Russellville Rotary turns 50
When Russellville Rotarians gathered for dinner Monday night, it was in stark contrast to a similar meeting 50 years before.
What began as a simple meeting at the old Iron Gate Restaurant in downtown Russellville on Feb. 2. 1961, developed into a highly respected civic organization that has worked on various local and global projects over the past half-century.
Russellville Rotary Club members gathered Monday night to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary in the city and to honor the four surviving charter members who met that cold day in 1961.
“It is a very special thing that we get to celebrate 50 years as a club and to honor these men who have meant so much to the city of Russellville,” club president Dr. Wayne Ray said.
Bill Foster, who was an active member of the club until recent years, said a representative from the Florence club campaigned around Russellville looking for prospective members.
“That first year we had about 20 members,” said Foster, whose son, Joe, replaced him as the club’s treasurer following many years as an officer.
“I was secretary that year.”
Through the years, the local Rotary Club has been involved in various service projects that raise money for local needs such as scholarship programs and money for the Rotary International mission of eliminating polio worldwide.
Former club president and charter member Homer Grissom said the group began conducting service projects early in the life of the club.
“We did a lot of things to help people in Russellville and I am glad that Rotary has kept doing that all these years,” said Grissom, who had a perfect attendance record for 15 years before having to leave the club for work reasons.
Grissom’s brother, Curtis, was also a charter member. He remained active in the club for 30 years.
“When I retired we started traveling all over the place so I withdrew then,” he said.
“But, I really enjoyed the Rotary Club and we owe a lot to the Florence club for getting us started. I think Rotary has done a lot for the city over the years.”
A fourth charter member, J.C. Yancey, was not able to attend the celebration.
“I have known all of these men for a long time and it’s just very special that our Rotary Club could honor them,” Ray said.
