25.00 each allowed by the club for their expenses in attending the District Assembly and gave instructions that it be applied on the purchase of eight pigs.
TWENTY-SIXTH YEAR 1949-1950
BILL PUCKETT PRESIDENT
JACK INGLE SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alex Blair Chas. Longbottom Jim Drane Ben Eastman C. Rafferty Jack Ingle
During the Rotary Year 1949-1950 the following amount was expended by the club in the various activities coming under the heading of Community Service.
High School Band $50.00
Boy Scouts $20.00
Girl Scouts $10.00
Athletic Association $50.00
Christmas Party $40.00
National Honor Society $10.00
Under Privileged Children $20.00
Highlands Co. Health Assn. $50.00
Total $250.00
At a special meeting of the Board of Directors held on Dec. 5th, 1949 it was moved by Jack Ingle, seconded and passed that our club underwrite all necessary repairs on the Boy Scout House on Huckleberry Lake. The funds to be raised by individual subscription.
When this was wxplained at our next meeting, one of our visitors, J. D. Earle, got up and said that he thought the visiting Yankees should be permitted to help out. This resulted in $100.00 being raised that day.The next Monday we made $50.00 on the Dutch Auction sale of woven goods made of palmetto.
The total cost of repairs on the cabin was $225.00 including a new roof and made a very nice, suitable meeting place for the Boy Scouts.
During this administration the directors became convinced that driver education should be included in the courses fiven in the Sebring Public School. This was very soon put into effect and many students availed themselves of this privilege. During the four years that have intervend not one of the sutdents who took the course have had a major accident.
It has benefited the student,
It has benefited the community,
It has been "Beneficial to all concerned."
TWENTY-SEVENTH YEAR 1950-1951
MILLS LORD PRESIDENT
SMITH RUDASILL, JR. SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Drane Bill Pucket L. Peeples C. L. Longbottom S. Rudasill, Jr. Dave Sperring
Late in the year 1950 our club became increasingly interested in Boy Scout work. Accordingly, therefore, the proper Scout officials were contacted and Scout Troop #141 was assigned to the Rotary Club of Sebring for sponsorship. The following officers were chosen and organization completed.
Troop Officials No. of Boys and Explorers
IR--- Ben O. Eastman 16 Boys
Chmn---Ben O. Eastman 1 Explorer
TC - Thos. E. Pepper SM- Russel R. Bevis
TC - David H Sperring ASM - Smith J. Rudasill, Jr.
TC - V. L. Peeples ASM - Jack L. Adams
The above Scout Troop #141 meets regularly in the Scout House, located on South Commerce Street, Sebring, each Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock. They have Troop camp at least once each month and attend District and Council events. Their teaching and activity includes developing of skills needed for advancements, games, marching in parades, assisting in conservation projects and other like activities. One of the last projects in which they played an important part was the elimination of hyacinths from Lake Jackson.
Key
IR - Institutional Representative SM - Scout Master
TC - Troop Committeman ASM - Asst. Scout Master
EXPL. ADV. - Explorer Advisor
TWENTY-EIGHTH YEAR 1951-1952
WM. C. SCHAEFFER PRESIDENT
SMITH RUDASILL, JR. SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mills Lord S. J. Rudasill, Jr. Clarence Eckroth Wade Seaborn Jack Ingle Bill Puckett
The following members of our club were appointed to serve Scout Troop #141 as their officials for the year.
IR - Wm. C. Schaeffer No. of boys and explorers
Chmn. - W. J. Puckett
TC - Wade Seaborn 39 Boy Scouts
TC - Charles V. Maxcy 3 Explorers
TC - Jack L. Ingle SM - R. L. Taylor
TC - Marshall E. Jordon ASM - Robert G. Baylor
The annual Teacher's Night was held at Harder Hall on September 22nd, 1952 where a delicious dinner was served in a, filled to capacity, dining room.
After the meal we retired to the lobby where, with Rev. Carwithen in charge, we chose sides and all took part in the Olympic Games of 1952.
Everyone enjoyed the evening very much and from the standpoint of helping the new teachers to get acquainted, which was the main object of the meeting, it was a success.
At this time the Sebring High School Band was badly in need of some new instruments which it was determined would cost $1100.00 so the Sebring Rotary Club under-wrote the entire amount. Of this the Sebring Band Association assumed $400.00 leaving $700.00 for the Rotary Club to pay. This was raised as follows:
Two hundred dollars from the sale of Citrus Fruit donated by Charles Sebring, one of our members.
Seventy-five dollars from the collection of three Soft Ball Games with the Lions Club, all three of which were won by the Lions, but that was perfectly fair for we got the entire collection from all three games.
Two hundred dollars from a box supper given at Hammock State Park.
Fifty dollars from Dutch Auctions at our meetings. This left on hundred and seventy-five dollars which was paid freom our treasury.
THIRTIETH YEAR 1953 - 1954
W. A. VINCENT PRESIDENT
ROBT. G. BAYLOR SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Ingle Chas. Longbottom S. J. Rudasill, Jr. Wade Seaborn Dr. W. S. Coon Rev. E. F. Carwithen
The following members of our club were appointed to serve Scout Troop #141 as there officials for the year.
IR - R. E. Dutton No. of Boys and Explorers
CHMN - Chas. Longbottom
TC - Fred Winters 25 Boy Scouts
TC - M. E. Jordon 8 Explorers
TC - Ford W. Heacock, Jr.
TC - Frank Morgan SM - R. L. Taylor
Explo. Adv. J. W. Seaborn
ASM - Leslie J. Lloyd
As a little variation in our weekly program President Vincent put some questions regarding Rotary on the black-board each week and one of our members was asked to give the answer. This proved to be a very effectual method of improving our Rotary education.
In January 1954, Presidnet W. A. Vincent approached the writer with the request that he go over all the old club records and write a Club History. Accordingly therefore the work was started but it was a slow process and had to be carried over into the next Rotary Year for completion.
From Jan. 1st, 1954 to July 1st, 1954 constituting the last half of the Rotary Year '53 - '54 the following contributions were made to the various activities named below, coming under the classification of Community Service.
Robes for Glee Club Chorus $60.00
Athletic Association Dinner $25.00
T. B. Association $10.00
Boy Scouts, Troop #141 $50.00
(Refreshments) $14.64
Christmas Party $30.00
March of Dimes $35.00
Boy Scouts, Troop #141 $50.00
American Legion Ball Club $10.00
Total $284.64
For quite a number of years it has been the custom of the Rotary Club of Sebring to give a Teacher's Night Prty as soon as practical after the opening of the public schools in the fall.
To this party all of the teachers in the Sebring Public Schools as well as all Rotarians and Rotary-Anns were invited. The object of having the party was to have all of the teachers, especially the new ones to get as well acquainted as possible so they would feel at home and enjoy their work.
The last year's party was held at Harder Hall on Monday evening September 14th, 1953. The program consisted of singing by the Blue Notes and a skit by Ben Eastman and Austie Heacock dressed as two colored gentlemen. The principal address was given by Dr. Ray V. Sower, Dean of Division of Education, Seteson University.
A delicious and bountiful dinner was served by Mrs. Mitchell to a little over two hundred people.
It is our belief that the Teacher's Night parties pay big dividends, not only as moral booster to the teachers who seem to enjoy them very much but also as a medium for the improvement of social relations in the community.
For this Rotary Year 1953-1954 Clarence Eckroth was chosen as President and R. Worth Schumaker as Secy-Treas., but after serving about one month both resigned and moved out of the city on account of business changes. The above named W. A. Vincent and Robt. G. Baylor were chosen to fill out the remaining time.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
About five years after the founding of our little city, Sebring, The community was prospering and the population, particulary children, was on the increase. The founder, Mr. Geo. E. Sebring, felt that he wanted to give a Christmas Party to which all the children residing in the city, bearing his name, should be invited. Accordingly therefore such a party was arranged and given on the evening of December 25th. the party was such a success that Mr. Sebring continued sponsoring the parties each year as long as he lived. Agter his passing the Rotary Club took over and has sponsored a Christmas Party each year since. This year's party was held on Christmas evening 1953 in the Tourist Club Building. A feature of the evening was music by the Sebring High School Band and a few vocal numbers as well as other entertainment. Candy and oranges were given to each of the 150 children present. About 150 adults were also present as spectators.
THIRTY-FIRST YEAR 1954 - 1955
DR. H. N. RAFFERTY PRESIDENT
ROBT. G. BAYLOR SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
W. A. Vincent S. J. Rudasill, Jr. Elgin Bayless, Sr. Chas. Longbottom Dr. W. S. Coon Robt. G. Baylor
The following members of our club were appointed to serve Scout Troop #141 as their officers for the year.
IR - Ford W. Heacock No. of Boys and Explorers
CHMN - F. I. Morgan 14 Boy Scouts
TC - Leslie J. Lloyd 7 Explorers
TC - C. L. Longbottom SM - Ford W. Heacock, Jr.
TC - Dr. M. E. Jordon ASM - Wm. H. Melcher
TC - P. G. Winter ASM - R. L. Taylor
TC - Richard E. Dutton
President Rafferty's innovation in the weekly meeting was to have a printed card with a thought for the week. For example: "As the sunshine colors flowers so does friendship color life."
When Dr. H. N. Rafferty became President on July 1st, 1954, he requested the writer to continue his search of the records for the History of the Rotary Club of Sebring. According to his wishes, therefore, the search has been completed and the History written the best the writer could do with the material and information with which he had to work.
COLONEL W. B. SOWERS 1871 - 1954
One of our most devoted and faithful members passed away in Catherine Booth Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Ill., after avout on year's illness and was laid to rest on Oct. 13, 1954.
Colonel "Bill" was Captain of the Salvation Army and a member of the Rotary Club of Peoria, ILL. for many years before his retirement after which he came to Sebring in 1938 and united with our local club where he mainteined his Rotary membership until his passing.
On March 14th, 1955 our program was in charge of the Vocational Service Committee and Rotarian Rev. Edward J. Rees gave us avery fine inspirational talk on "The Four Way Test" after which a "Four Way Test" desk plaque was presented to each of our members.
Nov. 15th, 1954
THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Our Thirtieth Anniversary Party was held as an Inter-City Meeting at the Hacaranda Hotel in Avon Park with the Rotarians and Rotary-Anns of Sebring and Avon Park attending.
The Rev. Hervert D. Graetz of Avon Park presided and conducted affairs in a masterly manner but when it came time to turn the program over to the Toastmaster A. McKee Elwell there was no Elwell present so Rev. Graetz had to make a search of the building but still no Elwell could be found. Finally however, in he came through a side door clad in a gray pancake hat, shirt sleeves and work clothes and from then on there was no lost time.
The only distressing note of the evening came when it was announced that on of our Charter Members, our first president and Past District Governor "Fax" T. Haskins was ill and in Walker Memorial Hospital.
TEACHER'S NIGHT, MONDAY JANUARY 10, 1955
Our annual Teacher's Night Party wa a little late this year but proved to be quite successful. After the dinner was served to 139 people by Mrs. Mitchell, our President, Dr. H. N. Rafferty gave the welcoming address. Grandfather's clock set the pace for our evening's music and that venerable old clock set ticked as no clock had ever ticked before. Past President Bill bincent and Jack Ingle were in charge of the Bass drum and cymbals and we knew from the first crash they were in the hands of master musicians.
The room was decorated in Mexican style with brightly colored drapes and hangings and the waitresses wore Mexican costumes.
After dinner we were shown a colored movie by courtesy of Pan American Air Lines, giving us alittle better understanding of the Mexican way of live, ther customs and habits.
After the movie a local entertainer, Ausite Heacock, came in dressed in Mexican costume and bearing a letter from the President of Mexico. As he spoke very little English it was extremely difficult for him to interpret the letter but it was a lot of fun and every one seemed to enjoy the evening.
A special edition of Rotary Spoke was issued, stressing a tribute to Teachers and the American School System and giving a complete list of the Sebring High School Faculty.
At our regular weekly meeting held in the Nancesowee Hotel on Monday, March 28th, 1955 a motion was made and unanimously passed that the Youth Service Committee be authorized to sponsor a Junior League Baseball Team. The cost of equipping and maintaining the team for one year to be $275.00 and to be paid our of the club treasury.
ROTARY'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Thursday evening March 10th, 1955 the Rotary Clubs of Frostproof, Avon Park and Sebring met in the elementary school building, Frostproof, in a joint Rotary Meeting in celebration of Rotary's Golden Anniversary.
Our distinguished guests were District Governor Chesley F. Perry and his Rotary-Ann Janet and Past District Governor Kenneth Wacker and his Rotary-Ann.
Mr. Wacker was the speaker of the evening and in his tribute to Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, P. D. G. Wacker said that Paul Harris declined to be called "The Father of Rotary", but said that Rotary was the Child of a lot of big hearted men. Rotarian Perry Murray of Frostproof was Toast Master in charge of the meeting and Louis Pyke, of Frostproof, who proved to be a very good song leader, also favored us with a solo which was much enjoyed.
The feature of the evening wa the showing of the film "The Great Adventure" put out by Rotary International. The film stressed Youth Service particularly in countries other than our own and showing how "The Four Way Test" is used in their dealing with each other. Almost 200 people were in attendance and were served a barbecued chicken dinner.
This year's Christmas Party for Sebring children was held as usual in the Tourist Club Building on December 25th, 1954. The Rev. E. J. Rees fave the invocation. The Sebring High School Band played a number of pieces and a few appropriate vocal selections were sung. Oranges, Tengerines and candy were given to each of the 200 children present. The fruit was donated by Rotarian Guignard Maxcy and the candy was paid for our of the club treasury. At least 200 adults were present as spectators.
THE KENOSHA PLAN
As a Rotary Golden Anniversary project our Community Service Committee, under the chairmanship of Smith Rudasill, Jr., decided to present the Kenosha Plan to the local school officials and, if agreeable to them, to sponsor putting the plan into operation in our public schools from the 7th to the 12th grades, both inclusive. Our immediate Past President, W. A. Vincent, who is Supervising Principal of the Sebring Public Schools, was approached. He in turn called a meeting of all school officials and teachers who would be concerned with its operation and obtained their unanimous consent and promise of whold hearted cooperation. Material has been ordered and the plan will be in operation before the close of this Rotary Year, June 30th.
The plan consists in the placing of Desk Plaques on the desks of all officials and teachers, the hanging of placards conspicuously on the school room walls and presenting to each child a sufficiant number of stickers to put one on each his school books. These plaques, placards and stickers to have printed on them "The Four Way Test" as developed and used by Herbert J. Taylor, Rotary Golden Anniversary President, and copyrighted and distributed by Rotary International.
ROTARY FOUNDATION
Interest in Rotary Foundation has been revived and an effort made to increase our subscription. At the time this was sent to be memeographed the contributions stood as follows:
Previously paid $42.00
Recent Contributions $152.00
Total to Date $194.00
As of June 1955 the Sebring Rotary Club contributions to the Rotary Foundation went over the top and a check has been mailed to R. I. Making us a 100% club.
At a Board of Directors Meeting on April 18th, 1955 it was voted that our club contribute $25.00 toward the expense of sending a boy from our schools to Washington to attend the Convention of School Patrol. Other contributors to the fund are the Junior Womans Club and the Lions Club.
ANNUAL FAX HASKINS MEMORIAL TROPHY
At a Meeting of the Board of Directors on April 18, 1955 it was moved by W. A. Vincent and passed that our club purchase, each year, a trophy to be presented to the boy in High School Athletics who was voted "Most Valuable" by the students. This trophy to cost approximately $20.00 to $25.00 and to be known as "The Annual Fax Haskins Memorial Trophy."
THIRTY-SECOND YEAR 1955 - 1956
C. R. DISHER PRESIDENT
ROBT. G. BAYLOR SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. H. N. Rafferty Richard C. Heath Robt. G. Baylor Wm. P. Gearing W. A. Vincent Chas. Longbottom
The following members of our club were appointed to serve Scout Troop #141 as their officials for the year.
I. R. - Ford Heacock, Sr. Troop Committee
Expl. Adv. - C. Longbottom Jesse Watson, Chairman
S.M. - Ford Heacock, Jr. T.C. - Dick Heath
A.S.M. - S. Rudasill, Jr. T. C. - Richard Dutton
Boy Scouts - 16 T. C. - Jack Hayman
Explorers - 6 T. C. - Gus Smith
SOME OF OUR ACTIVITES DURING THE YEAR 1955 - 1956
Continued moral and financial support to Sebring High School Band.
Purchased a Florida Flag at a cost of $17.50 to be flown on the flag pole in Circle Park under the American Flag.
Teacher's Night Party was held at the City Pier on Oct. 3rd where dinner was served to nearly 200.
District Governor, Dr. Arthur S. Kitchen made a regular annual Governor's visit on Oct. 24th.
Our first Annual Welcome Back Home Party to College Students was held at the Sebring Hotel on Dec. 19th. The total attendance was 120, half being students.
The Fairfax T. Haskins Memorial Trophy fo the most outstanding football player of the Sebring High School was awarded to Jerry Seaborn.
Our regular Christmas Party was held Dec. 25th at the Tourist Club with aout 200 present. 338 sack of candy and two crates of tengerines were given out - half at this party and the balance in the colored quarters.
The Four Way Test Committee continued the Kenosha Plan in the Sebring Public Schools. This was presented to the students by means of a illustrated program at assembly ans was accepted by them with a great deal of interest.
Under the Youth Service Committee considerable repairing was done and new window sills put in our local Boy Scouts Cabin. Senkarik donated paint, Townsend donated lumber and Rotarian C. M. Hamrick donated labor by one of his men. Other labor was done by Rotarians. Total value of repairs estimated to be in excess of $100.00.
At the request of the Board of Directors, Jack Ingle, working with P. J. Gustat Memorial Committee and Secy. Bob Baylor, drew up a constitution and By-Laws to provide the mechanics to place the Memorial Fund in Operation. The first loan was granted in January 1956 to a student majoring in music.
Continued sponsorship of Little League Baseball where, it is the belief of Rotarians, much good is being done for the boys. The boys of Rotary team gave a good account of themselves showing good sportsmanship and a will to win.
At the suggestion of Louis Alsmeyer it was decided that ennaully our Club should award a Certificate of Recognition to a Non-Rotarian Citizen of Sebring who renders exceptional service to the community in his work. The first award was made Monday, June 18, 1955 to Roscoe Hancock, custodian of the Highlands County Court House.
The final meeting of the year was held June 25th at Hammock Park where a fish dinner was served in honor of Boy Scout Troop #141. The Troop received their Charter for the year. President Bob Disher retired from office and presented the gavel to our new President E. C. VanHoose.
THIRTY-THIRD YEAR 1956 - 1957
E. C. VANHOOSE PRESIDENT
C. R. DISHER VICE PRESIDENT
BOB BAYLOR SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Vincent Bill Gearing Jack Hancock Bob Disher Bob Baylor Dick Hyatt E. C. Vanhoose
Continued support of children's entertainment with a Christmas Party - Dick Heath as Santa Claus.
Continued support of Boy Scout Troop #141
THIRTY-FOURTH YEAR 1957 - 1958
JOE MACBETH PRESIDENT
E. C. VANHOOSE VICE PRESIDENT
CLARENCE SCHAEFFER SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Macbeth Dr. H. M. Raffarty Howard Livingston Jack Hancock Smith Rudasill, Jr. Clarence Schaeffer
Emphasis during this year was on attendance, fellowship and social events. The usual projects were carried out during the year.
An attendance contest was staged with Bill Vinson acting as attendance chairman. We were #1 in the district as a result of the contest with an attendance average of about 98%. A victory dinner was held and the losing team was required to pay for the dinner of the winning team. Other social events during the year were Teacher's Night, Snowbird Night and Ladies Night.
THIRTY-FIFTH YEAR 1958 - 1959
JACK HANCOCK PRESIDENT
JOE MACBETH VICE PRESIDENT
CLARENCE SCHAEFFER SECY-TREAS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Macbeth Clarence Schaeffer Cliff Smith Howard Livingston Jack Hancock Smith Rudasill, Jr. Haywood Taylor
Built portable information booth for location at airport on race day. Dispensed ice water and general information to all who requested.
THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR 1959-1960
SMITH RUDASILL, JR. PRESIDENT
JACK HANCOCK VICE PRESIDENT
DON PILLINGER SECRETARY
JAMES M. PYLE TREASURER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clarence Schaeffer Kenneth Eaddy Howard Livingston Smith Rudasill Cliff Smith Haywood Taylor
Teachers Night held October 5th at Jacaranda Hotel with speaker Roger Early from WFLA-TV.
Total proposed budget expenditures $1705.
For Community Services $685.
THIRTY-SEVENTH YEAR 1960-1961
HAYWOOD TAYLOR PRESIDENT
SMITH RUDASILL, JR. VICE PRESIDENT
ROBERT MURPHY SECRETARY
JAMES M. PYLE TREASURER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Haywood Taylor Smith Rudasill, Jr. Wayne Parmer Don Pillinger Ernest Breed James M. Pyle
Best "Committee of the Year" was a program committee consisting of George Stulting and Jack Ingle. Best "Continuing Committee" award went to Dr. H. N. Rafferty for his faithful service in editing the Rotary Spoke. Selection were made by President Haywood.
Fifteen members had perfect attendance this year. Promoted arrangements with American Field Service to bring foreign exchange student from Italy to Sebring.
THIRTY-EIGHT YEAR 1961-1962
DON PILLINGER PRESIDENT
HAYWOOD TAYLOR VICE PRESIDENT
IKE HART SECRETARY
JAMES M. PYLE TREASURER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Martsolf Haywood Taylor James Pyle Robert Murphy Don Pillinger Ernest Breed Ed Koch
First Foreign Exchange Student brought to Sebring and Rotary helped to promote the program throughout the district. Ezio Verganni made a lasting impression on the Students and teachers at Sebring High School.
Rotary Club took an active part in the passage of bond issue to build Highlands General Hospital. The drive was successful and the project started to roll.
THIRTY-NINTH YEAR 1962-1963
ERNEST BREED PRESIDENT
DON PILLINGER VICE PRESIDENT
FRANK MRAZ SECRETARY
ED KOCH TREASURER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerry Beeler Don Pillinger W. R. Murphy Ed Koch Dave Martsolf Alton Cash James Pyle Charles Noble
Included $410 in budget to provide for Foreign Exchange Student.
Adopted Oath of Commitment for new member during induction ceremonies.
Adopted use of Pledge of Allegiance to terminate regular meetings.
Supplied $250 toward expenses of Sebring High School Band for trip to Washington D.C.
FOURTIETH YEAR 1963-1964
JAMES PYLE PRESIDENT
ERNEST BREED VICE PRESIDENT
FRANK MRAZ SECRETARY
E. O. KOCH TREASURER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ike Hart Jerry Beeler Dr. G. V. Watters Ernest Breed W. R. Murphy James Pyle
Foreign Exchange Student, Rafael castillos arrived in August from the Cominican Republic. Lived with the Frank Walker family. Rotary Club reimbursed American Field Service $700 for expenses incurred.
Sponsored Dale Carnegie course in Sebring.
Provided $50 to male student selected for Boys State in Tallahassee.
FOURTY-FIRST YEAR 1964 - 1965
GREGG WATTERS PRESIDENT
JIM PYLE VICE PRESIDENT
FRANK MRAZ & ED JOHNSON SECRETARY
ED KOCH TREASURER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ike Hart John Kruse Neil Durrance, Jr. John Warren W. R. Murphy Clarence Cox George Hensley
Instituted procedure to present a Rotary Club Barbecue Apron to each new member.
Teach appreciation night dropped mainly because of increasing size of group. Substitute plan provided for "Movie Night" with the showing of some outstanding movie.
Adopted project of redecorating and refurnishing Teen Town at a cost of $1000.
Annual spaghetti supper established as a fund raising project. Approximately $600 profit was realized the first year. Net proceeds were allocated to the Teen Town project.
Ed Johnson replaced Frank Mraz as Secretary on De. 11, 1964 a/c illness.
Dr. H. N. Rafferty passed away on July 20, 1964, $244 received as gifts to the Dr. Rafferty Memorial Fund. Dr. Rafferty was Club President in 1954 - 1955 and faithful Rotary Spoke Editor for many years beginning in 1956.