Rotary Club of Clearwater Celebrates 85th Anniversary
Photo by Dennis Eckel Members of the Rotary Club of Clearwater celebrated the club's 85th anniversary at a recent Wednesday luncheon meeting at the Belleair Country Club. History Chairman Harriette Barber recognized 38 Rotarians who have been members of the club for 25 years or more. David Perkins has been a member for 63 years and John Logan, Jr. for 52 years. Carroll M.Nall, Jr., 41 years and Andrew Nall, 16 years, were recognized as son and Grandson of Carroll M. Nall, Sr. a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Clearwater. Bob Clark, Club Historian spoke on the impact WW11 had on the organizations activities and on civilian life. Gasoline rationing and synthetic automobile tires determined where the club would meet. Paper shortages caused the weekly newsletter to be reduced to a monthly issue and eventually shelved until war's end. The Clearwater Yacht Club was the site for dances for military personnel stationed locally, including the Bellevue Biltmore Hotel. A War Bond drive realized $186,000 for the war effort. Contributions were made towards the bomber airplane, "City of Clearwater." Fellowship After Graduation was created in 1952 to provide all night activities for graduating Clearwater Seniors. A dance, theater party and swim preceded a 5 a.m. breakfast, all guided by Rotarians, including cooking and K.P. duties. It was then known as FAG night, and in those days, voicing the acronym did not result in snickers. Rotarians acknowledged the importance of recognizing individual long time members who made it possible for the Rotary Club to continue it's community support with an average annual contribution of over $40,000 to local charities, through such activities as the annual Rotary Kingfish Tournament, now in its 18th year. Happy 85thAnniversary.
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