The History of The Cary Rotary Club, Cary, North Carolina

“Welcome to The Friendliest Club in District 7710”

In 1884 Cary was described as a “prosperous village, noted for its enterprising businessmen, its manufacturers, its excellent school, and its healthfulness and steady habits. Worth noting in this description is that Cary had its own economic base, and that base rested upon agriculture, forestry and two railroads. Indeed, Cary began as an independent village, not a suburb of Raleigh as many people later assumed.” ¹(p. 45)

Taking its namesake from the Town of Cary, which was incorporated April 3, 1871 and exhibiting the same entrepreneur spirit as noted in 1884, several prominent men in Cary in 1964 set out on a journey to bring the first Rotary Club to Cary NC.

According to G. Richard (Dick) Ladd, a Charter Member and The Cary Rotary Club’s first President, the concept of forming The Cary Rotary Club came as a result of his observing the example of a Rotarian named Jim Purser, who worked for Cameron Brown in Raleigh, NC. Dick said he always admired Jim’s devotion and love for Rotary. Additionally, since Jim was Dick’s boss, Dick had a chance to watch Jim follow the Four-Way Test.

After coming to Cary to work for Hobby’s TV and Appliance Store Dick said that he felt there was a need for an organization that would bring business and professional people together on a regular basis for mutual benefit. It was then that Dick recalled Jim Purser and Jim’s dedication to Rotary. Dick approached the Rotary Club of West Raleigh to see if there would be an interest in sponsoring a Rotary Club in Cary. There was a positive response to Dick’s inquiry and the process was started to bring Rotary to Cary.

In 1964 it was not easy to secure the required 25 charter members necessary to form a Rotary Club because of the relatively small size of the business community in Cary. However, after many meetings at Roger’s Restaurant and thanks to the diligence of Lewis Lawrence, Editor of The Cary News, Ralph Ashworth, Ashworth Drugs, Waldo Rood, WPTF and Dick Ladd, Hobby’s Supply, The Cary Rotary Club was organized on March 24, 1964.

District Governor, L.R. Harrill (1963-64) appointed Howard Suggs, President of the West Raleigh Rotary Club, to act as the Governor’s representative in the formation of the club. Howard Suggs then appointed Jim Purser to assist with the organizational aspects. Rotary International approved The Cary Rotary Club’s application on June 18, 1964.

On August 1, 1964, District Governor Wallace H. McCowan (1964-65) presented The Cary Rotary Club it’s charter. The Charter Night event was held at the North Carolina State Faculty Club in Raleigh, North Carolina, with 29 members. The Cary Rotary Club was the first Rotary club to be established in District 771 (now District 7710) since 1954.

The first officers of The Cary Rotary Club were elected on April 4, 1964 and were the following:

President ………………………………….. G. Richard (Dick) Ladd

Vice-President …………………………… Ralph Ashworth

Secretary ………………………………... Robert Cassell

Treasurer ……………………………………Waldo Rood

Of the 29 original Charter Members of The Cary Rotary Club in 1964, six are still active, honorary, or senior active excused. They are: Dick Ladd, Ralph Ashworth, Jim Adcock, Jerry Miller, Harry Stephenson, Hal Coble.

During the early years The Cary Rotary Club met at Roger’s Restaurant in downtown Cary. Once MacGregor Downs Country Club was built in the early 1970s, the club’s weekly meetings moved to the MacGregor Downs Clubhouse. The Cary Rotary Club continues to meet on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM at MacGregor Downs Country Club.

The Cary Rotary Club’s Past, Current and Future Presidents 1964-2008:

In 1989, Rotary International voted to admit women as members of Rotary. The Cary Rotary Club invited M. Jan Few (Commercial Real Estate), as it’s first woman member in 1999. Pat Hudson became The Cary Rotary Club’s first female Director of Club Services in 2001-2002. In Rotary Year 2005-2006, The Cary Rotary Club will induct Mary DePuew Kamm, as it’s first female Club President. Although often referred to as “the Good Ole Boys Club, the women members have found The Cary Rotary Club to be very welcoming and encourages all members to flourish.

The Cary Rotary Club has taken a leadership role in not only bringing Rotary to Cary, but in sustaining it as well. This is evidenced by The Cary Rotary Club’s direct sponsorship of six Rotary clubs (the four other Rotary clubs in Cary, and one each in the surrounding area of Apex, NC and Fuquay-Varina, NC) and the indirect sponsorships of three clubs (Garner, Morrisville and Garner Mid-Day Rotary clubs) (see below). In fact, Tom Sibley (Cary Rotary Club President, 1974-1975) has the distinction of serving as the 1^st President of Cary-Kildaire Rotary Club and the 1^st President of the Cary-Page Rotary Club.

Rotary Clubs Sponsored by Cary Rotary Club

The Cary Rotary Club is proud to have two of its Past Presidents serve as District Governors: H. John Hatcher, Jr., in 1986-1987; and Tim Mannix, in 2006-2007.

The club’s first Paul Harris Fellow was H. Waldo Rood. During an event at the home of Club President Dan Hudson (1980-81), Waldo heard about the Paul Harris Fellow program and wrote a check for $1000 on the spot. While it took 17 years from the time of its charter for The Cary Rotary Club to have its first Paul Harris Fellow, the club added 15 new Paul Harris Fellows in 2003. Now more than 64% of its membership have the Paul Harris Fellow designation. In fact, some members have as many as five Paul Harris Fellows.

On charter night in 1964, Dick Ladd, the first President of the club was asked to speak. Being a brand new club most members were not really familiar with Rotary. In his comments, President Dick Ladd challenged the members of The Cary Rotary Club, to join him in launching out on a voyage – a Voyage of Service. Dick told them that this voyage would be docking at many ports of call, which could be the people the club helped along the voyage or the projects that were started. He continued by saying that while on this voyage the club would experience storms along with calm seas. However, the satisfaction would come from knowing they made a difference. Dick concluded by telling the newly formed club that “this voyage of service will never end as long as we are The Cary Rotary Club.” That spirit of service to the community known as The Town of Cary that began on Charter Night in June of 1964 has persisted ever since. Members of The Cary Rotary Club have truly embraced Rotary’s Motto – Service Above Self.

The following are many of the Ports of Call along The Cary Rotary Club’s Voyage of Service:

Community Projects:

Bookshelves

The Cary Rotary Club’s first project was working with the Cary Woman’s Club to provide book shelves for the first library.

Boy Scouts

In 1965, the Boy Scouts in Cary received 115 badge pamphlets thanks to the Cary Rotary Club. Members of three scout troops used the booklets as guides toward earning merit badges. Additionally, over the years members of The Cary Rotary Club served as counselors for the Boy Scout Merit Badge program. There was also an annual Boy Scout Day where The Cary Rotary Club invited the local Boy Scout leaders to hold a Boy Scout Program.

Another project which has become a tradition for the Cary Rotary Club initiated by former Club President Charles Lytle (1979-1980), has been to support the Luminaria project for Boy Scout Troop 210 of White Plains Methodist Church, which occurs at Christmas time. On Christmas Eve Rotarians from the club set-up the luminaria along Academy Street from Ashworth Drugs Store to Cary Elementary School.

Rotary Clock

In 1977 the Cary Town Council accepted a recommendation from the Appearance Commission to create a “village atmosphere” downtown and approved $500,000 in bonds for downtown improvements. However, the public funds were exhausted prior to a planned town clock being erected. Cary Rotary Club Members Dick Ladd and Koka Booth in response to the shortfall in public funds rallied the Rotarians of Cary and raised $25,000 to fund the clock. In 1984, the Town of Cary was presented with the gift of a 3,000-pound, 16-foot clock, with an inscription that reads given by the “Rotary Clubs of Cary” ². At the time little did we know that there would eventually be five Rotary clubs in Cary.

Cary Lazy Daze

According to Charter Member and Past Cary Rotary Club President Jerry Miller (1972-1973) Lazy Daze was the result of an initiative by the Cary Board of Directors of Southern National Bank. The Board wanted to sponsor something for the Cary Community. They accepted fellow board member and Cary Rotary Club Member Miller’s idea of holding an arts and crafts festival. The first Lazy Daze Arts and Craft Festival was held, Saturday, August 24, 1977. The 1^st festival’s main stage was a flat bed truck with the event drawing around 100 artisans and 5,000 other people.³ Since its inception in 1977, the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival has become one of the South's premier festivals. On the fourth Saturday in August each year an estimated 60,000 people travel to downtown Cary to enjoy the handiwork of the very best artists and craftsmen in the country. ⁴

The Cary Rotary Club members quickly became associated with Lazy Daze serving as volunteers to assist artisans with the set-up of their booths and to direct parking. In following years the Rotary Clubs in Cary also began participating as vendors selling food and beverages to festival goers, with monies raised used to support their community projects.

Cary Rotary Club Senior Citizens Ice Cream Social

If it’s on or about July 3^rd, senior citizens know it is time for the Cary Rotary Club’s Ice Cream Social. An annual tradition which began over 25 years ago by Cary Rotary Club Charter Member, Ralph Ashworth, senior citizens are treated to “design your own” ice cream sundaes with all the fixings. The 4^th of July theme is found in the decorations and the red, white and blue straw hats worn by Cary Rotary Club members serving up the sundaes. Other activities also include a sing-a-long and visits by elected officials. Since 2000 the event has been held in the Cary Senior Center located at Bond Park.

Pancake Supper

For 19 years The Cary Rotary Club has sponsored a Pancake Supper each year in late fall. Over those 19 years club Rotarians Pete Murdock, Mickey Denning and Steve Merritt spearheaded this event. In addition to being an annual fundraiser, which resulted in raising thousands of dollars, the Pancake Supper also provided a fun fellowship opportunity for club members. Volunteer activities began before noon and went well into the evening before clean up was finished. Monies raised were used to fund scholarships used at home and abroad; the Boys & Girls Home at Lake Waccamaw; Cary Family YMCA; Life Experiences, Inc.; and the Orphanage of the Immaculate Conception at Vinto, Bolivia.

Scholarships

Another of The Cary Rotary Club’s projects from the early days was awarding yearly scholarships for the pursuit of higher education. Former Cary Rotary Club Member and President Thomas Sibley (1974-75) was very involved in this effort. According to Past President Ramey Beavers (1997-98) who has chaired the Scholarship Sub-Committee for several years, the number of $1000 awards given each year has varied from two to six, and they were non-renewable. While most of the scholarship money went to high school seniors planning to go to a four-year college or university, on some occasions, scholarships were awarded to students who would be attending Wake Technical Community College.

In 2003-2004, The Cary Rotary Club expanded its scholarship awards program to include the recognition of an area teacher in the Wake County Public School System. The club, participating in the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s “Honor A Teacher” program established The Cary Rotary Club “Service Above Self” Teaching Award. This award provides the identified teacher with a $1000 education-teaching grant. Specific criteria for this award requires a minimum of 3 years teaching, identifies a teacher who exhibits excellence in their profession, and someone who goes the extra mile to ensure their students succeed in school and life.

The other change to the scholarship program in 2004 was to take another $1000 and create four $250 scholarships to be awarded to qualified students attending Wake Technical Community College. The awards are named “The Dr. Bruce I. Howell Scholarships” in honor of long time club member Dr. Howell, who recently retired as President of Wake Technical Community College.

Group Study Exchange Dinners

In 1987, Cary Rotary Club Member Dr. Tom Brooks initiated the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Dinners held at MacGregor Downs Country Club. During the early years of this program, the spouses of the Rotarians referred to as “Rotary Anns” prepared the food. This tradition which began with The Cary Rotary Club soon had all five Cary Rotary clubs participating. While dinner is no longer prepared by the “Rotary Anns”, the Group Study Exchange Dinners continue today capping the trip of the visiting GSE team members who have had the opportunity within the District to visit area industries, and to meet, talk and live with local Rotarians and their families in an effort to promote world understanding.

Life Experiences

Life Experiences incorporated in 1978 as a non-profit organization blending therapy, training and the free enterprise system to create and operate businesses which provide fulfilling employment for adults with disabilities, allowing them to function as independent, productive citizens of the Triangle. In October 1988, under the leadership of Club President, Charles R. (Chuck) Gibson, the first Harry Montgomery Golf Tournament to benefit Life Experiences was held at Prestonwood Country Club. Through the efforts of Chuck and fellow club members Bob Hatley, Hardy Dail and Mickey Denning, they were able to convince the Cary Central, Cary Kildaire, Cary Page and Apex Rotary Clubs to participate in the Life Experiences Golf Tournament and Auction. When the Cary MacGregor and Morrisville Rotary Clubs were established they too were invited and became sponsors. This collaborative effort between the Rotary Clubs has resulted in more than $530,000 being raised for Life Experiences, by far it’s largest fundraiser.

Salvation Bell Ringing

In 1990, Cary Rotary Club President John Linderman initiated Rotarians ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the Christmas Season. Through the efforts of Cary Rotary Club Member John Hatcher the other four Cary Rotary Clubs began to ring the bell. Rotarian Hatcher was the coordinator for all the clubs, assigning where and when each club would participate. The first bell ringing location was at K-Mart on Kildaire Farm Road, then at Roses on Kildaire Farm Road. Currently there are three locations each year – WalMart and K-Mart on Kildaire Farm Road and Target at CrossRoads. What began with a single club raising a few hundred dollars has blossomed into an annual tradition where several thousand dollars are raised for the Salvation Army (over $71,000 in the last seven years collected by The Cary Rotary Club alone). Cary Rotary Club Member Gary Ashworth took over the reigns from John Hatcher and has continued the tradition. In 2003, The Cary Rotary Club had one of its best years and finished in 3^rd place for Wake County organizations that ring the bell.

Every year Rotarians comment on the people who stop by to donate and share their personal stories of how the Salvation Army at one time or another came to their aid. They then thank the Rotarians for their efforts. These stories warm the hearts of the volunteer Rotarians even on the coldest and wettest days.

Rotary Shelter in Ritter Park in Lochmere

Throughout 1991-1993, The Cary Rotary Club was actively raising funds for the construction of The Rotary Shelter to be located at Harold Ritter Park in Cary. While the idea for a Rotary Shelter initiated with The Cary Rotary Club, it was always intended to be a “Rotary” project involving all the Rotary clubs in Cary. Cary Rotary Club Member, Russell Buxton chaired the fund raising effort for our club. For a $1,000 contribution, a person would receive name recognition on a brass plaque to be placed at the shelter. The Rotary Shelter was dedicated in 1993, representing $200,000 raised by Rotarians.

Cary Family YMCA

Thanks to Rotary, a longtime community dream came true when the Cary Family YMCA opened its doors on January 6, 1992.⁵ Dick Ladd, an early “Y” advocate, Charter Member and the first President of The Cary Rotary Club chaired the joint fund-raising drive initiated in 1986 by the three Rotary clubs active at the time. In 2004, another Charter Member of The Cary Rotary Club, Ralph Ashworth and his wife, Daphne, agreed to co-chair the capital campaign for building the Southwest Wake YMCA. Many Cary Rotary Club members have given generously of their time, talents and treasures, as well as taken leadership roles in both the Cary Family YMCA and the Southwest Wake YMCA We Build People Campaigns.

Cary Rotary Club 10K Road Race

In 1993, Cary Club Rotarian Scott Booth developed the idea for a 10K sanctioned road race to be held in Cary and be sponsored by The Cary Rotary Club. Working with fellow Cary Rotary Club Member Steve Zaytoun the initial Cary Rotary Club 10K Road Race was held the first Saturday of March, 1994. The event, which continues today, has gained regional recognition, as it is the first TAC (The Athletic Congress), now USATF (USA Track & Field) sanctioned 10K race of each year. In 2002 a 5K route was added to the race, which is also certified by USATF. Both the 5K and 10K racecourses run through downtown Cary. The Cary Rotary Club 10K Road Race has enjoyed consistent sponsorship from members of the club and the corporate community. MCI Corporation was the major sponsor for the first five years, with Western Wake Medical Center taking the leading sponsorship role since 1999. Cary Rotary Club Charter Member Harry Stephenson through his company Cary Oil has been a steadfast co-sponsor of the event. Since its inception in 1994, the Cary Rotary Club 10K Road Race has generated close to $100,000 in gross revenues, with the net proceeds being used by The Cary Rotary Club to assist such organizations as: The Cary Family YMCA, Kids Together Playground, Life Experiences and the Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw. In 2004, Steve passed the reigns to fellow Cary Rotary Club Member Billy Sutton; 2004 was a record year with almost 400 runners participating in the event.

Rotary Habitat for Humanity House

During The Cary Rotary Club Board Retreat in the spring of 2003, incoming President Bob Hatley laid out his vision for a Rotary Habitat for Humanity House in Cary. President Hatley led the initiative to secure the commitments of all five Cary Rotary Clubs, plus the Morrisville Rotary Club to combine resources for building the home. Property has been identified and negotiations between Habitat representatives and the landowner are proceeding.

The $7,000 in proceeds raised from the 1^st Annual Cary Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament held in the fall of 2003 went towards our club’s share of funding the Rotary Habitat House to be built in Cary. This successful charity golf tournament was co-chaired by Cary Rotary Club Members Anthony Blackman and Kevin Dail

Cary Rotary Club – Chili Dinner

In 2004, The Cary Rotary Club decided to celebrate its 40^th Anniversary a little differently. Continuing on its Voyage of Service, which began on its Charter Night, the club held the “Joining Hands to Fight Hunger Chili Dinner”. The driving force behind the event was Cary Rotary Club Members, Neil LeGarde, Cader Howard and Mary DePuew Kamm. A new twist on the Annual Pancake Supper, its precursor, the 1^st Annual Chili Dinner to Fight Hunger set a new club record for fundraising by the club. In all, 92 sponsors supported the event and over 1,000 meals were served, resulting in a net of $21,000 raised to fund hunger relief in the Triangle and Livingstone, Zambia. By surpassing its goal of $20,000, the club caught the attention of Cary Mayor, Ernie McAlister, who in turned proclaimed January 23^rd “Hunger Relief Day.” At its February 24^th meeting, The Cary Rotary Club presented Stop Hunger Now President, Ray Buchanan with a $21,000 gift of the proceeds.

International Projects:

Cochabamba, Bolivia

Cary Rotary Club Member Leon Abbas and his wife Sallie were instrumental in establishing the long and fruitful relationship between The Cary Rotary Club and the Cochabamba (Bolivia) Rotary Club. The relationship began in the early 1990’s with a Discovery Grant trip to Cochabamba to visit the community and the Rotary club.

The first project in 1993 was the collection of physical rehabilitation equipment for CERECO, a publicly funded physical rehabilitation center. Marcia Roses, a member of the Durham Rotary Club who is a rehabilitation specialist and fluent in Spanish accompanied the equipment to Cochabamba to train the CERECO staff and assist them in incorporating it into their programs.

In 1999, The Cary Rotary Club and the Cochabamba Rotary Club agreed to apply for a Matching Grant to support the rehabilitation of an industrial building, which was the primary housing for an orphanage in the Vinto community just outside Cochabamba. The $25,000 grant resulted in a modern structure with electrical wiring, a new well-equipped kitchen, dining room and storage area. Appliances, cooking utensils, flat wear and dishes were also included. While the Amizade Foundation was responsible for building a new dormitory with inside sanitation facilities, a study area and room for 30 beds, the matching grant provided for the purchase of new beds, mattresses, bed linens and blankets. Wooden lockers were also constructed so each child had a secure location for their personal belongings. The Cary Rotary Club and several members from Cary area Rotary Clubs contributed to raise the funds to meet the matching requirement.

In 2000, as a result of visits to Cochabamba and via e-mail, the two Rotary clubs (Cary Rotary Club and Cochabamba Rotary Club) and the respective chapters of the Partners of the Americas agreed to support an annual medical mission trip. This practice continues today, with the trips usually taking place in the first half of the year. A significant element of each trip has been and continues to be support for the Audiological Institute in Cochabamba, a school for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Medical Mission Highlights:

• Following extensive medical examinations and hearing tests more than 75 children of the school and adult patients from the community have been fitted with donated hearing aids. Fellow Cary Rotary Club member, Dr. Charles Mann an Ear-Nose-Throat specialist continues to participate in the Medical Missions by performing the examinations and testing.
• Audiological testing equipment has been donated to the institute, and training provided to the staff in its use.
• The Cary-MacGregor Rotary Club arranged to have 30 new Siemens hearing aids donated, which children are using.
• A special FM system for use in the classroom was donated from the Wake County Schools surplus and installed at the school, allowing for the teacher to broadcast directly to the receivers of each child.
• Several Cary Rotary Club members, including Past President Tim Mannix (2001-2002) and his wife Cathy, were trained and then taught Cochabamba local dentists techniques to improve dental health using donated teeth sealant, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Approximately 100 children were treated and received instruction in dental health. As a result of this trip local dentists now include teeth sealing in their practices.
• Cary Rotary Club Member Leon Abbas’ wife, Sallie Wright Abbas, has been responsible for clothing and toys being distributed to children during the visits. Friends donate many of the items, while others are purchased at yard sales throughout the Cary/Raleigh area.

Other Rotary Projects:

Since its Charter Night in 1964, The Cary Rotary Club has also participated in many programs sponsored by Rotary International. These include support for RYLA; sponsoring Rotary Foundation Scholars; participation in the Polio Plus program since its inception; adding the Sustaining Member category to our club’s dues structure supporting Rotary Foundation’s goal of “Every Rotarian Every Year”; purchasing wheel chairs through Rotary International’s Wheel Chair Foundation; annual participation in the Take a Kid…programs; 4-Way Test; RAD (Rotarians Against Drugs) Essay Contest; and, providing financial support for the Rotary Cottage at The Boys and Girls Home along with participation in the annual October Harvest Train of Goods.

The Cary Rotary Club has also been the recipient of several Rotary Presidential Citations for its overall accomplishments.

In 2001-2002, The Cary Rotary Club Leadership under President Tim Mannix, in addition to receiving a Presidential Citation, focused on Membership inducting 20 new members, and introduced the “team concept” which proved to be a very productive and effective tool to enhance member participation in club activities. Presidents John Rigsbee (2002-2003), Bob Hatley (2003-2004), and incoming President Donnie Holmes have continued to focus on bringing new members into the club, increasing the diversity of the club’s membership, and maintaining the “team approach” to club participation.

During President Hatley’s term a formal orientation program for new members was created by Membership Chair, Mary DePuew Kamm. This program’s format has been employed by other area Rotary Clubs. Additionally, during his term as President, as part of a member retention strategy there was a concerted effort to assure that members who had been inducted into the club over the last three years were actively involved in club activities and projects, often taking a leadership role.

When asked how the club has changed over the past 40 years, Charter Member and Past President Jerry Miller (1972-1973) shared the following: “In the early years I think the members’ family was more involved in projects and socials. We used to have more socials.” Other members have recently echoed this sentiment. Increased fellowship/social opportunities, as well as recruiting club Rotarians family members to become active participants in the club’s projects will be one of the goals for both Donnie Holmes and Mary DePuew Kamm during their terms as Club President.

Rotarians make things happen; they are builders of the community. Below are how some Cary Rotary Club members have been involved in community service and leadership roles in the Town of Cary.

Community Service/Leadership⁶

Mayors – H. Waldo Rood (1949-61) and Koka Booth (1987-1999)

Town Commissioners or Town Councilmen – James L. (Pete) Murdock (1951), Koka Booth (1978-87), Dr. Tom Brooks (1975-1997), Robert Cassell (1965-66), Bill Garmon (1975-91), Dick Ladd (1963-66)

Fire Chiefs – James L. (Pete) Murdock (1951-55, 1958-61)

Postmasters – Robert M. Cassell (November 4, 1966)

At The Cary Rotary Club Installation Banquet held in 1971, Corbit Rushing a teacher at Methodist College and former Commanding Officer of the United States Army Reserve 171^st Support Group, was the key note speaker. Incoming Cary Rotary Club President Luther Brewer (1971-1972) states that what the speaker said will always be with him. Rushing stated, “As goes the President, so goes the Nation. Leadership defines the Country.” In reading the rich history of The Cary Rotary Club one common theme appears again and again – Leadership. This leadership has been exhibited in founding and establishing the vision to bring Rotary to Cary, fostering the development of a “Rotary Culture” in the local area by sponsoring (directly or indirectly) nine Rotary Clubs, and spearheading the collaboration of all the Cary Rotary Clubs to provide financial and human resources to support meaningful projects for the community. The Cary Rotary Club has been proud to take a leadership role over the past 40 years and looks forward to more exciting times in the future.

Cary Rotary Club Charter Members

Member Name Classification

G. Richard (Dick) Ladd Electric Industry–Electronics Appliance & Distribution

H. Waldo Rood Broadcasting Service – Radio Engineer

Ralph H. Ashworth Chemical Industry – Drugs Retailing

William L. Dawkins Law – Civil

Lewis Lawrence Printing & Publishing – Newspaper Publisher

Robert Lee Strother Horticulture – Flowers Retailing

Gene Tucker Communication Service – Telephone Service

Glenn J. Adcock Insurance – Insurance – Casualty

Robert M. Cassell Government Military Training – Military Training

E.B. Davis Medicine – Dentistry

W. Glenn Winters Food Industry – Distributing

Samuel M. Moore Religion – Protestant

James L. (Pete) Murdock Hardware – Retailing

James DeWhitte Davis Furniture, Fixtures & Furnishings–Household Furniture

Randolph L. Chandler Clothing Industry – Men’s Clothing – Retailing

Johnny M. Turner Plumbing – Plumbing

Harry D. Stephenson Mineral Oil Industry – Fuel Oil Retailing

Joseph M. Denning, Sr. Food Industry – Groceries – Retailing

Clinton E. Williams Construction Service – General Contractor

Charles R. McManaway Electric Industry & Electronics – Television Repair

L.E. Johnson Jewelry – Jewelry Retailing

Earl R. Dickey Clothing Industry – Women’s Clothing Retail

R. Everett Dixon Laundering, Clean & Dye – Cleaning

Charles David Pendergraft Petroleum Industry – Retail

Jerry Wilton Miller Construction Service – Architecture

Jack B. Coursey Business Service – Report & Statistical Service

G. Hal Coble Insurance – Life Insurance

L.G. Bishop Furniture – Upholstery

Dallas Tucker Government – State Government

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Dick Ladd for being the keeper of The Cary Rotary Club’s rich history, both in oral and written form. I appreciate the generous amount of time you spent with me sharing The Cary Rotary Club’s Journey on the 40-Year Voyage of Service. Also, I hope this written history in part fulfills your dream to share the story of how one Rotary club can make a difference.

Thanks also to my fellow Cary Rotary Club members for your response to the requests for information sent via e-mails, telephone calls, faxes and face-to-face. Without each of your contributions our history would not be complete.

Bibliography

¹ Around and About Cary, Written by Thomas M. Byrd and Illustrated by Jerry Miller, 2^nd edition, 1994, Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, p.45.

² ibid, p.170.

³ ibid, p.157.

⁴ Town of Cary Website, www.TownofCary.org

⁵ Around and About Cary, Written by Thomas M. Byrd and Illustrated by Jerry Miller, 2^nd edition, 1994, Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, p.181.

⁶ ibid, pp.185-88.