Rotary Club of Johnson City celebrates 100th anniversary

Rotary of Johnson City members who joined the club from 1960’s through 1980’s celebrated the club’s official centennial by cutting their 100th birthday cake during the club meeting May 30th. On hand for the cake cutting were, from the left: Cecil Green, Ernest Campbell, Dr. Horace Cupp, Skip Oldham, Greg Slemp, State Represenative Matthew Hill who presented the club’s state proclamation, Dr. Lee Malone, Bob Owens, Norman Fleenor, Preston Eldred, Dr. John Bradshaw, Dick Ray, Howard Dunbar, cake-cutter Sarah Schumaier and Ben Siler. Photo courtesy of Ben Siler

By Bill Derby

The Rotary Club of Johnson City officially received its Charter from Rotary International June 1, 1917. Seventeen Johnson City leaders met at the Hotel Windsor to plan a local Rotary Club in October, 1916.

To commemorate the event a Centennial Gala was held at the Johnson City Country Club last Saturday evening with dinner and dancing. The club was presented with a ceremonial Centennial Bell by Rotary District Governor, Chris Runion and recognized by Rotary International representative David Stovall.

Club member and District Governor-elect Richard Ray and Dr. John Bradshaw were recognized for their long-time service and commitment to Rotary values and ‘service above self.’

The evening highlight noted Skip Oldham for his 50 plus years of perfect attendance and Dr. John Bradshaw for 35 years perfect attendance.

Charter members of the club in 1917 and their business designation were: J. Edward Brading- Building Supplies: George L. Carter (honorary – Coal Operator; Thad A. Cox – Lawyer; Robert H. Evans – Retail Grocer; Sidney G. Gilbreath – Educator; George Green – Minister; William F. Green – Hotel; Charles G. Hannah – Dry Goods Retailing; H.W. Johnson – Ice Manufacturing; Emmett C. Lockett – Wholesale Grocers; Hugh G. Morrison – Rail Counsel; Peter J. Muse – Printing and Bookbinding; Bert Pounder – Wholesale/Retail Furniture; J. W. Ring – Milling Flour and Meal; Munsey Slack – Newspaper; M.C. Smith – Electric/Railway; James Summers – Wholesale Hardware; J. Wilson Turner – Telephone; Harry Whitehouse – Retail Druggist; George Wofford – Life Insurance.