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GyroScopeApril, May, June 2012
Your Gyro International NewsMagazine
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP
Centennial EditionVOLUME 94 NUMBER 2
One Hundred Years and Still Going!
Chairman: Arnie Crass, Davenport James Parker, Wenatchee / Ian Greig, Stampede City / Ed Benhoff, Cleveland Heights
Pat Swanson, Painesville Office Manager Emeritus / Larry Duba, FresnoEmil Baijot, Bellingham
Ian�Greig,�PIPStampede City
���������Ed�Benhoff,�PDG�������������Larry�Duba,�1stVP Cleveland Heights Fresno
Arnie Crass, Chairman
In January 2011, International President Harold Bernard appointed an Editorial Board to put forth the Centennial Issue of the GyroScope in 2012. The board consists of the following:
The board members were honored to serve and spend the time and effort to research, write, organize and publish the Centennial Issue of the GyroScope magazine. All committee members discovered new information and facts about the first 100 years of Gyro and the men who were part of it. The Editorial Board wants to thank the many members who assisted in various ways to put together District articles and Club information in these articles. We appreciate their help and recognize that they significantly contributed to the magazine.
In putting this magazine together, a large amount of material had to be omitted as the volume of information would have overwhelmed the publication. Difficult decisions had to be made as to what would be published and what would not be published. We hope we chose the material that gives a good overview of the first 100 years of Gyro and also shows highlights of some human experiences.
We looked at the original founding in 1912 and tried to trace activities, events and people over the 100 years. It was interesting to follow how a Gyro is a Gyro, whether in 1912 or 2012. All of the men mentioned in this magazine were first members of a Gyro club, then some moved to be active District Gyros and then some moved to be involved in Gyro International. All represent the principles of Gyro friendship at all levels. These Gyros would be key members of any Club, District, and International at any time in the history of Gyro.
The committee decided to include a random selection of vignettes, anecdotes and stories to offer the reader a glimpse into the fun, the foibles and the fabric that make up Gyro membership. We trust you will enjoy reading them as the committee did in remembering the events. In friendship we laugh a lot, and we easily laugh at ourselves.
We have much to be thankful for and many people to be grateful to for what has been accomplished in the first 100 years of Gyro. We hope that you will enjoy the magazine and that it will give you a better understanding of how Gyro came about, grew and flourished and that it will help to rededicate you and Gyros everywhere to grow the organization in the Power, Poise and Purpose of Friendship.
gnitarbeleC 100YEARS100YEARS
Arnie�Crass,�PIPDavenport
Arnie�Crass,�PIPDavenport
Emil�Baijot,�PIP,�S/TBellingham
Jim�Parker,�PIP,�PISTWenatchee Valley
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Pat�SwansonOffice Manager, Emeritus
April, May, June 2012Volume 94:Number 2
International Web Page – www.gyro.ws Gyro International
Gyro International - 1096 Mentor Avenue, PO Box 489, Painesville, Ohio 44077
Centennial Edition
DISTRICT OFFICERS
INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
other
1912 2012
~ “WITHIN THE SCOPE” ~
President James P. Hyland 26 Forest Hill Road Youngstown, OH 44512-1437 [email protected]
First Vice President Larry L. Duba 6111 N. Brooks Circle Fresno, CA 93711 [email protected]
Second Vice President W. Michael “Mike” McNally 88 Green Forest Crt. E. Amherst, NY 14051 [email protected]
Third Vice President Alonzo “Lonnie” Turner 2801 West Terrace Dr. Tampa, FL 33609-4027 [email protected]
Immediate Past President Harold R. Bernard 155 Morley Avenue Truro Heights, NS B6L 1N1 [email protected]
Secretary-Treasurer Emil L. Baijot 1210 Puget Street Bellingham, WA 98229-2144 [email protected]
District I Governor Lew Lause 2103 Crissinger Rd. Marion, OH 43302District II Governor Neil Baker 7014 Holdorf Dr. Bluegrass, IA 52726 District III Governor Eric Miller 117 Summer Hill Ln. Williamsville, NY 14221District IV Governor Matt Johnson 5809 Ashbourne Ln. Olympia, WA 98501District V - Salt Lake City President John Wytcher 2455 Barcelona Dr. Sandy, UT 84093District VI Governor William MacKinnon 19 Cameron St. Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2G7District VII Governor Glen Hamilton 209 Anten St. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5J5District VIII Governor Ken Baker 59 Woodgreen Dr. SW Calgary, AB T2W 4G6District IX Governor Lowell Gist 4326 N Delno Ave. Fresno, CA 93705District X Governor James Ellis 694 Clear Creek Dr. Osprey, FL 34229-6814
Editor: /// HQ phone: 440/352-2501 /// Fax: 440/352-3882 /// Manager: [email protected]@gyro.org
“Celebrating 100 Years of Friendship”
P22 HQs and Staff
P2
P10
P60
P47 Officer Structure
P34 George France Award
P34 Best Website Award
P26 Districts I-X
P25 GOTY Award
P14
P11 For service to Gyro International
For significant membership gains
GyroScope editorial excellence
Honoring best club website
A look at the ten districts of Gyro
Awarded to the Gyro of the Year
Edward “Ed” Steinbacher award for 20 years or more of service.
For service at club/district level
Contributors/Writers: Arnie Crass, Jim Parker, Ian Greig, Ed Benhoff,
Larry Duba, Emil Baijot, Pat Swanson
Graphics & Production: Emil Baijot
other
The Editorial Board would like to thank the many members who assisted in various ways to put together District articles and Club information in
those articles. We appreciate their help and recognize that they significantly contributed to this magazine.
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P8 The Evolution of GyroA chronological look at how events shaped the dream of the three founders into a fraternity of friendship.
P4 Past International PresidentsThese are the dedicated men who through their gifts of themselves contributed greatly to Gyro’s success.
P12 How Gyro Was Set Into MotionExploring the unique relationship between a mystical machine and its effect on the hearts and minds of men.
P8 The Evolution of GyroA chronological look at how events shaped the dream of the three founders into a fraternity of friendship.
P8 The Evolution of GyroA chronological look at how events shaped the dream of the three founders into a fraternity of friendship.
P15 International ConventionsWhen Gyros gather to share a common interest. Highlights of memorable gatherings.
P18 International Secretary-TreasurersThe few men who served as Administrators and Keepers of the fraternity.
P20 The FoundersThe three college friends who built a dream into an institution embarking on its second hundred years.
P32 Women in GyroWhere would this “fraternity” be without them? They play a major role in the complete Gyro experience.
P48 What is Gyro?Wonderful analysis from the unique and heartfelt perspective of a Gyro who has offered much.
P67 Vision for the next 100 YearsA look ahead towards a viable and meaningful fraternity of friendship
P3
“Invite a Friend to Gyro”
Editorial Board
Index
Honor Key
Merit Award
Lifetime Award
Hubbell Award
L.K. JordanCleveland, OH
1917-1919
R. Rowe HollandVancouver, BC
1924-1925
Alf H. WilliamsCalgary, AB1936-1937
R.G. RutherfordKelowna, BC1942-1943
James A. NortheyToronto, ON1930-1931
Arthur L. JonesBuffalo, NY1919-1920
Kenaz HuffmanDenver, CO1925-1926
E.A. RobertsPhiladelphia, PA (St. Paul)
1937-1938
Harold DarlingNew York, NY
1943-1944
Robert B. AbelTacoma, WA1931-1932
Edgar PhillipsChicago, IL1920-1921
Clarence LougheedCalgary, AB1926-1927
John F. MeredithLos Angeles, CA
1938-1939
F.A. NightingaleHalifax, NS1944-1945
Harold E. SmithMilwaukee, WI
1932-1933
West ShellCincinnati, OH
1921-1922
Glenn W. StephensMadison, WI1927-1928
G.R. SpencerMoncton, NB1939-1940
C.L. Van DerbogartBuffalo, NY1945-1946
Charles E. AnstieVancouver, BC
1933-1934
Ernest MartinToronto, ON1922-1923
Arthur T. SmithHalifax, NS1928-1929
H.C. SmithAtlanta, GA1940-1941
Gregory T. YorkeVancouver, BC
1946-1947
Norman W. HelwigHamilton, ON
1934-1935
I.E. KerrDetroit, MI1923-1924
Gordon A. StovalWinnipeg, MN
1929-1930
W.W. RobinsonToronto, ON1941-1942
Donald A. ClarkPort Arthur, ON
1947-1948
Robert C. SimmonsNew York, NY
1935-1936
Past PresidentsGyro International
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Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
Edwin C. StrainDayton, OH1972-1973
Seymour VerheySt. Paul, MN1960-1961
Leon E. IsaksenMadison, WI1948-1949
Edwin G. FordMontreal, QC
1954-1955
M. G. KlinkhamerCranbrook, BC
1966-1967
John L. HolzbauerDes Moines, IA
1973-1974
Howard EvesSeattle, WA1961-1962
E. Harvey McKinneyToronto, ON1949-1950
Clem A. RossbachMilwaukee, WI
1955-1956
Jack Ward FolkerthColumbus, OH
1967-1968
Warren R. SchramLondon, ON1974-1975
L. N ReynoldsCleveland, OH
1962-1963
Walter H. SmithHollywood, CA
1950-1951
R. D. BrimacombeVancouver, BC
1956-1957
Edgar J. MerrellVancouver, BC
1968-1969
Colin P. RutherfordCamosun, Victoria, BC
1975-1976
Berton M. KeyserToronto, ON1963-1964
Walter BartlettMinneapolis, MN
1951-1952
Arthur K. JordanCleveland Heights, OH
1957-1958
John J. RichardsonToronto, ON1969-1970
Ronald NewportCalgary, AB1976-1977
George SteinhauerDenver, CO1964-1965
A. Russell CarterEdmonton, AB
1952-1953
Ernest J. GillisHalifax, NS1958-1959
Peter B. WinstonColumbia, SC
1970-1971
Edward F. PoschCleveland Heights, OH
1977-1978
William F. BoydIndianapolis, IN
1965-1966
Charles W. St.ClairPainesville, OH
1953-1954
Don M. WhitbeckBuffalo, NY1959-1960
J. E. J. FahlgrenCochenour, ON
1971-1972
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these are the dedicated men who through their gifts of themselves and their substance were largely responsible for the growth and
administration of Gyro International since 1917. Many of the pictures shown were taken at the time they held office.
John F. GuzzoFresno, CA1978-1979
Charles M. DicksonMoncton, NB1979-1980
Dareld K. StraubDes Moines, IA
1980-1981
Marcus SimpsonBurnaby, BC1981-1982
E. Gordon GoldenWheeling, WV
1982-1983
Donald A. Heath, Jr.Buffalo, NY1983-1984
Kenneth D. SchmitSterling, IL1986-1987
Norman L. MitchellSuburban, Minneapolis, MN
1984-1985
James W. ParkerWenatchee Valley, WA
1985-1986
John J. MonroePainesville, OH
1990-1991
Robert A. DutcherMoncton, NB1991-1992
Martin L. LarsonEdmonton, AB
1992-1993
Emil L. BaijotBellingham, WA
1993-1994
George E. AbellWindsor, NS1996-1997
Ian D. GreigStampede City, Calgary, AB
1997-1998
Jack M. SchenckIndianapolis, IN
1998-1999
Christopher G. RandallVictoria, BC1999-2000
James B. FriedlMilwaukee, WI
2000-2001
Arnold A. CrassDavenport, IA
2003-2004
H. Denis MoffattCamosun, Victoria, BC
2004-2005
Albert N. SinicropeGasparilla, Tampa, FL
2005-2006
James E. RobertsHollyburn, BC
2006-2007
Thomas G. LennoxRochester, NY
2002-2003
Albert J. NightingaleToronto, ON2007-2008
Lawrence M. BraunOakland, CA2001-2002
Charles F. FieldOryg, St. Paul, MN
1994-1995
Robert E. TulkVancouver, BC
1995-1996
Keith L. LowingsLethbridge, AB
1987-1988
Bruce J. PollEtobian, ON1988-1989
David P. HansmaTampa, FL1989-1990
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Kenneth C.A. KlinckFraser-Delta, BC
2009-2010
James P. HylandYoungstown, OH
2011-2012
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Kenneth C.A. KlinckFraser-Delta, BC
2009-2010
Harold R. BernardTruro, NS2010-2011
James P. HylandYoungstown, OH
2011-2012
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Michael McNallyBuffalo, NY
Emil L. BaijotBellingham, WA
Marcus Simpson, Past Governor and Past nternational President, was most proud of his Scottish heritage and worked diligently to retain his accent. While he had a delicious sense of humor, he was often the butt of his own jokes. For instance, while visiting his native home, he was taken for a tourist and asked, much to his chagrin, whether he was Canadian or American. On one memorable occasion he, at his own expense, presented a set of American and Canadian flags to the new club being chartered in Bellingham, Washington. During his presentation from the elevated speaker's dais, Marcus warned the new Gyros to be wary lest, in his best Robbie Burns accent “some bastard will steal the bloody things from under your bloody noses!” All the while he was facing the audience to make this speech, the flags were slowly making their way from behind him, carried by two of the very thieves he was describing – in full view of the audience. At Bellevue, while he was Governor, he rose to install new club officers. To begin his remarks he, for some forgotten reason, described Bellevue by saying, again in his Scottish brogue, “This has got to be the most fouled up club in the District!” Right on cue a standing screen behind him tipped forward and clunked Marcus on the head. His food fight with his Lt. Governor, Graeme Roberts, involving an iced congratulatory birthday cake at the University of British Columbia is best not described. But we loved him. And he loved us – I think!
Jim Friedl was International President in Cocoa Beach, FL, January 2001. Two years earlier when he announced the site for the Interim he guaranteed that there would be a shuttle launch. Cocoa Beach is only about 20 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center. A launch was scheduled for a few days before the Interim meeting. Due to technicalities it was delayed until all of the Gyros were in Cocoa Beach. Seemingly the launch was re-scheduled to coincide with our hospitality hour. Jim tried to sell us all on the idea that the launch was delayed because he had his Gyrette, Marilyn secretly go on to the space center and disconnect some wires. As all the Gyros gathered for evening refreshments, we were watching the launch preparation and countdown on TV. About 10 minutes before launch, all recharged their drinks and walked about the half block onto the beach. All sat or stood on the beach and watched the spectacular launch on a clear evening. As the rocket and shuttle was going out of sight, all walked back to the suite and television informed us the shuttle was already going over London. The Interim ended on Saturday night but some of the Gyros stayed on for a few days, and since Sunday was Super Bowl Day, they got together to watch the game. Mid-way they all decided to go out on the balcony and not watch the half-time show. You guessed it; this was the Super Bowl with the famous half-time show with the clothing malfunction. And where were our Gyros, getting fresh air on the balcony!
President schedules launch, misses on half-time show. Consensus: .500 not bad!
Gyro International with a flavor, eh?
PIP Vignettes
TBD
Peter W. BeldingPalm Beaches, FL
2008-2009
Larry DubaFresno, CA
Alonzo TurnerGasparilla, Tampa, FL
100YEARS
gnitarbeleC
EVOLUTIONThe
GYROOF
During those two days, January 27 and 28, those delegates accomplished a great body of work – they wrote a constitution and bylaws, designed a letterhead and badges, made plans to establish additional clubs, set the princely sum of $1.50 as annual dues, and thus established the “Association of Gyro Clubs.” L.K. Jordan was elected as the first International President. (It is noteworthy that his son became president some 40 years later.) A follow up meeting was planned for June of the same year, however with war imminent and so many members now in the military, immediate expansion plans were put on hold.
But even the war could not hold up the Gyro momentum. An executive meeting was held in Cincinnati in January 1918. It was determined that the newsletter created in Cleveland in 1912 – The Gyroscoop – would become the official bulletin of the association and they renamed it the GyroScope. The membership bristled with patriotism and became very involved in the selling of Liberty Bonds and other drives in support of the War Effort. Later in the year, the executives would request their first bank loan of $200 to fund a yearbook.
By 1919, the war over, momentum picked up again. Philadelphia had resigned, but the association now consisted of 17 clubs, and by 1921 an additional 9 clubs would join with the assistance of the “Pioneer Fund” (similar to today's Betterment Fund) that was established to help expansion efforts. One interesting h i g h l i g h t w a s a r e s o l u t i o n o f congratulations to the Vancouver BC club for their work in promoting Gyro. Prophetic to be sure as those efforts became D-IV with an eventual 27 clubs and over 1000 members.
A meeting in December 1921 in Buffalo determined that representation was unequal, so the Association divided North America into districts, established the method of electing district officers, and devised a method to apportion voting rights of clubs. (To learn about the Evolution of the Districts see the sidebar on page 9)
The GyroScope which had now grown to an average of 28 pages per issue was revised to be an entity unto itself, wherein an Editor would be appointed and the costs of production and mailing would be paid by club subscription. Since the beginning of the Cleveland Club, networking was the preeminent reason for
Gyro growth, and as such, practically every member had his name and business listed on the back pages causing the rapid growth of the magazine as well. There was not enough money to pay for this extravagance – the financial sheet showed a deficit of $76 – this was corrected by increasing the dues from $1.50 to $3.00 per annum. Additionally, each club would be required to remit $25 to International.
For the following year of 1922 the Gyro membership rolls showed that 35 clubs were now members, an impressive decade of growth. It had become truly International with clubs in the United States and Canada. Geographically clubs were located across N. America – from Halifax in the Canadian Maritimes to Nanaimo in British Columbia, and from Rochester in New York to Seattle in Washington State. (There have been 249 clubs entered into Gyro over the years. Sadly some have fallen away for a variety of reasons—but the ideals of friendship remain intact and there is ever hope that new growth will occur.)
In the years of the Great Depression of the early 1930s, International counted 86 clubs. But because of the financial collapse and near poverty for many, membership declined quickly.
As a member of this Fraternity of Friendship, you may well have wondered about the beginning process whereby the fraternal camaraderie of three recent college graduates evolved into a far-flung organization about to enter its second one-hundred years. Fortunately some of the early records are still available within the Gyro archives, and although the earliest written and pictorial records are sparse, they do recite the tale of the early Gyro incubation that soon led to rapid growth within a decade.
One can read about the three Founders and their immediate friends in the summer of 1912, and the influence that the GyroScope played in the early organization, elsewhere within this edition. The purpose of this effort is to take an abbreviated look at some of the events that shaped Gyro into the Association of Gyro Clubs. Or as one might say, when in January of 1917 the 279 members in five clubs got serious!
The five loosely aligned Gyro Clubs – Cleveland, Chicago, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Philadelphia – met together, along with two prospective clubs Rochester and Detroit, at a downtown Cleveland hotel and held the first annual convention. These seven clubs were represented by 47 delegates who, as one might imagine, braved all sorts of difficulties to travel in mid-winter at their own expense, to further the ideals of friendship.
1912 2012
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Although the benefits of friendship remained important to many, and kept Gyro alive, a number of clubs had to resign. Shortly after the depression, with the New Deal creating jobs, a resurgence of membership occurred with the addition of more than twenty new clubs. Unfortunately when Canada in 1938 and the United States in 1941 were drawn into World War II, many members were whisked away into the military and those left at home did as much as they could to maintain their clubs. Once again, as in 1918, those members not serving did what they could to help the war effort. One notable project to help the troops was known as the “Padre Jones Cigarette Fund” - started in Montreal – which spread across both countries with many clubs helping to send 'cigs' overseas. (Although it would certainly be frowned upon as a worthwhile service today, it might be noted that Padre Jones of Montreal received the Gyro Honor Key after the war.)
When the troops came home after years of war and reunited with their families, some went to college and/or searched for work in what was now a different world. There still seemed to be an aura of desire for male bonding. This was in Gyro's favor as in the decade and a half following VJ-day, 71 new clubs joined the fraternity. Long-time Secretary-Treasurer Ed Kagy (a founder) determined the work load required an assistant, and thus Al Hartmann was added to the staff. This enabled Ed to travel and visit 93 of the 101 clubs during the 1945-1946 fiscal year. It may be attributed in some degree, that this personal contact was very beneficial in motivating those clubs to aggressively seek new members and initiate other clubs, thus causing the fifteen-year growth.
In 1955 the “Gray Eagle” retired and the reins passed to “Chick” St. Clair who became another dynasty serving 22 years. Because of the expansion again, Gyro decided in 1957 that it needed a “home” – an office and staff that members everywhere could look to for resources,
advice and as a symbol that their organization was growing. After 55 years, this “home office” has undergone refurbishment and remains a viable headquarters for many years to come.
Following that last spurt of growth, Gyro expansion slowed appreciably. All men's clubs, be they charitable, service or fraternal, soon experienced a radical loss of membership, and although it has fared better than most, Gyro is now composed of 98 clubs and 40% fewer members than that experienced at its high point in 1957. This decline can be directly attributed - not to the product of friendship that is offered - but to the undeniable fact that the world has changed once again. Men are now working longer hours to better their lives; they have family commitments; they are often active in sport activities; and thus have less time for joining. Initially, what time was left over was taken by the advent of television. As the years move along, TV is still available, but it too is being pushed aside by the allure of ever emerging digital and other electronic gadgets. Competition for leisure time has become Gyro's adversary.
Gyro International has positive thoughts for the next century. Although it is ever seeking new tools and methods to promote expansion, in terms of “evolution” Gyro has come 100 years offering the same basic product. If you have read this far, you must enjoy the product and you are a friend. Consider making a personal commitment to help International once again enjoy growth. Consider other friends and acquaintances and invite them to a Gyro experience. Do not withhold from them the joys you have shared with other Gyros. This needn't take time or money. In other words, it is a simple act and only you can do it ... to “Share Gyro with a Friend!”
Then, as Jimmie Hubbell and the rest of the boys would loudly proclaim to new members as they sang with gusto in that old Alley Bar ...
At an executive meeting in 1922 in Toronto, the council decided that all Gyros would be better represented if North America were divided into five districts. Accordingly they set loose boundaries that would allow clubs in close proximity to join together. Immediately, those districts held elections and chose officers.The first Board of Governors thus met in Detroit on December 7, 1922.As more and more clubs joined the organization, the council tinkered again and again with the district boundaries over the next forty years.Upon review, it can be seen that this was an orderly process to make sure that the selected clubs could support one another in a district. The International Border was never taken into consideration with the result that five of the eleven districts have clubs both in Canada and the United States.At the time the districts were first formed in 1922, the districts were set up with constitutions and district officers. Needless to say, a great deal of the strength of our organization emanates from the district meetings and brought to the attention of the International officers. The Board of Governors plays a major role in the conduct of Gyro business. They represent the clubs and vote on all matters, as well as participating in conventions and programs. Only one body within Gyro has a higher authority – the delegates at the annual general meeting.Currently, District V is composed of only one club, thus as a district they are considered inactive. Policy, however, dictates that the club president, for voting purposes, is considered the same as if he were Governor, and as such a member of the Board of Governors. Additional information and highlights about the various districts is contained elsewhere within this document.
1912 2012
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EVOLUTIONThe GYROOF
District Evolution
“... and he lives down in our alley!”
HonorKEY
Gleason Allen, Minneapolis, MNFred Batson, Buffalo, NY
Richard Behm, Vancouver, WAWalter Bendelt, Milwaukee, WI
Ed Benhoff, Cleveland Heights, OHOliver Burns, Chicago, IL
Eric Campbell, Winnipeg, MBRobert Carnahan, Canton, OH
Len Cary, Stampede City (Calgary), ABDon Cathcart, Atlanta, GA
William Coulter, St. Paul, MNSam Crowell, Buffalo, NY
Fraser Cunningham, New Glasgow, NSJohn Custis, Elyria, OH
Frank Dowsett, Toronto, ONFred English, Camosun (Victoria), BC
Emil Everts, Los Angeles, CAJim France, Canton, OHTed Fraser, Calgary, AB
Andy Friend, Fort Lauderdale, FLGeorge Froom, New Westminster, BC
D.J. Godfrey, Milwaukee, WIM. Carl Hansen Jr., Bellingham, WA
John Harding, Cleveland Heights, OHEmil Heidt, Newark, NJ
D.J. Henecker, Pittsburgh, PAJoseph Hershberger, Columbus, OH
Peter Hopper, Pittsburgh, PAJack Howard, Cleveland, OH
Jimmie Hubbell, Cleveland, OHWilliam Hudson, Victoria, BC
Noble Jones, Minneapolis, MNPadre Jones, Montreal, QB
Ed Kagy, Cleveland, OHStanley Kennedy, Two Mountains, QB
Albert Kern, Cleveland, OHJ.A. Knowles, Buffalo, NYLen Locket, Seattle, WA
Jack Loepp, Wenatchee Valley, WAHinton Longino, Atlanta, GAD.R. MacDonald, Halifax, NS
Justin Macklin, Cleveland, OHFred MacLeod, New Glasgow, NS
D.C. Manly, Grand Forks, BCHarry Marsh, Madison, WI
J. G. Marshall, San Francisco, CAIan E. McKay, Osoyoos, BCRoy Miller, Edmonton, AB
Alex Mitchell, Edmonton, ABArthur Moul, Buffalo, NY
C.W. Mussett, Cincinnati, OHH. Ostrander, Wallace, ID
Les Read, Trail, BCL.R. Reavley, Sterling, IL
Gordon Rennie, Edmonton, ABH.S. Rimmington, Winnipeg, MB
Arthur Roe, St. John, NBSherm Ruxton, Chicago, ILErnest Ryan, Davenport, IA
Jack Ryan, Nanaimo, BCW.D. Sanderson, Buffalo, NY
Bert Sang, Cranbrook, BCArmo H. Schriefer, Des Moines, IA
A. Shackleford, Lethbridge, ABHoward Snow, Sarasota, FL
Ed Steinbacher, Milwaukee, WIEverett Stovel, Winnipeg, MB
Norm Sweet, Cleveland Hts., OHHarold Taylor, Minneapolis, MN
F. Vanstone, Toronto, ONFred Wagner, Sterling, IL
J.M. Ward, Sterling, ILStu Wilkes, Buffalo, NY
C.L. Woods, Fredericton, NB
THE
It should be noted that service at the International level is not a prerequisite, but service to International is. This award is appropriate for the Gyro who 1) has given extensively of his time and talents supporting expansion efforts that transcend club and district boundaries, 2) continues to be a constant symbol throughout International of what Gyro spirit is or 3) by his extraordinary achievements and/or remarkable service outside of the Fraternity, that his association with Gyro brings honor and recognition to this organization. Any Gyro may nominate and submit supporting data and make recommendations to the Executive Council to support his nominee. If the nominee is approved by the Executive Council, the recommendation must be submitted to the Board of Governors for ratification.
“for distinguished and unselfish service over and above
the call of duty, with such services thus bringing honor
to, and respect for, our fraternity in the national &
international field”
The Honor Key is awarded to a Gyro
The award itself consists of a plaque for hanging and a “key,” which is a replica of a Gyroscope complete with moving parts, to be worn by the recipient . When deceased, a recipient’s “key” is returned to Gyro Headquarters to be placed in a permanent display and identified by a silver nameplate.
This award is considered to be the highest award that can be granted by Gyro International. To put it into perspective, it has been estimated that in the 100 years of Gyro's existence, well over 20,000 men at some point have been members of our great Fraternity in 249 Clubs. There have
been 160 Honor Keys presented in that period of time. Of those, 25 of the recipients are still living. Essentially all Past International Presidents have received the award. To eliminate duplication of lists, they are not included here. Thus, the sidebar list includes mostly those whose service was to International. They have contributed in many different ways, but their service and value to the Fraternity was considered of equal value.
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The criteria for the Merit Award clearly establishes the value and honor that is being accorded the recipient. The award is unique in that it is not given to someone because they have done an exceptional job as a club or district officer - for it is anticipated within a brotherhood of friendship that any member is expected to do a good job in any office, whether appointed or elected, or when serving in any particular capacity.
Rather, this award is presented to the man who consistently renders exceptional service to his District, his Club and his fellow members without any thought of recognition or praise. The Award is given to a Gyro who has performed a task or service when not expected; a man, who day in and day out, serves as a reminder of what true Gyro spirit means; a man who is indeed special and has provided exceptional service.
This award is initiated by written application from a Club or a District Officer. All the Officers of the candidates District must then offer written approval of the request, whereupon it is then submitted to Gyro International, where it is then reviewed by the Executive Council for final approval or denial.
Considerable care is undertaken while under review to insure that the application meets the standards of the award criteria and to insure that the intent and honor that this award signifies is not diluted over time.
In testimony to the award’s uniqueness, after 100 hundred years of Gyro fellowship, less than 4% of all Gyros have been so honored.
Award recipients are noted elsewhere in this document within the lists of Governors of each district by an asterisk (*), or within separate district lists for those who have been so honored without being a district officer. International Associates that are not members of a district are so noted below: Eddy Dowling ... W.J. Drodge
If nobody smiled and nobody cheered
and nobody helped us along;
If every man looked after himself
and good things all went to the strong;
If nobody cared just a little for you
and nobody thought about me
And we all stood alone in the battle of life
what a dreary old world this would be!
Life is sweet because of friends we’ve made
All things in common we share.
We want to live on, not because of ourselves,
but because of the people who care.
It’s giving and doing for somebody else –
on that all life’s splendors depends;
And the joy of the world when you sum it all up,
is formed in the making of friends.
-11-
Friendship Anonymous
Twentieth Century
Nearly 100 years before the Gyro organization erupted from the fertile imaginations of the three founders, a German scientist first wrote about his theory of the “Machine” – a creation that in time became known as the Gyroscope. Others experimented endlessly for uses and making improvements until a Frenchman, Leon Foucalt in 1852 used the machine to measure the earth's revolution. He gave the device its modern name. Shortly thereafter, the advent of electric motors made it possible for the gyroscope to overcome friction and spin indefinitely, thus lending itself to the invention of early gyrocompasses. Nations soon realized the military significance of this device in an age when naval prowess symbolized military strength. Military and strength are synonymous with men.
How GyroWas Set
Into
Nineteenth Century
Later, with the beginning of the twentieth century, another notable creation was the Service Club. Usually born as a businessmen's club formed for the purpose of enabling members to develop personal friendships amongst business associates. An arrangement wherein regularly held meetings, with meals, fun and fellowship, became a pleasant and inspiring occasion for all members. Male bonding thus became a strong element of leisure time. The first such group was Rotary, in 1905 Chicago, which rapidly became international in 1910. In the next ten years, many other associations followed, including Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist and Gyro. The newly formed Cleveland Gyro organization in 1912 was created with the mission to be a Fraternity of Friendship, but also embraced the Service Club concept wherein the members were unabashedly into networking. Because of this, their membership increased rapidly and they soon became international when Toronto joined the association in 1919. The last man to join the Cleveland group as a charter member was effervescent Jimmie Hubbell. His demeanor and contacts provided many interesting speakers which quickly contributed to increasing the membership. Jimmie's fascination with the Gyroscope and his persuasive arguments overcame prospective names such as “Peerless Perspirers” and “Ready Radiators” and provided this new organization with its name – Gyro.
Since this group was postulated on the premise that friendship was too valuable an asset not to maintain, Jimmie likened the Gyroscope to friendship, because “once set in motion, regardless of outside influences, it would maintain its course regardless – not unlike the benefits of friendship.” This concept then evolved into the familiar three defined words which forever cemented the relationship between friendship and the Gyroscope:
Power – symbolizes the power of our friendships in our relationships;
Poise – demonstrates the steadiness of friendships in times of trial; and
Purpose – keeps the balance wheel of friendship in men's lives. However, Jimmie was not alone in his fascination. During World War I, it seems many men were intrigued by the Gyroscope. One such man was an executive with the Davenport YMCA who had three years of service during the war in Siberia and Russia where he demonstrated and lectured about the Gyroscope. He was so impressed by the qualities of the device, when he formed a sort of Junior Rotary with 25 members in 1920, he called his group Gyro as well. His idea was to get as many “Y” members as possible, but not call it a YMCA affiliate because most veterans did not hold the YMCA in high esteem following the war. They elected officers, had pins made, designed a logo and had it copyrighted. They wrote a constitution and by-laws that were remarkably similar to those of the clubs in the International Association. It wasn't until the following year, however, when a member of the Milwaukee Gyro Club representing the International Association of Gyro Clubs contacted the Davenport organization, that the Davenport club was even aware of another club named Gyro. Needless to say, in short order they joined the larger association. Research indicates that there were other like-minded men. Limited online references attest to “Gyro” clubs in diverse locations such as Green Bay, WI and Bowmanville, ON. PIP Bill Boyd ('65-'66) related that he was posted to Colorado for the
MAN, GYRO ... AND THE
MYSTICAL �MACHINE�
-12-
The most visible symbol of Gyro, that was developed as soon as the Cleveland club was established, is the GyroScope magazine. Initially called the GyroScoop, it was edited by both Gus Handerson and Jimmie Hubbell under the guidance of Albert Kern who was the International Secretary during the war years. These fellows recognized the need to keep the fast growing membership constantly advised as to events, and with a nod to networking, allowed space for each member to advertise his products or abilities. The earliest publication consisted of one page folded in half with ads on the back. As the membership increased, so did the magazine. Following the first International convention in January 1917, the name became the GyroScope and carried the membership lists and other pertinent data for all the clubs then committed to the Association of Gyro Clubs. The magazine by 1918 had grown to 24 pages overall, was produced monthly, and carried as much information about the “Gyro boys” overseas as became available. It also often contained commentary or illustrations of political content. Since these were young men driven to establish a business or profession, they had little love of bigger government or Bolshevism. For a dozen or so years thereafter, it continued to also promote the networking aspect until the negative influence of the Great Depression caused some loss of membership and the failure of several clubs. This loss proved contentious to some who blamed the International
1965 convention to represent International. While there, he was informed that the hosting Denver Gyro Club existed soon after WW I, and like Davenport, before they had any knowledge of Gyro International. Also in 1920, the Association of Gyro Clubs sent a representative to Denver who found a large and lively group of distinguished professional men. He convinced them to join in 1921 and they remained members until 1991. Other clubs named Gyro are now mere historical trivia. The Gyro Club of Cleveland, formed in 1912, and the International Association soon after in 1917, along with a continuous GyroScope magazine under copyright laws, can lay claim to being the true Gyro organization. None-the-less the reader might wonder if the Gyroscope embodied some sort of mystical quality that induced men to be so intrigued and caused them to create a number of similar organizations, in diverse locations without knowledge of one another? There is no information available as to whether some of the other 50 clubs formed in the 1920s destined to join Gyro International had been to some degree meeting in a similar fashion as the men in Davenport and Denver, but it seems likely.
For the first 100 years the GyroScope magazine has served the fraternity well – bringing ideas, wisdom, membership pictures and reports on conventions, as well as occasional humor. It remains an important tool of the organization and as a strong symbol of the relationship between friendship, the device, and its origins. As we start the next century of Gyro, the magazine is now produced in digital version four times each year and thus available on the internet, with two of those issues being printed and mailed to members so requesting. Members who prefer can view or print it digitally in color, or receive a black and white edition. As Gyro moves ahead, the future would indicate that eventually the magazine will be all digital only - succumbing to an ever accelerating electronic world. Today it is possible to view that digital issue visually not only on your computer, but also via television, your coffee table, the door of your microwave oven, or your cell phone. Shortly some will utilize their eyeglasses or contact lens and perhaps eventually - well, one can only imagine. If we can adapt Gyro to meet this changing world, our marvelous fraternity will survive through this new century. And why not? That “machine” that has become so vital to our world - one even resides in your cell phone - must be considered the emotional stimulant to our organization. Mystical or not! Imagine what Johann Bohnenberger, that German theorist in 1817 would think of that! His “Machine” has not only evolved into a myriad of important and useful devices … it has stirred the hearts of men. (To view Gyro symbols and emblems – please see page 66)
Twenty-First Century
The GyroScope
�AND THAT IS HOW GYRO WAS SET INTO MOTION!�
administration for the losses, but following a convention debate, International Secretary Ed Kagy was able to report that, “fortunately we have returned to our original roots, that of friendship.” Thus networking became a non-issue and Gyro returned to its original precepts as so eloquently put forth by Jimmie Hubbell in 1912. The GyroScope had revolving editors in the beginning – one-year stints by W.F. Johnson, Cleveland; Ed Kuhn, Buffalo; Willis Osborn, Chicago; Joe Bannigan, Toronto; and a 2-year stint by Bruce Brown, Cincinnati. Jimmie Hubbell followed as editor for the next 8 years, followed by Noble Jones of Minneapolis for 6 years and Frank Dowsett, Toronto, 1-year.Bill Coulter of St. Paul started an 18 year effort until 1975 when PIP Warren Schram held the position for 5 years. At that time, John Harding became the nominal Editor. Fortunately Gyro had a member with a love of Gyro, the attributes of being a newspaperman, and the owner of a printing business. He was George France of Canton. George became Associate Editor. The GyroScope was in competent hands for many years, as George - followed by his son Jim - toiled mightily to edit and print what became a quarterly edition until 2010 when Jim resigned as the Associate Editor. As Gyro moves into the digital age, the duties of Editor and production are now the responsibility of the current International Secretary-Treasurer.
-13-
2005
Martin L. “Marty” Larson Edmonton Gyro Club
James W. “Jim” Parker Gyro Club of the Wenatchee Valley
2006
Christopher RandallVictoria Gyro Club
Ian D. Greig Stampede City Gyro Club
2007
Edward F. “Ed” Posch Cleveland Heights Gyro Club
Bruce J. Poll Etobian Gyro Club
2008
Edward S. “Ed” Benhoff Cleveland Heights Gyro Club
2009
Denis M. Moffatt Camosun Gyro Club,
James E. Roberts Hollyburn Gyro Club
2010
Peter PollhammerKelowna Gyro Club
William B. “Bill” Crowl Wheeling Gyro Club
2011
James A. “Jim” France Canton Gyro Club
Albert J. NightingaleToronto Gyro Club
Emil L. BaijotBellingham Gyro Club
“be it resolved that:”
RECIPIENTS
“In Recognition of Extraordinary, Magnaminous and
Perpetual Service to the Gyro Fraternity of Friendship”
In 2005 the Executive Council of Gyro, in order
to recognize the dedication of individuals, over an
extended period of time to the cause of Gyro,
decided to create a special award. They chose to
title it the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Gyro
Ed Steinbacher, of the Gyro Club of Milwaukee,
and Past District Governor of District II, had just
died, and it seemed a perfect time to honor this
man, who exemplified just the qualities they
sought to recognize.
Nominations for this award are made by any Gyro Club, District or by Gyro
International, and any Gyro can become a candidate. International officers
review and consider all nominations and present the award or awards at the
next annual convention. The award seeks to honor a member who has made
significant recent contributions to Gyro and who has also given of his time
over the course of at least twenty years. It is symbolized by a plaque given to
the recipient, with his name prominently displayed thereon.
It is fitting that this
award honors Gyro Ed
Steinbacher. Ed was an
involved member of his
own club, serving as
Club President and for
many years as the
Secretary�Treasurer. He
was the recipient of the
Gyro Award of Merit,
the Honor Key, and the
Gyro of the Year Award.
As Governor of District II, he also served as a valued member of the Gyro
International Board of Governors. A retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and a
veteran of World War II, Ed was active in his community and his church. He
was affable, handsome, and erudite. Most of all, he was a leader and a tireless
worker for Gyro. He was, in the words of a fellow Milwaukee Gyro:
“Awarded
to honor a Gyro
who has unstintingly given
of his time, efforts and love
in perpetuating the Fraternity
and all it stands for over the
course of twenty years or
more; a Gyro who reflects
the essence of friendship
and has literally, offered a
‘Lifetime’
to the success of this
Organization”
THEEdward “Ed” Steinbacher
Lifetime AchievementAward
PRESENTED�TO
“A man who lived to praise God, love his family,
love his country and serve his fellow man.”
International establish an award to be known
as the
which may be presented annually at convention
-14-
THE Edward “Ed” Steinbacher
Achievement Award Lifetime
1917 Cleveland, Ohio1918 Cincinnati, Ohio *1919 Buffalo, New York1920 Chicago, Illinois1921 Cincinnati, Ohio1922 Toronto, Ontario1923 Milwaukee, Wisconsin1924 Detroit, Michigan1925 Vancouver, British Columbia1926 Winnipeg, Manitoba1927 Denver, Colorado1928 Syracuse, New York1929 Madison, Wisconsin1930 Tacoma, Washington1931 Hamilton, Ontario1932 San Francisco, California1933 Milwaukee, Wisconsin **1934 Calgary, Alberta1935 Indianapolis, Indiana1936 Halifax, Nova Scotia1937 Breezy Point, Minneapolis, MN1938 Rochester, New York1939 Jasper N.P., Edmonton, Alberta1940 Toronto, Ontario1941 Victoria, British Columbia1942 Windsor, Nova Scotia **1943 Toronto, Ontario **1944 Winnipeg, Manitoba **1945 Chicago, Illinois **1946 Buffalo, New York1947 Seattle, Washington1948 French Lick, Indiana1949 Saranac Lake, New York1950 Banff, Alberta (Calgary)1951 Washington, D.C.1952 Chicago, Illinois1953 Vancouver, British Columbia1954 Cleveland, Ohio1955 St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, N.B.1956 Mackinac Island, Michigan1957 Victoria, British Columbia1958 Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania1959 Montreal, Quebec1960 Buffalo, New York1961 San Francisco, California1962 Atlantic City, New Jersey1963 Jasper National Park, Alberta1964 French Lick, Indiana1965 Colorado Springs, Colorado1966 Vancouver, British Columbia1967 Lake Placid, New York1968 Milwaukee, Wisconsin1969 Banff, Alberta1970 Niagara Falls, Ontario1971 Victoria, British Columbia
International
CONVENTIONS“a gathering of people who share a common interest”
“Chicago Finale” Skit ~
“Stampede City”, Calgary 2006
Gyro International conventions are scheduled once each year during the warmer summer months. A club or district is selected to make the arrangements and act as hosts to the delegates. The representatives gather together to conduct not only the necessary business at hand but to also celebrate the end of another successful year of friendship and the beginning of a new one. The main effort of the convention is to process old and new business issues and to deal with financial matters. This generally requires 2-3 days of meetings by the Executive Council and the Board of Governors prior to the actual start of the convention. Once the convention starts, time is also allocated over several days to conduct training seminars. Action at the general meeting becomes the final authority for all. Not all was business however. Sometime
in the late 20s a few wives accompanied their husband delegates – thus convention time also became a social event with an opportunity to mix with and meet new friends. As travel became less complicated, each new convention would see more ladies attend and eventually more and more accommodations were provided by the hosts to ensure everyone had a good time; yes, perhaps even a memorable one. Separate and mixed luncheons were arranged, many with entertainment. Activities such as golf and tours became common. A President’s Ball was initiated, complete with black-tie to finalize
the convention. A highlight for many, as well as the host club, would often be an outrageously clever and talented skit, such as the one shown above. In the early days, however, the conventions were held in mid-winter and at a large city location to simplify travel. Winter was a time of reduced business and thus offered a bit more time for the membership to travel. As noted elsewhere, these early members were not only into friendship, but networking amongst like minded young businessmen and the opportunity to make contacts in other locations, was of paramount interest.
47 Delegates to Cleveland Convention 1917
-15-
Five years after the founding of Gyro, the first International Convention was held in January of 1917 in C l e v e l a n d a n d conventions have been held ever since – except for 1933 when, due to the depression, only the
the Executive Council met, and from 1942 through 1945, because of World War II, only the Board of Governors met. This initial International Convention established the “Association of Gyro Clubs” and laid the foundation upon which Gyro still stands 100 years later. They wrote the Constitution & Bylaws, defined membership requirements, and established symbols.
Stampede City performing “Chicago”
1972 Thunder Bay, Ontario1973 Halifax, Ontario1974 Atlanta, Georgia1975 Long Beach, California1976 Cincinnati, Ohio1977 Banff, Alberta (Calgary)1978 St. Charles, Illinois (D-II)1979 Salt Lake City, Utah1980 Toronto, Ontario (Etobian)1981 Nanaimo, British Columbia1982 Cable, Wisconsin (St. Paul/Oryg)1983 Moncton, New Brunswick (D-VI)1984 Canton, Ohio1985 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho1986 Madison, Wisconsin (D-II)1987 Victoria, British Columbia1988 Long Beach, California1989 Kelowna, British Columbia1990 Gold Coast, Florida1991 St. Catharines, Ontario1992 Lake Tahoe, California1993 Minneapolis, Minnesota1994 Moncton, New Brunswick1995 Chicago, Illinois1996 Edmonton, Alberta1997 Cleveland, Ohio1998 Penticton, British Columbia1999 Whistler, B.C. (Vancouver)2000 Winnipeg, Manitoba2001 Wenatchee, Washington2002 Halifax, N.S. (Windsor)2003 Salt Lake City, Utah2004 Syracuse, New York2005 Milwaukee, Wisconsin2006 Calgary, Alberta (Stampede City)2007 Niagara Falls, ON (St.Catharines)2008 Victoria, B.C. (Camosun)2009 San Diego, CA (Blacklake/Fresno)2010 St. Paul, Minnesota2011 Halifax, Nova Scotia2012 Cincinnati, Ohio
Conventions have been held since then in locations ranging across North America from Whistler, BC to Halifax, NS in Canada, and from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, CA in the United States. (See the sidebars for locations. )
The format for future Gyro conventions was established even before the formation of the Association of Gyro Clubs, when in 1916 the Cleveland Club decided to advertise itself by holding an Exposition at the Cleveland Armory. It was a four-day affair with games, speeches and military drills that started with a mock funeral procession through the city honoring “Mr. Can’t Be Done!” (next page)
Gyro was re-defined at the 1934 convention in Calgary – a time when rapid expansion had ceased and several clubs had withdrawn (probably due to the depression) causing some dissension and contentious debate, following which Secretary-Treasurer Ed Kagy reported that friendship had overcome cynical emotions and Gyro had finally returned to its roots, the celebration of friendship.
Ed Kagy’s retirement after 31 years coincided with another Cleveland convention in 1954. The highlight being a special audio and slide presentation by co-founder Jimmie Hubbell honoring Ed’s dedication and service, following which the stage curtain was raised and revealed a parting gift – a new Buick Special, complete with gas, insurance and the balance of the fund of $4000 gathered from friends across North America. (Equivalent to $34,000 in 2012 dollars).
Another outstanding Convention, and the largest, was held in Nanaimo, BC in 1981. It was attended by more than people, the most ever at an International 1140Convention. The highlight was Friday with all you could eat seafood served by the Vancouver Island clubs. So many were in attendance, well over the break-even point financially, that the host club had dinghies filled with ice and beer located around the park. Mixed drinks were fifty-cents and the beer was free! Many were transported to and from the event at a provincial park - Yellowpoint - in a large vessel in the shape of a bathtub. On the return, the “bathtub” had to put ashore due to darkness and rough seas, and when the people on board were found, they were strung out on a road for over a mile, trudging along hoping that bright lights and other humans might suddenly appear.
The saddest happening at a Convention was undoubtedly the 1978 Convention in St. Charles, IL. International Secretary/Treasurer Art Jordan died suddenly during the
rdgathering. Marcus Simpson went in as new 3 International Vice President and brought Gyro back to life after the death of Art by remarking in his acceptance speech – in his inimitable Scottish accent that he considered himself just elected Third Officer of the Titanic.
The Chicago Convention of 1995 was truly a “hot time” in the old town. This was t he worst heat wave Chicago had in recorded history. Daily temperatures reached
St. Andrews-by-the-sea, N.B. 1955
-16-
The most bittersweet convention moment occurred at the
2002 Convention in Halifax. The entertainment was for the entire group to attend the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo at a civic center. The entertainment was unto itself a great night but near the close of the event, the entire cast of performers, from all over the world, came into the arena and performed a special tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9-11 attacks in September 2001. The whole house was brought to tears with the performance of the group and the playing of the United States national anthem.
As noted, the major social happening is the International President’s Banquet and Officer Installation. Sometimes at these affairs all does not go as planned as was the case in Salt Lake City in 2003, when just prior to the dinner, PIP Ed Posch collapsed and was taken to the hospital. Ed, a widower, had as his dinner partner, the very attractive Marcie Larson, daughter of PIP Marty Larson. Ed had a pacemaker implant the following week. Immediately following this disturbance, the fire alarm went off. Everyone looked around when a manager took the mic and firmly announced we must all evacuate as there really was a fire. Everyone started for the exits but quickly the manager announced the situation was under control and we could all return. The head table kept a watch over their shoulders for fear of what would happen next.
event 106-109 degrees and barely cooled down to below 100 at night. It was reported that over 750 people in the Chicago area died from the heat. An outdoor cookout that was scheduled for one evening was moved inside as the hotel staff was concerned with having everyone outside in the heat – considering the “age” of many. The hospitality room was restocked early every morning to avoid going out during the heat of the day. Golfers who ventured out were seen wearing wet towels over their heads in an attempt to beat the heat.
Cleveland Exposition 1916
Denver, CO 1927
San Francisco, CA 1932
Many friendships are made and others rekindled at every Convention. Some friendships between Gyros from far reaches are made and become lifetime friendships. One example was in 1983 when then International 3rd VP Jim Parker met District VIII PDG Ian Greig for the first time. This friendship continues to grow today
International’s wish is that all Gyros could take advantage of attending an International Convention. Gyro friendship and fellowship are evident everywhere. The greatest friends are always at Gyro International Conventions.
-16--17-
Secretary-Treasurers of Gyro International
In the early days of Gyro, when the office was a box in the
corner of a room in a member’s home, the duties of the
Secretary-Treasurer were all carried out by local Gyros. Five
years after the founding of Gyro, separate offices of Secretary
and Treasurer were established. The duties then were likely
similar to those of District Officers who fill those positions
today and as can be seen, the men were scattered around
throughout the Clubs. Those who filled the positions in the
early days were as shown to the right:
In 1922, the positions were combined and the task fell to Joseph Banigan from Toronto.
In 1923, it became apparent that a more stable relationship was required and the first choice was one of the Founders, “The Grey Eagle”, Ed Kagy. Ed accepted the now paid position on a part-time basis until 1925 at which time it became a full-time position. Ed filled this roll until his retirement in 1953. Ed was admired for his inflexibility of purpose, his devotion to duty, his kindness and his ability to appreciate the other fellow's viewpoint. He answered all problems with the question, “Is this best for Gyro”. More biographical information on Ed is available under the Founders section of this magazine.
Upon Ed's retirement the duties of the office were filled from 1954 to 1976 by “Chick” St. Clair who had just completed his term as International President. It has been said that he equaled Ed Kagy in his dedication to Gyro. Chick oversaw expansion of the office staff which was required due the increase in membership of 24 Clubs during his term. He was Gyro's best salesman and traveled extensively as a strong advocate of extension. He was a thoughtful and effective guide to the various Executive Councils of the day.
Art Jordon took office from 1976-1978. Art was the son of Gyro's first president, L.K. Jordon. Art served the Fraternity well both during and after his term as an International Officer. He had created a history of Gyro for the first 50 years together with the Cleveland Heights Gyros and Gyrettes. The result of this effort was a sound tape and film which was a big hit
that the 50 anniversary convention. Unfortunately, Art passed away suddenly at the International Convention in St. Charles, Illinois before he had time to leave his mark as a Secretary-Treasurer.
Edmund�L.�Kagy
Arthur�K.�Jordan,�PIP
Charles�W.�St.Clair,�PIP1954-1976
1923-1953
1976-1978
SECRETARY
Al KernCleveland
Al KernCleveland
W.D. SandersonBuffalo
Roy ThomasChicago
H.K. HarringtonCincinnati
TREASURER
L.P. PutnamChicago
W.D. SandersonBuffalo
Don D. GrigorCleveland
L.E. FallsCleveland
E.W. CarsonBuffalo
1917-1918
1918-1919
1919-1920
1920-1921
1921-1922
-18-
John Harding assumed the role of Secretary-Treasurer immediately after Art's untimely passing. John was a quiet man who assisted many an EC with difficult decisions until his retirement in 1991. He never hesitated to give his opinion and had the ability to sway meetings to his way of thinking. That is meant as a compliment as his devotion to Gyro and knowledge of the workings of the Fraternity over many years usually led to the proper decision being made. It should be noted however that John always felt that there was no place for computers in the world and did his best to avoid them.
From Ed Kagy in 1923 to this point, all of the Secretary-Treasurers were from the Cleveland area. In 1992, Jim Parker from the Wenatchee Valley Club in District IV accepted the position. Jim and his Gyrette Pat changed their lives completely by “pulling up stakes” and moving to Painesville. This was a move for which those involved at the International level will be forever grateful. Jim was very knowledgeable about the inner workings of Gyro. His firm but quiet manner brought a lot of stability to the office and he assisted many others in their understanding of the Fraternity's workings. Part way through his five years of service, Jim and Pat started to get a little homesick. Fortunately, the home computer age was dawning. Jim convinced the powers that be that he could conduct the majority of Gyro business from home with the assistance, of course, from this remarkable new tool, although regular trips to headquarters would still be required prior to the International meetings. Not only were we able to keep Jim and his knowledge on board, but this move opened the door for interested Gyros to take on the position no matter where they were located.
On Jim's retirement in 1997, the duties were passed on to Len Cary from the Stampede City Club in Calgary. He had the computer skills to follow in Jim's footsteps. Len was a perfectionist. As a result, the work of Gyro sometimes frustrated him to no end. After two years in office, Len made the decision to retire. He was likely aware that pending heart surgery was more critical than what he let on. Len passed away on the operating table not long after his resignation.
In 1999, Emil Baijot from Bellingham, Washington took over from Len. Again, Emil has the computer skills that have allowed him to produce and maintain the Gyro Website and since the retirement of Jim France, to do the design and layout of the GyroScope. All this from his home, although visits to headquarters are still required.
Although their approaches are completely different, like Jim Parker, Emil has guided many an EC and Board of Governors through many difficult meetings.
These men have all contributed immensely to our great Fraternity over the years. We should be grateful for men like these and for the support of their ladies.
John�H.�Harding
James�W.�Parker,�PIP
Bob Gibson took over in 1991 and although he only served one year, he made a very significant contribution during that time. Bob realized that the financial reporting of Gyro was badly in need of a tune up. He recruited a volunteer Gyro, who was a professional accountant, to reformat the statement presentation and review the records on a regular basis. This arrangement still exists today and the financial reporting is something that most can understand.
1999-
1992-1997
1978-1991
1991-1992
Leonard�D.�Cary1997-1999
Robert�R.�Gibson
Emil�L.�Baijot,�PIP
-19-
The Founders – Of course we know the story of how three college friends wished to continue their friendships after college and into the future, and how, after gathering a few additional friends together, formed a club that became Gyro. The three were Paul Schwan, Gus Handerson and Ed Kagy. They were students in the Arts Department at Western Reserve University – enrolled in the fall of 1907, and all three graduated in 1911. Paul changed his course from literary to law in 1908 and attained an L.L.B. degree. Handerson continued his studies in the pursuit of a business education; however, in his last year he devoted his time to a combined Literary-Law program, earning an A.B. degree. Kagy was quite the leader in many aspects of his college years – excelling in athletics, his fraternity and oratory and working in a number of jobs to make enough money to enjoy the good life as best he could. The trio, having established a firm friendship in their first year, never wavered from their camaraderie.
Edmund L. Kagy – probably the best known because of his long association with Gyro, was born 21 April, 1889 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio -- one of seven children. He worked at a myriad of jobs, always striving to earn money. His athleticism showed early in high school, and he excelled in college, playing three years at right half in football and captaining the team; three years on varsity baseball and one year of varsity basketball. Following college he played semi-pro baseball for several leagues. While still in college, he formed a three-man team that lectured on human relations at various college Y.M.C.A. and in his senior year captured first place in an oratorical Peace Contest earning him election into the honorary forensic fraternity. Following graduation, he joined the faculty at South High School where he taught physics and was in charge of all athletic teams. His college called him back, and for two years he was head baseball and basketball coach and assisted with football.
With the outbreak of war, he, along with two other friends formed a Gyro training company, wherein the members gained valuable experience. Shortly, he was accepted in Officers Training School and became a second lieutenant in May, 1917. By May of 1918, he was now a first lieutenant
The Founders & Other Special Members
-20-
and shipped overseas, first to England and then France. Within three weeks, he was one of two selected for the “Army School of the Line” and promoted to Captain. He spent much of his time studying military offensives and their results. Later he was posted as a liaison assistant in charge of all A.E.F. athletics.
Returning to the US, he started a dealership in oils and greases, and acted as Gyro International S-T on a half-time basis for two years, eventually becoming the full-time secretary in 1925. It has been stated that with his resume, he likely gave up leading a prosperous life for his love of Gyro.
It was said that he was married to his Gyro dream in the beginning, but he took a wife later in the 1920s and sired two children. He died in 1960.
It was also noted that he answered all problems with the question “Is it best for Gyro?” He was admired for his inflexibility of purpose, his devotion to duty, his kindliness and his ability to appreciate the other fellow's viewpoint. Clarence H. Handerson – more familiarly known as Gus (the root of the nick-name is unknown) was born on the 23rd of February 1989 in Cleveland - the son of a doctor and one of three children. His early ambition wasto become a doctor likehis father, but was dissuaded from choosingthe medical profession onadvice of his dad. He worked at several jobs while in high school – a druggist's assistant and later as a deck hand on a lake boat.
Apparently he was a “bear for work.” Any project he took on was a success. He organized the “Sock & Buskin” club, made it a financial success and thus gave his university the best dramatic club it ever had. He became a monologist for the Glee Club and it was reported he was always the life of the party.
Upon graduation, he like Kagy, was lured by business. At first as a private detective for clothing manufacturer, he was involved worming his way into strikers’ meetings, one of which in the guise of a newspaper reporter, and when discovered, he had to leave by a side window of the theatre in haste. He then served as an advertising investigator and later
sold office space. He finally ended up in advertising – his true calling. During this busy life, he found time to get married in April 1915. He went on to various advertising positions, finally being the ad manager for the largest bank in the world. He was member and officer of many advertising clubs and other civic groups.
He was a Republican, a Mason, an Episcopalian, and interestingly enough, he authored a published book “The Ladies from Hell.” He was fond of saying: “We have a daughter, dog, canary, a Grant, consumptive Ford, mortgage and a radio.”
Unfortunately, his health failed him in 1941 and he died in 1942 of heart problems.
Paul Schwan – was born in Cleveland on 27 July 1989, the son of a minister and one of four children. Raised in the the atmosphere of the parsonage, he attained respect and appreciation for the handiwork of his Creator - the glories of the sunset, the wonders of nature, and the violence of storms found harmony in his soul.
It was said that Paul exhibited the “spirit of the hive” – a constant striving within his soul to make the world a little better place to live – a longing to exemplify friendship and to educate his associates, and the public, to an appreciation of the benefits of friendship. His philosophy by this time was deep rooted, more of an analyst, an absorber. He spent considerable time in his sanctuary, a large room in his house that was part bedroom and part library. Lined on three sides with over- flowing bookcases.
After attaining his law degree, he went into association at his uncles' law firm, but he never lost contact with his college chums, meeting often for dinners at Webbers Café and lunches at Boehkes. It was during these meetings that he gave voice to his convictions on friendship which crystallized into Gyro. He was never considered the life of the party, but when he left a meeting, it was a different meeting.
Little is known of his later years except that he was married in March 1918, and after a honeymoon of one week reported to the army on April 1. His life in the military was colorless and brief. He contracted influenza and three weeks later he died on April 17.
Others, quoting from Shakespeare's “As You Like It” noted that Paul heard the “sermon in stones,” listened to “tongues in trees,” he read the “books in brooks,” and he saw “good in everything.”
In retrospect it might be considered that Kagy was the affable stalwart, Handerson the cheerleader, and that Schwan was the true instigator of Gyro.
Albert Kern – a charter member and member of the executive committee. Club secretary and then International Secretary from 1917-1919 while the executive was off to war.
Orville “Orrie” Peterson – charter member and a real live-wire. His droll wit was instrumental in the early days. As First Lieutenant , Artillery, in France 1917-1818 he went through numerous engagements unscathed, but developed pneumonia in his last week and died in France.
Leon K. Jordan – Entirely responsible for forming the Buffalo club and played a big part in starting Chicago and Cincinnati. Elected to a two-year term as first International President 1917.
“Doc” R.L. Jett – A sanatorium physician who enlisted Gyros to use his hospital grounds for rookie military training. He didn't wait for call up, but hurried over to serve with a medical unit attached to the Serbian Army. Killed while on duty at an advance field hospital. The first Gyro to die for his country.
James L. “Jimmie” Hubbell – the last of the original group in 1912 before the organization was named. He had a fascination with study of the gyroscope (as did many others see pages 12 & 13) and when others were facetiously discussing names like Peerless Perspirers and Ready Radiators - because their summer meeting location lacked modern air conditioning - managed to advance his ideas related to the gyroscope - hence the name GYRO and the Power, Poise & Purpose description came into use. He and Gus published the club bulletin until 1917 when it became an international publication. After 5-6 years of editing for Buffalo, Toronto and Cincinnati, he became editor of the GyroScope in 1923 and continued until 1934. He was a singer, songwriter and peppy worker. A captain in WWI, he tried to go back in WW II, but had to remain as an official of the Ohio Civilian Defense organization.
Other Charter Members – were Peter Hopper, Webb Handside, George Forbes, and R.B. Hopper. Nothing has been recorded or is known about the charter members except as noted above.
“Their names will be enshrined in the hearts of all Gyros”
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A Perspective of
Gyro International from the Painesville Office
Patrica Swanson Office Manager Emeritus
-22-
friends. Working at Gyro was nothing like working in the business world—not that we didn't do our work in a business manner, but our contact with Gyros lived up to what the organization represented – friendship! Gyro friendships are more than just liking someone, they are friendships from the heart.
I worked closely with the Secretary-Treasurers.
They were all different and special in their own way, bringing to Gyro different ideas and ways of performing the job. After John Harding, I worked with Bob Gibson (who helped to bring Gyro into the computer age), Jim Parker (who cleaned up the office with new paint, carpet and blinds and was the first to work electronically outside the office), Len Cary (who carried the office of Secretary-Treasurer into Canada)and Emil Baijot (who proved more and more how work can be done electronically, including the GyroScope). These are only highlights.
Assisting the Executive Council was an
important part of my work. The Executive Council is a group of dedicated men who want to make Gyro better and better with each administration. At the end of their five years on the EC, I always hoped I had served them well and I know made many lasting friendships that did not end after they made the list of Past International Presidents.
As time passed, the Computer Age
brought more efficiency to Gyro. With computers the work was handled more quickly which allowed for the workload to increase. Our database was reorganized and is nowlocated offsite. Our server is no longer in the backroom, but is a small tabletop model in the main office and our technology was advanced to the “cloud”.
I have been proud to work at Gyro Headquarters.
It is a small building located on a busy street in Painesville, Ohio, but it is more than that, it has a beating heart. It beats each day to provide a place for all Gyros in the United States and Canada to forward information about new members, to make changes to an existing member's records, to call when in need of placing an order for pins, etc., or to ask for information. The list goes on! -
Thirty years ago I answered an ad in the local
newspaper for clerical help. It was the first resume I had prepared in many years. I had worked 13 years as an Executive Secretary with the Federal Reserve Bank – Buffalo Branch, followed by 11 years as a stay-at-home Mom. I was asked to come into the Gyro Office for an interview. When I walked into the office, I was greeted by Florence Merrill, the Office Manager – a great lady who became a wonderful friend. The second person I met was the distinguished Secretary-Treasurer John Harding. At that time, Gyro was a very formal office – suits and dresses. Until the day he retired, I always called John Harding – Mr. Harding. As I said ... it was a formal office.
I was offered the job and the
following week I walked into the office again and was shown to my desk. Although the year was 1981, the office was furnished with desks and file cabinets from the Twenties. I believe my manual typewriter was from the Sixties. Frugality was name of the game at Gyro.
Florence retired 3 years later and I was promoted
to Office Manager. I now held the position I knew I wanted from the day I started training with Florence. I was now overseeing the office, working with the finances (doing the bookkeeping all by hand, no computers at that time), keeping inventory, preparing reports for Interims and Conventions – and the years passed quickly.
I loved working with the Gyros, getting to know
their names, talking to them over the telephone and meeting them if they happened to stop at the office for a visit. Proofreading the GyroScope put names to the faces in the pictures. People started to become
continued on page 23
When Gyro decided a permanent “home” was needed, it was determined to locate the office near its birthplace and current Secretary Chick St Clair’s residence in Painesville, Ohio. It was built with the footprint of a house (just in case) in 1957 and has served Gyro well for 55 years. Recently refurbished, it may well last another 100 years as the “home” of Gyro. The office contains a vast array of Gyro memorabilia and records and is staffed by personable ladies always ready to welcome any Gyro visiting. The ladies handle the day-to- day business of the club under the direction of the remote International Secretary. Like gears that adjust to keep things going, it is important to look at who they are.
The office was built in 1957 and today a bold
sign out front of the building reads:
GYRO INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS A FRATERNITY OF FRIENDSHIP
At its dedication, Clem Rossbach, PIP, pointed
out that “… the new building really stood as a memorial to Ed Kagy and all the years he spent helping to bring our grand fraternity along successfully, proving again that such a project is dedicated to individual friendship as well.”
Gyro Headquarters & Staff
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continued from page 22
The office has always been fortunate to have dedicated ladies who spent years employed by Gyro. In more recent times two long-term ladies have mostly retired, one, the Membership Secretary with 25 years of service, and last year the Office Manager with more than 30 years. We make special note of their dedication here. In 1981 Mrs. Pat Swanson joined the staff and shortly became the Office Manager. She took care of the reports, bookkeeping, handled details of Interims and Conventions, and oversaw the hundreds of details relating to the Gyro fraternity. She continues on a reduced schedule while anticipating moving to Atlanta to be near her son and his family. Her sunny disposition will be sorely missed and her influence will remain ever present within the office. Her son has also made many contributions to Gyro assisting “mom” in converting Gyro to computers. Conversion to computers was coming online in1984 when a former bank teller, Roberta Winston was hired to be the membership secretary and take on added electronic duties. She organized the files, prepared certificates, handled the Gyro Store orders for jewelry, clothing, pins, etc. She met many members outside of the office as an attendee at conventions with her husband, who joined Gyro in 1998. Roberta retired in 2009, but fortunately she has made herself available when needed to help in training new hires. She was also blessed with a very agreeable disposition, and she too will be missed by those who enjoyed her help. The new Office Manager, Sheila Kucera was hired in 2009 as the Mem-bership Secretary after spending 17 years at home to raise 3 children. She enjoys home life, her family, and partaking in outdoor activities.With flexibility at Gyro HQ Sheila enjoys the activity of the office and looks forward to many years of serving Gyro. Her competence is evident by her quick rise to become the office manager. Since Roberta’s retirement, a number of ladies have been tried as Membership
Contact email is: or [email protected]@gyro.org
Secretary. As this article is written, a new lady Gloria Kostelnik has quickly absorbed the position. We hope that she too will find the association to her liking, and that she and Sheila will enjoy many years with our Fraternity of Friendship.
In closing, I would like to say that change is
good, but when you already have the basis on which Gyro has been organized, you do not need change, but you do need a united strength to keep what you have growing. Do not change the course, but continue with the friendships you share and remain dedicated to the original precepts of Gyro –Power, Poise and Purpose by strengthening your friendships and keeping the FUN in GYRO!
Ed Kagy, one of the three
founders of the International order
of Gyros and present
secretary/treasurer of the
organization arrived in Davenport
Tuesday night, according to his
plans, to be present at this meeting
of the local club, but not on the 4:15
PM train as thru schedule.
Instead he came on the airplane
of E. K.”Rusty” Campbell who was
dispatched to Iowa City to bring the
International Officer here when a
train wreck on the Rock Island line
further west delayed the passenger
train.
Consequently the dinner, which
had been planned for 6 o'clock at
the Blackhawk Hotel was delayed,
but on Mr. Kagy’s arrival all things
moved forward in good order.
Members this morning agreed that
the airplane special was a good move
for the train on which Mr. Kagy
would have come did not arrive until
1 AM today.
While he laughed over his
combined misfortune and good
While attending the International Convention in Penticton in 1998, in the room next to us was Edwin “Harvey” Headland of the Tacoma club. Harvey was 85 and had never been to a Gyro Convention.
The Convention was spread out across Penticton because no motel or hotel could accommodate everyone because of the number of rooms required or have a large enough meeting hall. Harvey flew into Penticton and did not have a car. My wife and I tried to look out for him to make sure he had transportation to all the events. His other neighbors were the Governor and his wife from D-X who also looked out for Harvey.
On the evening of the”Welcome Party” I saw to it that Harvey was introduced to International President Ian Greig and 1st International Vice President Jack Schenck. He enjoyed himself very much and was delighted to meet the International Officers.
A few days after the Convention, I received the following note from Harvey:
Dear A & D: Can't thank you enough for “adopting” me at the convention. It was a perfect example of Gyro fellowship and so I enjoyed the experience much more fully. Also it was a great boost to my spirits, having lost my beloved wife only 3 months ago. Tacoma Gyros were highly impressed by my report and the snapshots taken by a lady from D-X who also happened to look out for Harvey.
Regards,
HarveyEdwin “Harvey” HeadlandCaptain USN (Retired)Tacoma, WA
fortune and hurriedly dispatched a
belated dinner, members of the
club led by Russell Ewert and
Lester Sidney (both Davenport
Gyros) joined in group singing.
Jerry Hawes and Jack Foley,
local harmony artist opened the
program with a variety of duets.
Victor L. Hall president of the local
club then introduced Mr. Kagy who
spoke briefly.
After outlining the history of
the founding of the Gyro he dwelt
on the principle of friendship which
he said was the foundation of the
organization.
“Tho Gyro may be classed by
others as a civic or service club the
chief aim of its members should be
the promotion of friendship”,
declared the International
Secretary.
Let your mind imagine the very
properly dressed Ed Kagy sitting in
the open cockpit of a small plane in
1927 flying over the farm fields of
Iowa.
NOTHING KEPT ED KAGY FROM HIS SCHEDULEThe following article appeared in the “Davenport Democrat and Leader” on October 5,
1927, that covered the unusual visit of Ed Kagy, one of the founders of Gyro.
TRAIN DELAYED: GYRO SECRETARY HERE BY PLANE.KAGY, INTERNATIONAL OFFICER OF ORDER,
GUEST OF LOCAL CLUB
This story, to me, defines Gyro. It is about my friend, Tommie, and another friend, Jim, who was also a friend of Tommie. Things were not going good for Jim. He had just had his voice box removed and undergone a laryngotomy. He breathed through a hole in the front of his throat and could not speak. Tommie had a business which took him onto the highways in good weather and bad, and on one bad weather day his tires skidded on an icy highway, and he died. Now, Tommie had lived in northern Canada in a
little town without an airport. Jim and I lived a thousand miles south. We were determined to pay our last respects. It was wintertime, of course, and chains were required on the highway, so I chained up, and we were on our way, Jim “talking” with a pencil and notepad. But it was dark, and I could not see what he wanted to say. What with me concentrating on the road, it was a quiet trip. Eventually we crossed into Canada and to the air terminal there. At our destination of choice the airport was socked in, so we had to fly to another. One leg of our journey took us by bus along the
highway where Tommie's life had ended. Some thirty-six hours after we left home we arrived in Tommie's home town. It was the middle of the night, but we were taken into a Gyro home and made welcome. The next afternoon, standing in the snow, we listened as the pipes rendered the haunting strains of “Amazing Grace,” and we bid farewell to Tommie. Gathering ourselves, Jim and I bid a choked farewell to Tommie's grieving Gyrette, and we made our way through the snow back to our home. Thus is the dedication of Gyros, one to another.
Gyro Dedication
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YOU’RE NEVER TO OLD FOR A
GYRO CONVENTIONGyro Vignettes
Gyro Year Award THE NORMAN L. “BUD” MITCHELL
“for Extraordinary Service to the Gyro Fraternity in Club and District affairs ...
in the Promotion of External and Internal Expansion ...
in Recognition of the Unique Esteem he holds among fellow Gyros ...
and for Exceptional Involvement in Community, Business or Governmental activities.”
The Gyro of the Year is awarded to a Gyro ...
OF THE
This award was established in 1991 and named in recognition of Past International President Bud Mitchell. Bud was introduced to Gyro when very young. His parents Norman and Louise were very active in the Minneapolis Gyro Club for over 50 years. Educated at the University of Minnesota he joined the Marines and became a fighter pilot, thus he was ready when the war started. Following the war he became the chief pilot for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune for 25 years and then Vice President for 6 additional years. Bud, while body surfing with his doctor in Hawaii in 1989, was struck by a rogue wave that slammed him down on the sand, resulting in a broken neck. He was thus paralyzed and spent the next 12 years surviving in a respirator. Overcoming his injuries to some degree, he was fitted with a computer
and an air-driven keyboard by which means he continued to communicate to his friends and write about Gyro. He was heavily vested in Veterans Affairs before his injury and continued to write and support veterans well after. At ceremonies in conjunction with a Veterans Day celebration in 2000, he was on stage to assist as his brother read the speech that Bud had prepared for the event, embraced within his respirator. However, it is not only for his contributions as a war hero, his business success, or his service through all the echelons of Gyro, that the award bears his name. He truly exemplified the brotherhood of friendship – the tireless participation, the doing for others, and the out-stretched hand of friendship. He was Gyro personified, and thus it is fitting that the award acknowledging intense service to Gyro over a one-year period is named in his honor.
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Bud Mitchell loved flying, and he loved to talk about flying. It was a part of life that never left him. He was once heard to say he could not understand how any flyer could stop flying. He joined the Marines and became a pilot before the United States entered World War II. His first challenge came when on a training flight over Mexico, his airplane lost power and he was forced to land in a bean field. Leaving his airplane, he made his way back to his Marine Base, picked up the parts he needed and repaired his airplane in that bean field. WWII combat saw him as the pilot of an F4F Grumman Wildcat, based at
Henderson Field, the airfield newly won from the Japanese on Guadalcanal. Following his tour on Guadalcanal he became Commander of an F6F Hellcat night fighter squadron. Once again in the Pacific his squadron was involved in the Marianas Campaign, where it achieved considerable success. In recognition of Bud's efforts he was chosen to teach night fighter tactics to Army Air Force pilots operating in the same theater. Years later, when Bud left office as President of Gyro, he compared the value of the gyrocompass on his airplane, keeping him oriented in flying at night, to the effect of Gyro in his life. After the war he joined the Minneapolis Tribune newspaper, where he became pilot of the corporate jet aircraft, at one
time setting a world's speed record for a flight from Cairo, Egypt to London, England. Still later Bud became owner of a Beech Bonanza, previously owned by Arthur Godfrey. He would use it to fly to his rambling lodge on Lake Minakee, in western Ontario, where a squadron of mice were rumored to control the upper hallway, not unlike the way the Marines controlled the "Slot," as it was called, off the coast of Guadalcanal. Bud, along with his friends and so many other Gyros, epitomized the "Great Generation," just as he epitomized Gyro to all who knew him.
Gyro Vignette
1991 Gordon H. Rennie, Edmonton1992 Leo D. Mills, Grand Forks1993 Fraser Cunningham, New Glasgow1994 David C. Wallbom, Bellevue1995 James W. Parker, Wenatchee Valley1996 Donald A. H. Farmer, Kanata1997 Edward Steinbacher, Milwaukee1998 Arthur Stavenjord, Grand Forks1999 Raymond S. Graham, Halifax2000 Robert R. Gibson, Cleveland Hts.2001 George W. Butt, Kentville2002 James E. Roberts, Hollyburn Reginald D. Hares, Regina2003 Frederick D. Conrad, Minn-Subur.2004 Ernest E. Ballard, Naples Ian D. Greig, Stampede City2006 Robert D. Alton, Victoria Barry J. Walker, Edmonton2009 Larry L. Duba, Fresno2010 Peter M. Pollhammer, Kelowna2011 James Sweet, New Glasgow John O’Regan, New Glasgow
This award is primarily for service during the calendar
year, not for life-long contributions to the
organization
(The ink sketch was done on the occasion of Bud & Miriam’s visit to the editor’s home in 1985. He of course flew into town.)
District ICLUBS: Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Columbus
Cleveland Heights, Indianapolis, Marion, NW Indiana,Painesville, Powell, Wadsworth, Western Reserve,
Wheeling, Youngstown
District I is so named because that's where it all began – in Cleveland, OH. Much of the history and what followed is detailed in several other articles within this magazine. In this article we address only the district. Although GYRO was founded in 1912, it was 10 years later when districts were first organized. District I was composed of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, Pittsburgh, and Detroit. Initially, there were no boundaries to any of the districts and the jurisdiction for District I extended south to include Florida when the first clubs were formed in those areas. There were changes to district boundaries later, but that never caused problems, as GYRO expanded across North America.
As the districts were formed, they required a local administration, so District Officer positions were formed. Those who served as District I Governor over the years are listed on the sidebar.
At present, there are 14 active clubs within District I and in total, there have been as many as 28 clubs. Some were consolidated, some disbanded, but GYRO spirit is found in each one, regardless of how they are constituted. Some meet for luncheons, others in GYRO homes. Many meet for dinners, with or without speakers. Still others involve their wives on a regular basis.
Current clubs, with incidental details from each include:
Akron: started in 1951, sponsored by Cleveland Hts. and seconded by Canton, has over 30 members and has had 7 members serve as district officers in addition to “Gus” Ehrman who became D-X Governor after retiring to Florida. With 4 members having over 40 years in GYRO, and a mix of all types of professionals, the members are active in the community affairs and charities and look for new friends at all times. In 1956, Akron was the official sponsor of the Wadsworth club and later sponsored Kent in 1958. You will find many of them listed as Merit Award winners.
Canton: was chartered on April 20, 1940. One original Gyrette survives at the age of 101. Canton has always been a very active club in the district, having had seven governors over the years and hosting a number of district conventions, including the International in 1984. For many years, they held an 'International Nite' with a variety of ethnic food made by the ladies of the club who are renowned for their culinary expertise. They have increased their membership about 35% recently and are always looking for new friends. Although some members meet for lunch each week, the regular meeting is a stag dinner once each month. The ladies meet separately and have their own fun.
Cincinnati: is now the oldest Gyro club and also the largest. Started in 1916, this luncheon club boasts a vast array of professionals, including US Senators, judges and 7 past governors of the district. Participation in district or international has been limited for some years, but the club has accepted the challenge to sponsor and host the GYRO Centennial Convention in July of 2012. A memorable time is promised for all.
Cleveland Heights: was chartered in 1946 to cover the 'heights ' area of eastern
governors*merit award+ honor key
# int’l. president
1922-1930 *+ Edmund L. Kagy, Cleveland
H.K. Harrington, CincinnatiRussell Willson, IndianapolisEd. C. Callahan, ColumbusWallace Stauffer, Dayton
A.C. Bell, WindsorClarence Blakeslee, Indianapolis
Gordon S. Macklin, Cleveland
1930-1940Trenton C. Collins, TampaTrenton C. Collins, Tampa
William H. Knoderer, ColumbusCharles Sawyer, Cincinnati
Walter Montgomery, IndianapolisFrank Cornell, Cincinnati
+ J.P. Hershberger, ColumbusPaul L. Selby, Sr., ColumbusPaul L. Selby, Sr., Columbus
Arthur Knoderer, Dayton
1940-1950Arthur Knoderer, Dayton
George Soule, New Orleans+ Douglas Henecker, Pittsburg*+# Chick St.Clair, Painesville+ Norman T. Sweet, ClevelandCharles W. Higgs, Pittsburgh
J. Arthur Thomson, PainesvilleWm. C. Kelly, Cincinnati
+ Don F. Cathcart, Atlanta
1950-1960W.R. Triggs, Cleveland
Rbt. D. Kirkwood, Columbus+ Carlton B. Coen, Canton
*+# Arthur K. Jordon, Cleveland Hts.John Groff, Dayton
*+# William F. Boyd, Indianapolis*+# L.N. Reynolds, Cleveland Hts.
Burt V. Stevens, Akron +# Jack W. Folkerth, Columbus
John W. Salmon, Cleveland
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governors
MERIT�AWARDS
1960-1970A.B. McQuown, PittsburghE. Grant Hesser, CincinnatiDr. L.W. Judd, Painesville
Harry E. Russell, MansfieldRobert R. Girk, Indianapolis
*+# Edward Posch Jr., Cleveland Hts.* John R. Hawkins, Wadsworth*+# Gordon Golden, Wheeling*+# Edwin C. Strain, Dayton
Harley T. Litteral, Indianapolis
1970-1980 * Lee F. Carr, PainesvilleWm. F. Wright, Jr., Akron
*+ John H. Harding, Cleveland Hts.* David M. Faehnle, Columbus*+ Robert F. Carnahan, Canton
Wm. C. McFadden, AkronHaines V. Reichel, Grafton* James E. Price, Dayton
W. Webb Hill, Jr., Cincinnati* William B. Crowl, Wheeling
1980-1990* Robert Gibson, Cleveland Hts.
Harold R. Thomas, Canton* Joseph Appleby, Jr., Akron* Wm. R. Sutherland, Dayton
Ivan Toncic, Wheeling* Wm. H. Kretchman, Elyria
*+# John J. Monroe, Painesville*+ Edward S. Benhoff, Cleveland Hts.
* Dennis J. Nemeth, Canton*+ John W. Custis, Elyria
1990-2000Mark A. Schenck, Wadsworth* David Thomas, NW Indiana
John B. Welsh, Akron*+# Jack M. Schenck, Indianapolis
* Richard Weaver, YoungstownRichard Ward, Cincinnati
* Percy M. Kay, Cleveland Hts.* John Vertolli, Canton
James Anderson, ColumbusRichard Kitterman, Indianapolis
2000-2010Bernell H. Panning, NW Indiana
George Nothnagel, Cleveland Hts.George Nothnagel, Cleveland Hts.
Lee R. Bodner, PainesvilleJames P. Hyland, Youngstown
* Herbert E. Croft, Akron* William R. Barnaby, Canton*James C. Boyden, Columbus
Larry L. Larson, AkronKevin R. Peterson, NW Indiana
2010-2012Floyd C. Snyder, CantonLewis F. Lause, Marion
Cleveland, and now encompasses more. Always active in International and district, this club has had three of their governors advance to become president of GYRO. Three have also served as the International Sec/Treas. They have sponsored many memorable conventions including the International in 1997, and one at Sea World where everyone could pet a penguin. Membership has declined due to age but plans are underway to bring things back with the real GYRO spirit.
Columbus: as it is currently known was chartered in 1921 as the Rombus Club because they were the second Gyro club in the city. Later they had a friendly law suit to determine to see who was official. The remaining club is proud of its heritage andand is trying to gain in membership. The club has provided a number of district officers and one International President. Many of their best parties were either “mystery” bus trips or for games at Strandley’s farm followed by dinners at a local church. Their current events include a fantastic Christmas gathering.
Indianapolis: the second largest club is a men's luncheon group and, although six years younger than Cincinnati, it has many similar characteristics in size, membership and networking goals. With their large membership, they have been a force in the community and actively support local charities – primarily the Boy Scouts. The club was formed in 1922 and held their first district convention in 1924. A highlight at several conventions has been the opportunity to attend the Indianapolis “500” Speedway, often in convoy escorted by dozens of officers. They have provided Governors and two International Presidents.
Marion: is one of the newer District I clubs being chartered in 1982. A number of the charter members are still in the club, and recently has been a model of expansion. The first Governor from the Marion Club will be completing his term during the Centennial Convention.
Northwest Indiana: covers a wide area bordering District II. The club was established by Robert Guzzo and the charter was presented by then International President and brother, John Guzzo on April 14, 1979. One charter member, John Kroozwyk, remains among the 15 or so active. The club has always been famous for its sociability and great attendance at various functions, and, as such, they have won many man-mile awards for traveling. The club has sponsored two district conventions, provided three members as Governor, and are a great example of GYRO fun and friendship. Ask anyone about the “Body Shop” and you'll learn about the band with a number of Gyros, their Halloween parties and much more.
Painesville: home of the International headquarters has two clubs, with the namesake Painesville being the first. The club was chartered in 1940 when Chick St. Clair (who later became the International Secretary-Treasurer) was installed as the first club president. Membership has always been composed of local communityleaders. They hold many meetings during the year, of which about a third are “stag” gatherings, the rest include the spouses for functions such as clam bakes, and occasional “black tie” affairs. This club has provided five district governors and two International Presidents. Current leadership has sparked renewed interest and many functions, such as the “election night” draw many attendees. Friendship is thriving at the home of Gyro.
Powell is the newest club in District I, having been chartered October 1, 2005, with 10 inductees. As a spinoff from Columbus, they have attended both district and International conventions regularly since chartering. The club sponsored their first district convention in 2011 which was different from any other in the district. It was on an island in Lake Erie and no ties were permitted – even for the installation banquet. They have obviously jumped right into district activities and are a great
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In the 1970s and 80s District IV Gyros
and Gyrettes were a peripatetic bunch.
They would travel at the drop of a hat to
any party in the District. And that was a no
small matter, since the District extends
some eighteen hundred miles north and
south and across a mountain range from
east to west. Now after a journey of such
magnitude, it follows, just as night follows
the day, that a party must also be on a
grand scale. And it must not be curtailed
by such a thing as a timepiece. Parties went
on. And on. It was the norm.
In this particular instance our heroine,
although of diminutive stature, was a
person of profound dignity. Some would
say that it is undignified to sleep in the
nude, but such is not so! There are lots of
dignified people who sleep in the nude.
Also, it is not undignified to be called by
nature in the middle of the night. Who has
not been so called? This is what happened.
The lady has herself confessed, and her
husband has corroborated, the details of
the occasion. In the middle of the night,
after one of those aforementioned late
night parties; it must have been three or
four o'clock in the morning, for both the
lady and her husband were sound asleep,
when our lady experienced one of those
nature calls.
Being in a strange bedroom and groggy
from sleep, she went searching for the
bathroom. There it was, for there was a
sliver of light creeping under the door.
Through the door she went, the door
swinging shut behind her. She was not in a
bathroom SHE WAS OUTSIDE HER
ROOM IN THE HALL!
Nothing for it but to rouse her soundly
sleeping husband. Whisper loudly. Knock
softly. Knock loudly. Good lord, there are
voices coming from around the corner!
There is the ice machine. I'm tiny. Maybe I
can crawl inside! Oh, thank God. There's
my husband standing in the doorway
looking at me. He's a kind of phlegmatic
sort. “What are you doing out in the hall?”
he asks.
addition to the GYRO family.
Wadsworth: got its start via a few Painesville club members who were known to 'Pat' Brannigan when he lived there. With help from them and 6 or 7 other clubs, Wadsworth was launched officially on Sept. 1, 1956 with about 200 attending. Age has unfortunately taken its toll and the original 20 has declined to about 10 with Brannigan the remaining charter member. One special event item is a weekend outing for couples each year and, of course, golf enters the picture. Two district governors have been from Wadsworth and for many years the club has provided a $500 college scholarship to local students. Also of particular interest is the photo showing Steven L. Smith, son-in-law of Pat Brannigan, at left in back row. Steve made 4 space flights, space-walked over 35 hrs, worked on the rehab of Hubble telescope, and traveled over 12 million miles in space.
Western Reserve had its installation on Oct 2, 1972 with 9 of the 28 charter members being sons of Painesville members. As stated, the “old” guys in Painesville didn't want their offspring witnessing their wildness and vice versa. There are 14 of the original members still active. While not overly active in the district, they have been known to have more than a share of the fun at a couple ofconventions and at their own parties. To assure a semblance of security for many activities, not to be mentioned, the presence of a sheriff, two judges, a minister, and
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Gyro Vignette
INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY): Cleveland, Mansfield, Pittsburgh, Boston, Philadelphia, New Jersey,
Baltimore, Dayton, Erie, Lakewood, Springfield, Warren, Elyria,
Kent, Berea, Parma, Concord
CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
J. Daniel Avant, RombosRalph Bishop, ClevelandDonald Diehl, NW Indiana
Howard R. Fritz, ElyriaRobert Fleming, PainesvilleGeorge H. France, CantonJames A France, CantonP.T. Hopper, Pittsburgh
James Hubbell, ClevelandRalph Irwin, Columbus
John Krooswyk, NW IndianaArchibald Larson, PittsburghEugene A. Loomis, CantonRalph Mowry, Youngstown
Geoffrey Pearce, YoungstownFred Sale, Indianapolis
James W. Sale, IndianapolisJohn T. Sutton, IndianapolisWilliam Van Rooy, Cleveland
Val Voderheide, MarionRoss Willis, Pittsburgh
Alex J. Zebehazy, Painesville
othermerit�awards
District IICLUBS: Chicago, Clinton, Davenport,
Des Moines, Dixon, Madison, Milwaukee
1922-30 Comfort S. Butler, Chicago Walter W. Hiller, Milwaukee A. Earl Bryson, Chicago
# Glenn Stephens, Madison A. R. Kroppach, Davenport Frank Pillsbury, Milwaukee
B. R. L'Hommedieu, Madison Earle Bishop, Sterling
1930-40 James H. Farrell, MadisonJames H. Farrell, Madison
Conrad T. Frykman, ChicagoCharles A. Burr, Sterling
Irving H. Ramaker, DavenportIrving H. Ramaker, Davenport
Gerald Jones, DixonGerald Jones, DixonJohn E. Ikerd, Clinton
+ Walter Bendfelt, Milwaukee
1940-1950*+ Ernest Ryan, Davenport*+ Ernest Ryan, Davenport+ Joseph M. Ward, Sterling+ D. J. Godfrey, Milwaukee
+# Leon H. Isaksen, MadisonFred Wagner, Sterling
Forrest B. Krauss, ClintonWalter H. Buellesbach, Madison+ Arno H. Schriefer, Davenport
+ Clement A. Rossbach, Milwaukee
1950-60*Arthur H. Prestin, Sterling*Ralph M. Primmer, Clinton
*Glenn G. Groesbeck, MadisonErnest Ketelsen, Davenport
O. C. Daggert, Sterling*Robert M. Trachte, Madison*Fforde Hodgson, Chicago
Fred M. Kohl, ClintonDareld K. Straub, Des Moines
*Bernard W. Bivin, Sterling
1960-70 Claude C. Duley, Davenport
J. Fred Hofmann, DixonPhillip J. Hausmann, Madison
James E. Nolan, Chicago
The Beginning - The International Association of Gyro Clubs established Districts in 1922. District II consisted of the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. The only clubs in the District at the time were Chicago and Milwaukee. They met in Chicago, first adopting a constitution and then electing district officers. Comfort S. Butler of Chicago was elected the first Governor of District II. In 1923 the states of Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana were added to the District. In the 1990s, the district lines were redrawn that established District II as consisting of the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas.
Governors - District II has been extremely fortunate to have an outstanding group of Governors over the approximate 90 years of its history. Governors historically serve
nd stone year each as 2 Lt. Governor, 1 Lt. Governor and Governor. The list of District II Governors since 1922 to the present are shown elsewhere (see sidebar for list). Some of the Governors of the District stand out not only for what they did as Governors, but what they did throughout Gyro over many years of service. Ed Steinbacher of the Milwaukee Club is one and he will be covered in a separate article on the Ed Steinbacher Lifetime Achievement Award. Ernie Ryan of the Davenport Club was known throughout District II as Mister Gyro over his many years of service. He was his Club Bulletin Editor for many years writing
1923 and the last in 2005. The Davenport Club was to host the 1942 Convention, but it was cancelled due to World War II and a Board of Governors only meeting was held in Halifax, NS. The District has held District Conventions uninterrupted since 1923. They have usually been hosted by member clubs, but for a period of time in the 1950s they were held at resorts as a no host event. They have since been rotated between clubs based on who was Governor, as well as by charter date as is the practice today.
Awards - District II has had eighteen members receive the Honor Key. They are listed elsewhere. Other Merit Award winners who were not officers are listed on the sidebar.
frequent articles for the GyroScope and was very active in District leadership. After serving two terms as Governor, he traveled the District extensively acting as a mentor to many newly elected Governors. He was an Honor Key and Merit Award recipient. He tried to come across as a somewhat grumpy guy but loved Gyro and promoted it at all levels. He loved his wet towel on a chair trick and did everything he could to make Gyro a fun organization. In reviewing his bulletins, it was a joy to read how he (@$#*!*) at his typewriter for doing what he told it to do rather than what he wanted it to do.
Conventions - District II or Clubs in the District have hosted twelve International Conventions or Conferences, the first in
L-R seated: Ernest A. Ryan, IPDG, C.W. Musset, International 3rd VP, and Ed Kagy, International S/T
Standing: E.H. Ketelsen, Davenport President and Joe Ward, D-II Governor
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governors*merit award+ honor key
# int’l. president
Chester C. Ryder, Clinton* F. James Sheely, Sterling
Charles L. Schroeder, DavenportRobert Mortensen, Madison
+# John L. Holtzbauer, Des MoinesCarl H. Oscarson, Chicago
1970-80 Eugene A. Tode, Clinton
Dan C. Macken, DavenportDorsey L. Botham, MadisonAnders J. Friend, MilwaukeeDr. John F. Hubbard, Sterling
+# Dareld K. Straub, Des MoinesHarry S. Hansen, Clinton* Roger Fair, Davenport
Dr. John K. Seybold, MadisonPaul F. DeArmitt, Dixon
1980-90 +# Kenneth D. Schmit, Sterling *Robert E. Smith, Des Moines
Clarence F. Swisher, Quad CitiesRobert D. Zeaske, Davenport
Heinz F. Ehlert, ChicagoRobert G. Cassens MadisonHarold H. Holder Davenport
William M. Houston Quad Cities*+ Edward J. Steinbacher Milwaukee
Mack H. Shumate Chicago
1990-00 *J. George Fuller, Davenport
* Roger Fair, DavenportRichard W. Farwell, ClintonFrank J. Chulay, Chicago
*+# James Friedl, MilwaukeeGeorge Weiland, Madison
*+# Arnold A. Crass, DavenportRon W.Grant, Madison
Fred Scharer, DixonJohn J. Irvine, Davenport
2000-01 Warren Twietmeyer, Milwaukee
J. Gregory Langan, Dixon Louis Gral, Milwaukee
Robert B. Canfield, Des MoinesPeter E. Burks, DavenportAnthony Gahn, MilwaukeeDavid E. Lutyens, Dixon
Roger B. Montgomery, DavenportDennis L. Carlsen, Clinton*Neil H. Baker, Davenport
2010-2012Daniel Holz, Des Moines *Neil H. Baker, Davenport
GOVERNORS
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other merit awardsFred Allai, Sterling
David G. Delahunt, MilwaukeeRichard W. Hansen, Quad Cities
Harry Negley, MadisonRobert W. Summers, Chicago
William Voss, Davenport
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INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY)Cedar Rapids, Des Moines (old), Sterling, Moline, Iowa City
Green Bay, Rock Island, Rock Falls, Quad Cities
International Officers - District II has provided ten Gyros to serve as President of Gyro International. The District is proud to have provided these men starting in 1920 and continuing to 2004. These Gyros dedicated a number of years to the organization based on their commitment to Gyro and its friendship principles.
Chicago - The Chicago Club was chartered on November 3, 1914 as the second club in Gyro International. Chicago is the oldest club in Gyro International. Unfortunately, no records can be found indicating a President for the Club in 1914. Early on after its formation, the Chicago Club expanded and had a large membership, and included many prominent local people. The Club provided Gyro International with one International President, Edgar Phillips and also provided District II with 9 Governors.
th Milwaukee - The Milwaukee Gyro Club was chartered in 1920 as the 7 club in Gyro International. It had 22 members, with Herman S. Keist serving as the club’s first President. The Club has weekly luncheon meetings except during the summer months. Mixed socials are held throughout the year for special events. The club is proud to have had three International Presidents. Walter Hiller was the first member from the Milwaukee Club to serve as District II Governor and since that time, they have provided 10 additional Governors.
th Davenport - The Davenport Gyro Club was chartered in 1921 as the 13 club in Gyro International. The club had 83 charter members and as its first President, Charles Weir. The “club” was actually founded in 1920 as a “Gyro Club” but without knowledge that Gyro International existed. They later heard of Gyro through a business contact in Milwaukee and joined Gyro International in early 1921. The club has provided one International President and 18 District Governors. The club has an outstanding Gyrette group. They meet independently each month and guide the mixedsocial activities of the club. The Gyro meetings are weekly for lunch with regular speakers. They meet as a mixed social group at eight to ten functions each year. The club functions well with the mixture of Gyroand Gyrette activities.
Clinton - The Gyro Club of Clinton was granted its charter in January 1922 as the 28th club in Gyro International. They had 33 charter members and the first Club President was Bertram Frank. The Clinton Club has provided nine Gyros to serve as Governor of District II. Clinton has always been a stag club. Until sometime in the 1970s the club owned a cabin on an island in the Mississippi River called Beaver Island. Access to and from the meetings was by boat only. The primary activity of the club was playing cards, many times past midnight. In 1982 the club purchased the cabin where we presently have our meeting on the backwaters of the Mississippi called “Rock Creek”. The Club meets every Monday night from the spring, usually May, until the Monday before Thanksgiving.
The Gyrettes are invited for two events each year, one at the cabin in midsummer for a picnic and a Christmas party in early December. The Clinton Club presently has 53 members with an average age of 52 years. The oldest is 84 years and the youngest 32. This includes 6 members over 70 years and 10 under 40.
Madison - The Gyro Club of Madison was chartered in 1923 as the 38th club in Gyro International. Today it is the 22nd oldest club in Gyro. The clubs first President was Glenn Stephens and it had 78 charter members. The club had many prominent business, professional and political leaders as members for many years. They included several state Supreme Court Justices, doctors, lawyers and corporate business leaders. The club sponsored city wide grade school track and field events for many years and also furnished athletic equipment to city parks and pools. For over 60 years they sponsored a banquet to honor the U of Wisconsin basketball team.The club has provided 14 Gyros to serve as Governors of District II and 2 Gyros to serve as International President - Glenn W. Stephens and Leon F. Isaksen. Today the Club has strong ties to the Naples Club (D-X). Madison is primarily active in the summer and Naples in the winter. Many of the Madison Club members are active in both Madison and Naples, giving them year round Gyro friendship and fellowship.
Des Moines - District II's youngest club, Des Moines, thchartered in 1952 celebrates its 60 year in 2012, although
International office archives show a preceding club existed there 1922-1929 with the first President being J. Y. Peterson. The first President in 1952 was Arno “Arnie” Schriefer, a former member of the Davenport Club and a District II Governor. By the mid 1980s the club was home to two past International Presidents, John Holtzbauer and Dareld Straub. The club has provided District II with five Governors, one serving two terms. The club's current monthly coed activity format has strengthened the organization and helped recruit new blood. For years the Des Moines Gyros and Gyrettes met separately
on monthly meeting nights, then together for monthly socials. That policy slowly changed in the 1990s when Gyrettes were occasionally invited to share in the interesting programs. Buffet suppers were thrown into the mix. It caught on and for the past decade or so everything is basically coed, and keeping the Gyro membership steady at the 30 level has been no problem. Activities are now monthly-either a Sunday brunch, program night buffet, or party - plus a special such as golf outing or installation dinner. The annual activity schedule shows the assignment for every member.
Dixon - The Dixon Gyro Club was chartered in 1924 by then Gyro International S/T Ed Kagy. They had seventeen charter members and their first President was Dr. L.R. Evans. Although it is believed by some that the Dixon Club “marches to its own drummer”, the membership has continued to cling to the tenets of the early founders in the Alley Bar in Cleveland. It is basically a stag club that has fully endorsed Gyros stated purpose “fun for fun's sake and friendship for friendship's sake.” The Club meets September through May on Monday nights at a local restaurant. Perhaps best known is the final meeting of the year in May at the Schuler Cabin. For over 60 years, the Dixon Gyros, District and International Officers and guests have enjoyed the true friendship at the rustic cabin overlooking the beautiful Rock River. Dixon has hosted the annual District Golf Outing for 10 years and has provided five District Governors. It has provided one International President, Ken Schmit who at the time was a member of the Sterling Club.
D-II Convention LakeLawn Hotel, Delvan, WI May 20-22, 1949
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Although the women of Gyro have no official standing, every Gyro will agree they have a rich tradition of Gyro involvement.
At some time in the distant past they came to be known as Gyrettes, and thetitle stuck. Gyro is unique, and the manner in which they interact with their ladiesis also unique. There are clubs that exist only for men. Their meetings, often forlunch, remain off-limits to their ladies. In others, ladies do participate as observersonly. In at least one club, ladies are actual club members.
It is not unusual for Gyro ladies to form their own Gyrette clubs, in conjunctionwith, but not as a part of their men’s Gyro clubs, and have no affiliation with GyroDistricts or with International. Some are quite strong and are recognized by thecommunities where they exist. They are structured as clubs, with their own officers and agenda, and some are strong supporters of community affairs. In 1987 the St.Catharines ladies held a fashion show - with 170 attendees.
The ladies have been an essential part of Gyro leadership. There has alwaysbeen a dynamic Gyrette at the side of a Gyro officer. Her man usually takes centerstage at the microphone, but behind the scenes she is indispensable. She is an expertat packing tuxes, serving snacks, arranging travel plans, providing guidance andhosting guests. Without her, Gyro would be a dull place.
There are few official records of Gyrette activities, but the GyroScope doesgive ample evidence of Gyrette involvement. It is rare that an issue of the magazinedoes not include credits to two or more ladies who have taken pictures and sentarticles for publication. Sometimes their letters are personal, sometimes they areanecdotal and sometimes they are funny! Jane Mary Richer of the Fort Lauderdale/Gold Coast Club is a regular contributor.
There is no doubt Gyrettes share a sense of humor. At the chartering of a newclub in the little town of Salmon Arm, in British Columbia, delegates were welcomedby the new club ladies with a pageant telling of a nearby volcanic mountain about toerupt. The lady who was portraying this geographical feature was, as they say, in anundeniable family way.
According to rumor, some clever Gyro from the Cincinnati Gyro Clubarranged for a stag party - a kind of escape from their wives to a location across theOhio River into Kentucky. Once there, they enjoyed a convivial dinner, near a stage,with closed curtain, at one end of the hall. At the appropriate time the curtain startedto rise. There they were, two dozen or more bare legs, with the curtain rising! Oh mygosh! Look at the legs! Whistles! Cheers! Up went the curtain. The faces belongedto their own ladies!
In District IV, inspired by the movie, Calendar Girls, thirty ladies from eightclubs bared a tiny bit to create their own version of a titillating calendar, all to helpfinance district functions - and to have a little fun.
Gyrettes are slowly being given the official status they so richly deserve. InMarch of 1969, Gyro International authorized the formation of a Gyro Club with
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the wives as formal members, not a Gyro, but of that club, the first to be so allowed.
At the InternationalConvention in Moncton, New Brunswick, Chriss Dickson received an official Gyro Certificate of Appreciation, “the firsttime a Gyrette has been so honored.
The 1985 cover of the GyroScope featured pictures often ladies from different clubs in Chicago, Truro, Wheeling,Ottowa, Trail, Tampa, San Jose, Winnipeg and Kamloops.
In 2011, our International First Vice President, wrotethe following, “Gyrettes in some clubs may wish to take on dutiesand responsibilities in club operations.”
Official recognition has come slowly, but unofficially,Gyros always held their ladies in high esteem: it has been a tacitpartnership. Joan Greig from the Stampede City Club in Calgary,who calls herself a Tag-along Mate, is right when she terms them as:“The bright stars, the women!”
should
RECIPIENTS
John H. Harding Best Website Award
John Harding was selected by the Executive Council of Gyro International to serve as the ninth Secretary-Treasurer of the Fraternity, starting in 1978. He served in that position continuously for thirteen years, retiring in June of 1991. At that time, he became the third longest-serving Secretary-Treasurer in Gyro history, only exceeded by founder Ed Kagy who served thirty years (1923-1953) and “Chick” St. Clair who served
2006‐2007
Bellingham & Calgary
2007‐2008
Kelowna
2008‐2009
Toronto
2009‐2010
Stampede City
2010‐2011
Stampede City
twenty-two years (1954-1976). John was awarded the Honor Key upon retirement. At the International Convention in Calgary in July 2006, a District Resolution advanced by the representatives of District I at the previous Interim Meeting was approved by the Board of Governors establishing a new award to recognize annually the Best Website amongst all Gyro clubs – use of the internet being thus acknowledged as an advanced method to communicate Gyro information and business to the members. The award was to be named after John Harding, recognizing his long service to the fraternity and to District I. The parameters leading to the award are similar to those used in judging bulletin awards – such as appearance, frequency of change and club, district and international information.
1997Allan R. McFadden, Lethbridge
1998J. Fraser Cunningham, New
Glasgow1999
Emil L. Baijot, Bellingham2000
Darrell Six, Olympia2001
Laurence M. Braun, Oakland2002
Jack M. Schenck, IndianapolisFaye Pollhammer, Hollyburn
2003Robert L. Jones, Minn-Suburban
2004Steven C. Anderson, Seattle
2006Veijo Paine, Minneapolis Metro
2007George C. Willett, Olympia
2008Peter Evans, Victoria
2011James White, Windsor
RECIPIENTS
George H. France Award for GyroScope ExcellenceGeorge H. France Award for GyroScope Excellence
“The award is given to the best article printed in the GyroScope each year. It can touch
on any aspect making GYRO a continuing success as George always wanted it to be.”
The man who became the associate editor of the GyroScope, first in 1980 and permanently in 1981, was a newspaper man by trade, but also a whole lot more as he went into printing and beyond. George France was a bundle of energy and always interested in talking either politics or GYRO. He was active in politics up to the national level, enjoyed games, gardening, family and Christmas decorating. He taught Sunday School, traveled extensively with wife Peg, was a Boy Scout Counselor, and a GYRO for over 30 years. Some thought that the printing company was just George's hobby while his other activities were what he was destined for. He could regale anyone for hours on the benefits of the proper candidate for a political office, or discuss the best way to approach a GYRO problem or program. As the driving force behind the GyroScope, George helped one and all to put together wonderful articles for the publication which may not have made great profit for his printing company, but made him feel proud of the work and of GYRO. He could take a mishmash of information and pictures and make a great story out of it.
Many a GYRO sat in the Frances' upstairs memorabilia museum, or in George's office to talk about politics or particularly GYRO. George always had some good advice which was given from the heart for the good of the cause. If the advice wasn't followed, that was fine as there would always be another day to make suggestions as he learned from many years of political campaign. - continued on page 35 -
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George put his heart into the GyroScope and it showed. He did it because he loved the organization and personally knew so many of the presidents, governors, and others who wrote articles or asked for information. His sincerity showed though some might have called it a bit of a stubborn streak. Most called it sincerity. It was no wonder in 1997, when George passed away after a six-month illness, that there had already been discussion as to how to honor this man's service. That is how the George H. France Award started. The award is given to the best article printed in the GyroScope each year. It has gone for editorial content, good club entries and can touch on any aspect making GYRO a continuing success as George always wanted it to be.
No group of men is complete unless it contains a loveable
character or two. George Grant, a nuclear scientist and Gyro
from the club in Ottawa, was one. George could be counted on to
contribute to any gathering where he was present. My favorite
story about George goes this way.
A number of us were dining in a restaurant after a day of
meetings at an Interim Convention in Florida. George and his
wife were with another couple across the room from the large
group of us at a big round table. There must have been eight or
ten of us, all relaxed and enjoying each other's company. All of
us, George and his companions and those at our table agreed we
would accept only one bill for dinner at each table, the four at
George's table and all of us at our table.
George approached us while we were still seated, carrying his
bill in one hand. He perhaps jokingly, suggested we take care of
the bill for his table, and he handed it to the person sitting
nearest him. Surprisingly that person agreed and passed the bill
to the next person – who passed it along to the next. Finally,
after some discussion, we decided we would not accommodate
George, and, his bill by this time having made its way all around
the table, was returned to him.
George, anticipating rejection, readily accepted it and made
his way to the cashier where he made arrangements to pay. His
face was a study in astonishment when he received a receipt for
eight or ten meals. Someone at our table had switched bills!
George for once was at a loss for words. Meanwhile, we were
falling off our chairs in laughter.
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Vignette: Characters
The Cincinnati Gyro Club has hosted International conventions in 1918, 1921, 1976 and will be hosting the 100th Anniversary Convention in 2012. For the 1920 meeting they welcomed four new clubs into the Association � Akron, Vancouver, Hamilton and Detroit with this fetching graphic display
Gyro is a fraternity of men of diverse backgrounds who come together in the sole spirit of friendship. Members really don't ask, or care, what someone has done with their life - just that they are a friend. Membership is composed of doctors, lawyers, war heros, mechanics, missionaries, engineers, architects and every kind of businessman imaginable. Among this representation of North American industry, we are also liberally sprinkled with individuals who standout not only as entrepreneurs, but as characters too. Loveable ones! Characters, of course, lend themselves to anecdotes. One such was Bill Dorsey, a Portland member, who after WWII transferred to be a Seattle Gyro. Bill was a quiet fellow, a more than 60-year Gyro when he passed away in his 90s. Bill never saw an idea as unworkable, only a challenge. In the 20s he took flying lessons and set a speed record. He hobnobbed with Jimmy Doolittle. Converting his auto repair shop into manufacturing, he became prosperous. In 1933, Bill visited the Seattle Installation and bought a 45' yawl, the Nimble, and sailed her back to Portland. For years he sailed the Columbia River or out to sea, both for recreation and the occasional commercial fishing adventure. In 1944, he brought the Nimble back to Seattle, settling in Port Madison. He bought the local general store, and soon became a building contractor for homes, roads and even a barge or two. Later, because of need, he built his own sawmill! After joining the Seattle club, he and Vera entertained the club annually for over 30 years, often taking the club out on the Nimble for sailing excursions. There are dozens of “stories” about Bill – like going to bed with his ever-present pipe still lit, often up-side-down; catching the garage on fire; golfing foibles; or getting lost and the like. This writer attended several of his summer parties. At one, I walked down onto his dock and was looking over the vaunted Nimble. It had beautiful lines although admittedly it looked in need of considerable repair. I asked Bill if I could go aboard, and he said, “sure, but be wary of where you walk.” Some of the planking had rotted and there were holes in the deck. Lines were frayed and hanging listlessly. Imagine my surprise when several years later at the 1986 International Convention in Victoria, when Bill and his son Jim sailed the Nimble into Victoria Harbour and “parked” the Nimble right in front of the Empress Hotel! Several of us were invited down the following morning for a cocktail “brunch” on deck when the Canadian Coast Guard arrived to cite Bill for not having life preservers on hand, and to quarantine the vessel as unseaworthy. How Bill got out of that is worthy of another story. Bill was quite the “just do it” type of man and his methods made him a loveable character to all. Notably both he and Vera agreed: “Gyro was the biggest part of our lives; it'd be pretty dull without it!” Bill was, after all ... just another Gyro.
Gyro Vignette
one remarkable man Among many, he was ... Just Another gyro
Gyro Vignettes ~ Characters? No ... just Gyros!
District IIICLUBS: BUFFALO, TORONTO, SYRACUSE, ROCHESTER,
PORT COLBORNE, LONDON, KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ST. CATHARINES, PETERBOROUGH, ETOBIAN
The Beginning - At the Convention of the International Association of Gyro Clubs held in Toronto, Canada on the 23rd day of February 1922, certain territorial Districts were created for the administration of various Gyro Clubs. District III was established as consisting of the States of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, District of Columbia and Maryland, as well as the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The only Clubs in the District at the time were Buffalo, Toronto, Syracuse and Rochester. K. W. Carson of Buffalo was elected as the first Governor of District III. With the expanded District boundaries, new Clubs were brought into the District and granted new charters. There truly are no borders among District III Clubs with multiple instances of joint participation at various activities and events throughout the years.
Conventions - The Clubs in District III have hosted nineteen (19) International Conventions; the first in 1919 and the last in 2007. The District has held District Conventions uninterrupted since 1922. They have always been hosted by member Clubs. District III has provided eighteen Gyros to serve as President of Gyro International. Past International Presidents are all listed elsewhere.
Buffalo - As Gyro International celebrates its Centennial, the Buffaloclub is in its 96th year of existence. Chartered on February 10, 1916, it was the third club established by Gyro International and is now the second oldest club within Gyro. Buffalo's first President was F. R. Rueckert. In 2012, just as in 1916, Buffalo Gyro is proud to be mainstay within District III. Buffalo exemplifies the
friendship and camaraderie that exists not just between clubs but between our two great nations. Buffalo has initiated several new Gyro Clubs over the years and is proud of its background in promoting the concepts of Gyro. With so many honorable and memorable past Gyros, the Club has been rich with both tradition and fresh ideas, and greatly benefits from the significant contributions and involvement of its Gyrettes. Core Gyro principles and ideals have been handed down over the years and while it has grown fraternally, it has also grown through brothers, in-laws, father to son or father to daughter as the case may be. Family connections have benefitted the strong linkage that is passed forth from generation to generation. Even with age differences of membership, from oldest to youngest often spanning over fifty years, there has never been a generational divide, adding to its uniqueness and timbre along with that sense of tradition. Over the years the Buffalo Club has hosted three International Conventions and nine District III Conventions. In recent years, Buffalo has become the host Club for all District III Interim Conventions with the District Officers looking after most of the arrangements. Since August 2004, Buffalo Gyros have also been hosts of the District III Roger Deline Memorial Baseball Game. Members have been the recipients of eleven Honor Keys and numerous other Awards and Club recognitions. Buffalo has
Governors
+ honor key* merit award
# int’l president
1922-1930E. W. Carson, Buffalo
G. C. Lennox, RochesterDaniel W. Lang, TorontoEric W. Will, SyracuseRobert Inch, HamiltonJohn C. Olson, Buffalo
* Ralph Duclos, OttawaAlcott Neary, Rochester
1930-40Harold L. Kearns, Toronto
Willard L. Baseman, RochesterThomas Haughland, Montreal
George Inch , HamiltonWilliam N. Pope , SyracuseCharles K. Bassett, Buffalo
J. Milton Montgomery, Ottawa* Fred F. Lennox, Rochester+# Harold Darling, New York
+# Harvey McKinney, Waterloo
1940-50+ J. A. Knowles, Buffalo
Ralph Pittman, Washington*+# Edwin Ford, MontrealRobert Corris, RochesterJ. Franklin Jones, TorontoHoward B. Snow, Nutley + Arthur F. Moul, Buffalo
* William M. Scully, Hempstead+ E. C. Heidt, Elizabeth
Donald F. Runge, Ottawa
1950-60Raymond P. Brewer, BuffaloHerbert J. Mason, TorontoMerrill Neff, Niagara FallsFrank E. Courtney, Clinton
Robert D. Boehmer , Kitchener* H. N. Cleworth, Montreal
Harold Cross , Port ColborneNewell W. Rossman, Syracuse
Lawrence E. Parker, St. EustacheGeorge W. Foote, London
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SPECIAL THANKS TO PIP AB NIGHTINGALE FOR ASSISTANCE
governors
MERIT�AWARDS
INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY):
hamilton, new york, ottawa, montreal, boston, philadelphia,washington dc, brooklyn, baltimore, newark, albany, geneva,
st. eustache, leaside, binghampton, elmira, four yorks, lakeshorecorning, forest city, kanata, mississaugua
1960-70*+# John J. Richardson, Leaside
Leo F. Simpson Jr., RochesterL. W. Butler, Ottawa
* R. Hugh Feasby, St. CatharinesHarry E. Reeb , Toronto
Herman H. Schrickel, CorningJames K. Wilson, Syracuse
*+# Warren R. Schram, LondonJohn A. Frank Jr , Buffalo
Harry N. Lancaster, St. Catharines
1970-80Frank De Laroche, Lakeshore
Frank Gallagher, Port Colborne* Samuel R. Berry, KanataJames P. Scott , Syracuse
Ernie A. Taylor, Toronto*+# Donald A. Heath , Buffalo
* Edward Bermingham, Lakeshore*+# Bruce J. Poll, Etobicoke
* Norris Walker, St. Catharines* Ray W. Cummings, Syracuse
1980-90* J. Tait Hopkins, Port Colborne
James J. Laux, BuffaloGeoffrey H. Purvey, Peterborough
Hyman T. Maas, RochesterGeorge A. Grant, Ottawa
* Robert Robson, MississaugaFrank H. Fehr Jr., Syracuse
Elliott A. Fleury, St. CatharinesJames W. Campbell, Rochester* Robert A. Galbraith, London
1990-00* Edward F. Hudson, Etobicoke* W. Michael McNally, Buffalo
* Dana P. Davidson, ScarboroughDonald A.H. Farmer , KanataLawrence R. Leeby, Syracuse
* Brian C. Smith, St. CatharinesPeter Brady , Peterborough
*+# Thomas G. Lennox, RochesterDavid Luke , Etobicoke
* Wayne Kozar, Port Colborne
2000-10Donald Baxter , Syracuse
*+# Albert J. Nightingale, TorontoGerry E. Kelly , Buffalo
Phillip M. Dougherty , RochesterAulis Laine , London
Ross Clarkson , St. Catharines* Michael W. Read , Toronto
Richard Parnell, PeterboroughJames E. Jenkins , Rochester
Glenn Pollinger, Etobicoke
2010-12Frederick Halik, Rochester
Eric Miller, Buffalo
Club donated a Medical Unit building to the Bolton ON Fresh Air Camp. In the mid 50s we began a long history with the Scott Mission of Toronto. We started by helping them build their summer Camp in CaledonON, conducting Camp Fire nights for the kids and supplying them with items such as skis, sleds and maple syrup boiling-down equipment for their Winter and Spring camps. For many years, we also served breakfast to the underprivileged on Sunday mornings and provided gifts for underprivileged children at our Christmas Party.
Syracuse - The Gyro Club of Syracuse was the 3rd club to be chartered in District III and was sponsored by the Gyro Club of Buffalo. On a dark and stormy night in November 1920, the Buffalo Boys inaugurated the 14 Syracuseans into the fellowship of Gyro. Our 80th anniversary saw two of our founding fathers attending and the celebration was dedicated to them: S.W. Sedgewick and Howard D. Clark. Sedge reminded us of some early years when the age limit for membership in Gyro was 35 and only two men from any one profession could belong to Gyro. Howard expressed the spirit of Gyro with a poem “What does Gyro mean to me?”(located elsewhere in issue).
The Gyro Club of Syracuse has grown as a strong men's club with the present membership at 80. Special attention goes to: Forbes Tuttle of 60 years, a care giver, looking after our individual needs; to H. Gillis Murray for his steadfast support of Gyro fellowship who was honored at our 80th anniversary; and to Eric Will, a founder and Governor of District III who passed the principles of Gyro friendship on to four more generations of the Will family. In 2010 the Gyro Club of Syracuse celebrated its 90th anniversary. The Club has provided 9 Governors, hosted 9 District C o n v e n t i o n s , w h i c h i n c l u d e d 4 International Conventions. The most recent was in 2004. The Club has maintained a unique "new member system," whereby when approved
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contributed four Past Presidents of Gyro International and 12 District Governors. In addition, 1st International VP, Michael McNally (whose father and father-in-law were Gyros) is a Buffalo Gyro. With a sense of pride; a rich and prolonged tradition; and an abiding sense of fraternity and friendship, the Buffalo Gyro Club plans to be active, involved and contributing to Gyro International for at least another 100 years.
Toronto - The Gyro Club of Toronto was chartered April 14, 1919 as the 2nd Club in what was to become District III, the 8th in Gyro International and the 1st in Canada.The sponsors were the Buffalo club. The charter members were obviously a resourceful group who managed to getan adequate supply of wine and other refreshment into the party in spite of the severe Temperance Act restrictions in force at the time. Toronto's 1st President was J. Banigan. There were 17 charter members and membership grew to about 100 by the mid 70s. After declining membership, thanks to the efforts of some key remaining members and some of our newly recruited members, the club’s membership now stands at 23. In their 93 years of existence, Toronto Club members have been the recipients of seven Honor Keys, four Awards of Merit, one Ed Steinbacher Lifetime Achievement Award and various other awards. We have provided Gyro with six International Presidents and eight District Governors. We have hosted ten District Conventions and three International Conventions. District and International meetings are always well attended by our delegates. Our biggest mixed social events are our annual “Summer Soiree and Installation Dinner” and our “Christmas Party”. The Gyro Club of Toronto has always been a very active Club and often donated time and/or money to local charities. The first major donation in June 1929 when the
othermerit awards
typewriters for the blind and provided funds to the Association for the Blind. The Club also contributed an optical instrument to the Rochester Orthotic Center for the visually impaired. Contributions were also made to the Rochester Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. In the 1920s the Club had a softball team that one year won the championship. Peculiarly enough, they were known as the “Singing Gyros” and apparently without provocation would gather at the pitcher's mound and burst into song. In the early days, Rochester hosted many parties, and Boys’ Camp for underprivileged children. In today's environment, our outings are more confined to our own members. Special memories are of conventions and skits when away from home. Then enjoyment of those silly moments together. Our special thanks are to the Lennox family of Gyros: George, Fred and Charles as charter members. George for his contribution in the chartering and as an early Governor. Charles, as part of a Gyro group which founded Locust Hill Country Club. Fred as District Governor and organizer of the Brooklyn Club, and more recently Tom, who served as District Governor and International President.
Port Colborne - The Gyro Club of Port Colborne was initiated on June 10, 1930, with C. Roy Howard as the first President. Charter Night was June 26, 1930. District III Governor Alcott Neary conducted the Installation of the Gyro Club of Port Colborne, sponsored by the Hamilton Gyro Club and seconded by the Buffalo and Toronto Gyro Clubs. Membership of the Gyro Club of Port Colborne began with 39 members. The club currently has an active membership of 30. Members of the Club always participate inthe District III events and have been the
Hubert Becket , HamiltonGary Bridle , Peterborough
Hal Burland, OttawaMike Corlett, London
W. E. Cushing , LondonCharles A. Dalton, London
Douglas L. Finch , St. CatharinesAlan T. Fitzgerald, St. CatharinesStuart Fleming , St. Catharines
Frederick Fraser, LeasideSteve Glamuzina, Buffalo
F.E. Ted Graham , LeasideRoss H. Helwig, Toronto
Ernest H. Ivey , LakeshoreVerner C. Kreuter, Rochester
Derwyn A. Love, HamiltonJohn Marshall, Port ColborneWilliam Marshall , Forest CityGlenn Marshall, Rochester
James M. McArthur, LondonRobert F. Murray , EtobicokeHoward E. Power , Kitchener
William Scully, BrooklynRobert C. Simmons, Washington
J. P. Singleton , OttawaBert F. Wertman, Buffalo
Joseph E. West, St. CatharinesJ. Donald Wiley, St. Catharines
Stuart Wilkes, BuffaloMcNaughton Wilkinson, Rochester
John H. Woodhouse , Port ColborneJames Wyrobek, Buffalo.
from the
Rochester Bulletin 1923
GYRO ISWhere the hand clasps a little
stronger, Where the smile lasts a little
longer, That is where Gyro begins.
Where there is more singing and less sighing,
Where there is more giving and less buying,
And a man makes friends without half trying,
That is where Gyro begins.
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by 90 percent, at a dinner meeting, he is inducted into Gyro with fanfare and chorus of: “Hello Gyro you're a friend of mine.”
Rochester - Eighteen months after Gyro was organized, the Rochester Club was formally chartered, sponsored by Buffalo with support from Syracuse. The installation on September 22, 1922 at the Powers Hotel was conducted by Ed Kagy, one of the Gyro founders.
Meetings were held at various locations, including the basement of a restaurant, in a room which was identified as the “Bucket of Blood”. Later, meetings settled in at Oak Hill Country Club, which is still being used today. The Club's membership reached a high of 85 in 2000. George Lennox, the first President became Governor of District III for 1923-1924. Other Governors are listed elsewhere. The club has hosted two International meetings and eight district conventions. Rochester Gyro has sponsored several other clubs into the Fraternity. Through the years, the Rochester Club has sponsored such projects as Braille
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Club currently has 101 active members plus 6 honorary members. Members of the Club rarely participate in the District III events but did host one District Convention and two of their members served as District III Governors. The Club holds 13 to14 meetings per year with “book-end” picnics in the Fall and Spring plus mid- season highlights of spousal Christmas Party and Spring Ladies Night (organized by the ladies; paid for by Gyros) and a Pub Business meeting. Most meetings are casual but offer social interaction among business peers and friends, with interesting debate and discussion of current issues with guest speakers present.
St. Catharines The Gyro Club of St. Catharines was chartered September 24, 1954. They were sponsored by the Gyro Club of Buffalo and the Gyro Club of Port Colborne. J. R. Rigby served as their first President. There were 99 Charter Members and membership remained at that level for many years, however, the active membership has now dropped into the mid-50s. In their 58 years of existence, members of the St. Catharines Club have been the recipients of Awards of Merit and have provided Gyro with six District Governors. They have hosted five District Conventions and three International Conventions. They regularly send delegates to, and participate in, District Conventions and other events. They also hold special events every year including their annual Golf Tournament and Summer Picnic. A very active Club with a very strong Gyrette group.
Peterborough We have come a long way since our inception on April 29, 1959, with 27 members in the first year. Our longest serving member is Bill Hutchinson who joined in 1962. Jeff Purvey, our Club Founder, before moving to Peterborough, was involved with the Leaside Club. After several years in Peterborough, he formed the Peterborough Club, with friends he had made who liked to hunt and share good times. This common ground of sharing fresh game amongst Club members, led to the Club hosting the first “Wildlife Night”. Large amounts of moose (and later buffalo from a local ranch), pickerel and frog legs, along with lots of beer and gambling tables, proved to be a huge success. This eventually evolved into an annual gathering (essentially a larger stag event) for as many as 200-300 men. From this night, the club raised several thousands of dollars every year for local charities.
hosts for our Annual District Golf Tournament for many years. The Club has hosted four District III Conventions and one International. Four members of the Port Colborne Club have been the recipients of the Award of Merit. They are also proud to have had four of their members serve as District Governor. PDGs Tait Hopkins and Wayne Kozar are noted as the continual force behind the Port Colborne Club. Their contribution to the ongoing success of the Club is well known throughout the District.
London - The Gyro Club of London was chartered on June 29, 1931 and was sponsored by the Toronto and Hamilton Gyro Clubs. Although early records are limited, the Club grew in membership and popularity in the early 50s and 60s. The Club usually participated in the District events; and were well-known for their very strong curling teams. Over the years the Club hosted five District Conventions. They have contributed one International President and three district governors. PIP Warren Schram influenced many young men to join our Fraternity of Friends. Upon Warren's death, District III created “The District III Warren R. Schram Memorial Award – Gyro of the Year”. To date there have been six proud winners. Our philosophy as a Club, is to promote the theme: "In Gyro You Can Find a Friend" and we welcome all new members. Kitchener / Waterloo - The Gyro Club of Kitchener- Waterloo (K-W) was chartered May 17, 1935. Its sponsors were the Toronto and Hamilton Gyro Clubs. H. McKinney served as their first and second year President. There were 19 Charter Members but that number grew quickly and the
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CONTINUED PAGE 46
District IVACTIVE CLUBS:
ALBERNIS, BELLINGHAM, BURNABY, CAMOSUNFRASER-DELTA,HOLLYBURN, KAMLOOPS,
KELOWNA, KITIMAT, NANAIMO, OLYMPIA, OSOYOOS, PENTICTON, PRINCE GEORGE, SEATTLE-BELLEVUE,
TACOMA, VANCOUVER BC, VANCOUVER WA, VERNON, VICTORIA, WENATCHEE, YAKIMA
governors*merit award+ honor key
# int’l president
1922-1930 +# R. Rowe Holland, Vancouver BC
Jesse M. Warren, SeattleFred G. Brown, Vancouver BCThomas B. Murphy, Tacoma
F.V. Finland, VictoriaA. Bergeron, Portland
+# Bruce Abel, Vancouver BC Alex Davis, Tacoma
1930-1940+ Reg Rutherford, Kelowna
James L. Barr, YakimaBertram M. Bowell, New Westminster
+# Charles E. Anstie, Astoria Gerald P. Berry, NanaimoJoslyn Waterman, Seattle
William C. Hudson, Victoria*Eugene D. Ivy, Yakima
W.H. Tobey, Prince RupertRoy Sharp, Seattle
1940-1950*+# Gregory T. Yorke, Vancouver BC
*+ Richard Behm, Vancouver WA George D. Froom, Kamloops
Wm. Humason, Seattle+ John Ryan, Nanaimo
Ray Clark, PortlandFred W. Hawes, VictoriaDavis M. Wood, TacomaWilson Hunt, Penticton
Leonard A. Lockett, Seattle
1950-1960John Higginbotham, New Westminster
George J. Fickes, Vancouver WA*+# Robert Brimacombe, Vancouver BC
Bert W. Johnston, KelownaCarl H. Behnke, Yakima
*Jack Weir, BurnabyClyde Nicol, Port Albernis+# Howard Eves, Seattle
David Stott, DuncanDavid Chapman, Kelowna
Gyro found fertile ground in the Pacific Northwest. District IV covered such a large area and developed so many clubs it was divided, and then it still continued to grow. Today it includes all the territory from central British Columbia, Washington and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean, and from the southern border of Oregon, north to the Arctic Circle, some three hundred miles east and west and a couple of thousand miles, more or less, from south to north. Each club has its own rich history, some, in the cases where they no longer exist, tragic, and some still vibrant and in the process of making more history. Active clubs are listed above, other clubs existing in memory only are listed on the following page.
District IV has had many outstanding governors, all dedicated to serving their District and Gyro International. Some are living as this is being written, hopefully to be honored in some future publication, but this is a history of the past, and so only the deceased will be recognized here. No mention of District IV would be complete without recognizing the “Holy Triumvirate,” Bob Brimacombe, Jack Merrell and Greg Yorke. They held sway from the venerable Gyro Club of Vancouver, British Columbia, during the years after World War II and all the way into the 1970s. Irrepressible Greg was perhaps the leader. There is a picture of him at Gyro Headquarters, taken with one of those old cameras that were used to photograph large numbers. They panned from one end of the crowd to the other. Greg's picture shows up at both ends; he had raced behind the crowd and managed to be viewed at both places. The dapper Jack Merrell was Mr. Sophistication. He added poise and
stature to any head table. And Bob was the man in the background, making sure all went as it should. Those three all served as Governors and as International Presidents. Victoria Club's Bill Hudson held the title (with others) as “Mr. Gyro.” He served as D-IV Governor for 1936-1937, and for the rest of his life characterized the concept of friendship. It was he who introduced costume contests as a way of setting the mood for convention opening nights. Bill, a World War I Veteran, who fought in France and Russia, was a charter and 60 year member of his club. No governor was more honored than Ian McKay of Osoyoos. Ian livedGyro like he flew his beloved Spitfire in WWII – straight and on target. Ian loved Gyro and would sit up all night with anyone willing to discuss our fraternity.
World War II wounded veteran and bon vivant, typified Gyro at its best.
District IV has perhaps been best defined by the importance it has placed on the installation of its club officers. Gyros and Gyrettes have been willing to, at the drop of
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D a p p e r C o l i n Rutherford, from the Camosun Club, with his traditional ascot and his ready s m i l e , l e d b y e x a m p l e . M a n y were the times when Colin piped in the dignitaries to the head table. Colin,
governors
MERIT�AWARDS
INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY): ANCHORAGE, ASTORIA, BURIEN, CAMPBELL RIVER, CAPILANO, CHILLIWACK,
DEEP COVE, DUNCAN, ELLENSBERG, KEREMEOS, NEW WESTMINSTER, PORTLAND, PRINCE RUPERT, SALMON ARM,SURREY-WHITEROCK, TERRACE, TRI-CITIES
1960-1970*James Andrews, Hollyburn
*Clary Freeth, YakimaJohn Pollard, Victoria
*+# Edgar J. Merrell, Vancouver BC Vernon Swan, SeattleRay Turner, Kamloops
*+# Colin Rutherford, Camosun*Arthur Cooper, New Westminster
John Cantwell, Yakima*James Sims, Kerrisdale
1970-1980*Fred Reid, Hollyburn
Vic Appel, SeattleDon Riley, Kamloops
+# Marcus Simpson, Burnaby Graeme Roberts, Nanaimo
Des DeLacey-Bourke, Portland*Jim Panton, Camosun*Jim Richardson, Delta
*+# James W. Parker, Wenatchee*Russ Dunlop, Vernon
1980-1990Ray Sperling, Chilliwack
Sid Clark, NanaimoDio Richardson, Bellevue
*Ian McKay, Osoyoos*Thomas A. Martin, Kamloops
Stanley Thornton, Victoria*M. Carl Hansen, Seattle
*Richard B. Rowe, Prince George*+# Emil Baijot, Bellingham
*Jim Beasom, Penticton
1990-2000 *+# Christopher Randall, Victoria+# Robert Tulk, Vancouver BC
*Jack Loepp, WenatcheeWalter Dahlquist, Port Albernis
*Don McKay, BurnabyDave Wallbom, Bellevue
*Bill Colley, New Westminster *+# Ken Klinck, Kerrisdale
*+# H. Denis Moffatt, Camosun *+# James E. Roberts, Hollyburn
2000-2010
*Steve Anderson, Seattle*Alban Leduc, HollyburnChuck Gorrie, Camosun
Bill Burton, VictoriaNeil Matheson, Vancouver BC
Bob Westover, BellevueGeorge Willett, Olympia*Peter Evans, Osoyoos
*Howard Stevenson, BurnabyBob Kanngiesser, Port Albernis
2011-2012Bob Skene, CamosunMatt Johnson, Olympia
a hat, travel a thousand miles or more, to visit a club and participate in the fun. Activities usually start on a Friday evening with a welcome dinner. On Saturdaymorning, individualsgather to share break- fast or play golf, go sightseeing or just visit. Saturday evening ablack-tie dinner and dance, with installation ceremonies is scheduled, and a Moosemilk Breakfast on Sunday. Moosemilk is mixed in a garbage can with a canoe paddle, in batches of a hundred. Yakima Gyros for many years featured New Years In July as the theme for their installations. People came from the far corners of District IV to attend. Ceremonies were conducted outside on Sunday morning, with the participants, in deference to the usual warm July sun in Yakima, dressed properly in black tie, but with their tux pants cropped at the knee. Yakima Gyros meet once a week for lunch and hold regular social functions with their Gyrettes, notably their Hard Times Party in April, scheduled to coincide with their final payment of Income Tax. In Wenatchee they, for many years, barbecued a pig over a spit to serve on Friday of Installation Weekend. Over 200 guests from 23 different clubs came to Wenatchee in May of 1978, all there to help the club install new officers. This number may be a record, but maybe not, because there have been many other club installations around the District with similar attendance. Wenatchee Gyro, sponsored by the Yakima Club, chartered in 1969, with nineteen members. The club is unique in Gyro because the ladies, while they are not members of Gyro International, have full membership in their club. Tacoma Gyros spend a lot of time, even at their Installations, with boating on their beloved Puget Sound, but they do things
ashore, too, with tours to local places of interest in their neighborhood and attending social events with their Gyrettes, probably highlighted by their formal Christmas party. They chartered in 1923 and meet each week to enjoy lunch. Usually a speaker is invited to their luncheon meetings. Though it does not happen often, they do, on special occasions, open their bar at these luncheons. Gyro came to Yakima in 1926, when the T a c o m a G y r o s s p o n s o r e d i t s organization. Located near the site of Fort Vancouver, in Washington State, the Vancouver Gyro Club is almost synonymous with the Royal Oaks Golf Club, where many a Gyro battle has been fought on its luscious fairways on their Installation weekends. Vancouver, the southernmost club in District IV, came into being in 1930. It continues to be a stalwart member of the District. District IV Gyros and Gyrettes will remember Vancouver's vastly successful “SAVING PRIVATE GYRO” Convention. Port Albernis, the “Salmon Capital of the World” is the home of the westernmost of the clubs in District IV, located as it is in the heart of Vancouver Island. It traditionally featured a Moosemilk cruise on the historic “Lady Rose.” They referred to the excursions as “Walk On, Crawl Off” voyages. The Gyro Club of the Albernis meets twice a month for dinner and with its ladies three or four times each year. It is well known in its community for its sponsorship of youth facilities. Albernis
258 Supporters at New Club Charter Installation, circa 1981
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other merit awardsBritish Columbia, has been known to install their new officers on a floating dock anchored off the shore of their property on Mable Lake. Usually everyone gets dunked before the ceremonies are over. They own a lodge there, too, and spend many a pleasant weekend there in the summertime. The Vernon Gyro Club, which chartered in 1953, is a major contributor to the charities in its community. For Kitimat, most Installation guests arrive at the airport in Terrace, for there is no airport at Kitimat. They are met there by a club member and transported to town to spend a non-stop weekend boating, fishing or partying. They have been known to crack and eat boiled crabs at 2 a.m. in the morning, sitting cross legged on the living room floor. Kitimat Gyros are known as being outstanding hosts – and guests. Gyro Park in Kitimat exists there as a memorial to Gyro. The club was chartered in 1956. Seattle, the Club with a Heart, chartered in 1922, the first in Washington State. It is now best known for its costume parties, with a different theme featured at each Installation. The large numbers of guests attest to its popularity. Seattle is the first Gyro Club to be chartered in the State of Washington, and nine of its members have served as District IV Governors. Seattle has evolved into a small club, but one with a great deal of spirit. Seattle Gyros have retained, probably more than any other club in the District, their involvement in interclub activities.
Gyro was sponsored by the Gyro Club of Nanaimo in 1925, and it celebrates Founders Night with its sponsoring club each year in Nanaimo. Nanaimo, in turn, conducts elections each year at the Albernis club. Nanaimo, also on Vancouver Island, treats its guests to boat tours of the gorgeous Vancouver Island coastline. Its Installation coincides with St. Patrick's Day, which they recognize by serving green Moosemilk. Nanaimo is a popular destination for installation visitors. In 1981 it hosted an International Convention, attracting a record number of delegates – some eleven hundred. Nanaimo members meet for dinner on Thursday evenings, and have been known to fine guests for not wearing a necktie. There has been a Gyro Club in Nanaimo since 1922, when it, as a brand new club, presented the local hospital with a donation of over $1,000.00, a magnificent sum in those days. Prince George Gyros, flourishing in the far north of District IV, install their new officers with flair, producing a timely skit to feature their incoming president. Living as they do, far from other District Clubs, they enjoy their own brand of fun, featuring gatherings with their ladies, fishing trips and in the summer a club golf tournament and barbecue. The club chartered in 1948 and is a strong member of the Prince George community. The Gyro Club in Vernon, at the north end of the Okanagan Valley in central
Fun in District Four ... District Interim hosts, circa 1990s
Looking for group picture of D-4 at 1998 Penticton Int’l Convention
District IV Members at International Convention, Penticton, BC 1998
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Bruce Auchinvole, VictoriaBarrie N. Black, Kelowna
Elmer P. Bradshaw, NanaimoRobert G. Burchinal, WenatcheeStephen J. Cavaghan, Penticton
Robert Chalmers, KamloopsHarvey R. Clark, Prince George
Jack E. Cook, BurnabyJack Curle, Kerrisdale
Allen E. Dawson, ChilliwackRobert S. Day, Seattle
Fred J. K. English, Camosun Leslie A. Francis, Burnaby
Leonard J. Fowles, KamloopsJens Gadtke, Vancouver BC
William L. Gilroy, BurnabyJack H. Goetz, Yakima
Gordon W. Hanna, VernonRon C. Hatch, Vancouver BC
S. Dennis Hendra, VictoriaArthur N. Hilborn, Albernis
Reuben Horwitz, Prince GeorgeWilliam C. Hudson, VictoriaBertram Johnston, Kelowna
Daniel King, New WestminsterEdgar L. Kline, Portland
Joseph Landrey, Hollyburn
merit awards
Early group picture ?
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in 1926. The Penticton Gyro Club at one time enjoyed the position of owning a building in their town. They lost it during World War II, when the Canadian Army commandeered it for use as an armory. Fortunately for them, they did receive payment – which they used to further their development of city parks. The Penticton Gyros meet for dinner twice each month. Bellingham, home of the Gyro Crazies, sits on the border between Washington and British Columbia. With Puget Sound on one side and Mt. Baker on the other, this is one of the most scenic of District IV Gyro cities. Bellingham is the most recently chartered club in District IV, having come into being in 1981, with 258 members and guests in attendance. They have hosted three District meetings, since then, one convention and two interim conventions. District IV Gyros and Gyrettes will remember especially their Convention at Semiahmoo, the golf resort on Puget Sound. Burnaby, a suburb, and next door neighbor of Vancouver, B.C., is the eastern gateway to that city and home of the Burnaby Gyro Club, well known for skits and fun. Sing-alongs have been a part of their Gyro heritage. Burnaby in the late sixties and early seventies enjoyed a special relationship with two American clubs, Bellevue and Yakima. One or another of the three was sure to win a share of the accolades at any District IV gathering. Burnaby, along with Osoyoos and Albernis, chartered in the unlikely year of 1945, when Canada and the United States were deeply involved with bringing World War II to a close. Over the years eight clubs have existed in greater Vancouver, British Columbia. They have now condensed into four. One of these is the Fraser-Delta Club, an amalgamation of Gyros from the Kerrisdale Club which chartered in 1956 and the Delta Club which chartered in 1968. The Fraser-Delta Club's
Victoria's Grand Old Lady, the Empress Hotel, provides an irresistible appeal to convention goers. The Gyro Club of Victoria, chartered in 1921, the first to be chartered on Vancouver Island, exists today as one of the most dynamic of District IV clubs. They continue to meet for dinner twice a month at the stately Uplands Golf Club. They sponsored the cross town Camosun Club, with whom they conduct a friendly rivalry. Seven Victoria Gyros have held office as Governors of District IV, and the club has hosted four International Conventions. Olympia Gyros, on the southernmost shores of Puget Sound, offer a sunny summer Installation weekend, featuring golf and an outdoor barbecue. They traditionally join with Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue to honor the Gyro Founders, each taking its turn as host club. Olympia, one of the many clubs to come into being in the period after World War II, chartered in 1965. The little town of Osoyoos, located on Lake Okanagan, sits in the only bona fide desert in Canada. It has grown, mostly because of its mild climate, from a little village on the Canadian American border to a bustling community and a home to retired people from across Canada, and especially from the Prairie Provinces. Gyro came alive in Osoyoos in 1945, and its members consisted mostly of veterans. As those Gyros began to disappear, they have been replaced somewhat by those retirees who have come to enjoy the scenic Okanagan Valley. The Osoyoos Gyro club installs about the time when their club symbol, cherries, are in bloom. Just a few miles up the road on an isthmus of land between Lake Okanagan and Lake Skaha lies the city of Penticton, host to thousands of visitors seeking the summer beaches of those two beautiful bodies of water. With its spectacular appeal to visitors, Penticton Gyros have hosted many memorable gatherings since they chartered
other merit awards
John T. Lineker, KelownaDennis Longnecker, OlympiaJames D. Lowe, WenatcheeGeorge Mahovlic, Osoyoos
G. N. “Gus” Mavrolas, PortlandBenjamin McMillen, Vancouver BCMichael W. Millard, Prince GeorgeWilliam L. Paterson, Bellingham
James A. Pearson, Kerrisdale-Rich.Peter Pollhammer, KelownaWilliam S. Pryde, BurnabyDonald K. Reeves, Kitimat
Dallas Richards, Vancouver BCJames T. Senini, Nanaimo
Gary W. Skordahl, Vancouver WAWilfred F. Souther, Albernis
Laurence Story, New WestminsterDavid J. Stott, Duncan
Cornelius Tonseth Jr., PortlandWesley Van Dusen, Vancouver BC
C. F. Wagener, SeattleJerry Wolfe, Seattle
merit awards
merit awards
These gif ts become treasured mementoes. Conventions are similar to Installations, only more so. An open door at a convention hotel has meant a gathering inside, with everyone welcome. In Port Albernis, one time, the house detective, gave up trying to curtail activities and joined the party. There have been times when the parties moved out into the hall, and a “Hall Picnic” took place, where snacks and libations were available to all. It was not unheard of for a piper to parade through all this, his pipes skirling above the din. Speaking of the pipes, we must recognize some of those gentlemen who added luster to our Gyro gatherings, Bill Millar, from New Westminster, Bill Paterson, from Bellingham, Colin Rutherford from Camosun, Charlie Ennals from Duncan and Ron Ellis from Kelowna. The Yorke-Brimacombe golf tournament, open to all members of District IV, is hosted each year by the previous winner. It provides yet another chance for individuals from different clubs to interact. Joint Founder's Day ceremonies are regularly held with adjacent clubs gathering to share their common heritage. One of the longest lasting is the annual meeting with the Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, and Bellevue clubs. Each taking turns hosting. Clubs in the metropolitan area of Vancouver, British Columbia hold similar Founder's Day gatherings. For years, Osoyoos and Wenatchee met in a hard fought battle at their Quaffing Contest to contend for the stewardship of the porcelain toilet bowl. For years Kelowna and Nanaimo traded weekends joining for skiing in the winter and fishing in the summer. Almost everyone in Gyro knows about “Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, a friendly way to make close friends even closer. These dinners are a tradition in District IV. The ultimate Guess-Who's Coming to Dinner perhaps occurred in 1985 in District IV, when the Gyro clubs in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops clubs scheduled a Mystery Dinner Bus Tour. No one except the club presidents on
beautiful city of Victoria is perhaps the most traditional of District IV's Gyro Clubs. It closely reflects its community – traditional, poised and reserved, but like Victoria itself, fun loving and welcoming. Two of District IV's strongest clubs exist in that most English of Canada's cities, Victoria. Camosun was chartered in 1949 and remains constantly strong. Kelowna Gyros and Gyrettes, known for their creative costumes, at one of their gatherings, came up with one of the most creative in memory. Each wore a cardboard cover depicting the old National Geographic Magazines. At a crucial moment, they all opened the front cover to reveal themselves as unadorned aborigine tribesmen –and women - complete with stockings stuffed appropriately and appropriately attached. They live along the shore of Lake Okanagan at the place, they claim, where Ogopogo, their friendly Lake Monster, lives. He resided there in 1924, when they chartered and lives there still. North Van, as they call it, situated across Lions Gate Bridge from metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, is the home of the Hollyburn Gyro Club. Their neighborhood includes the famous Capi lano Suspension Bridge and tram up to the Grouse Mountain Ski Area. The Hollyburn Club is one of the four clubs in the greater Vancouver, British Columbia area. It chartered in 1947, one of the post World War II clubs in District IV. Hollyburn quickly took its place as a leader in the District, furnishing four governors and sponsoring a new club. It continues to provide that kind of leadership.
There is a tradition among District IV Installations. Incoming First Ladies, and sometimes others, too, receive congratulatory gifts from each of the visiting clubs. These gifts often are iconic representations of the presenting clubs. This tradition was initiated when the Portland Club, representing the City of Roses, presented incoming First Ladies with a dozen Tropicana roses. This tradition became widespread. For instance, The Fraser-Delta Club gives a picture of its symbol, the Steller Blue Blue Jay and the Victoria club, a seagull
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territory includes the Kerrisdale, Richmond and Delta areas in and around southwest Vancouver. It might be said that the best of the formative clubs has been distilled into this one, for it includes a number of strong Gyros, including a 50 year member and two charter members. Fraser-Delta has hosted for 25 years an annual invitational golf tournament. It usually joins with its neighboring clubs to celebrate Installations and Founders Nights. Kamloops Gyros, on the Thompson River, in the cattle country of Central British Columbia, invites Gyros and Gyrettes to participate in summer roundups. Who will forget their convention in 1982, when one guest fell off the corral fence and banged up an ankle, another tore a tendon in his arm while riding a bull and the Governor's Gyrette, who had knee problems, had to be hand carried off the rodeo grounds by two of her friends. There's skiing in the wintertime, at Sun Peaks, just a stone's throw up the road. Conventions in Kamloops are not for the faint hearted. But there's golf, too, first class, and abundant for the more sedate athletes. Kamloops Gyros and Gyrettes have been having fun since 1934. District IV's senior club, the first one to be chartered in District IV, exists in Vancouver, British Columbia. Soon after the charter of the Vancouver Club, Gyro spread throughout the northwest corner of North America. The Gyro Club of Vancouver has provided nine governors since Rowe Holland became its first in 1920. They have continued to set the standard for the rest of the District. Bellevue, Seattle's neighbor on the east side of Lake Washington, and the state's most modern city, is the home of the Bellevue Gyro Club. It has a history of fun and is noted for one of District IV's most famous Hall Picnics, the one where Radar, from Kitimat, was barred from participation by mattresses piled against his hotel room door. No one really knows why. Bellevue installations were scheduled just before Christmas, enticing shoppers as well. Because of declining membership, they have just recently temporarily merged with the Seattle Club. Camosun, the other club in the
merit awards
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the buses knew where they were t o d i n e . T h e y a r r i v e d unannounced in Salmon Arm where they all joined together, disrupting, of course, Salmon Arm's regular meeting. All is not fun and games in District IV. Most clubs have their f a v o r i t e c h a r i t i e s , a n d , historically, Gyros have been the driving force in creating city parks. Probably the most impressive is the lake steamer “Sicamous” perpetually drawn onto the shore of Lake Okanagan by the efforts of Jim Beasom and the Penticton Gyros. A marker has been placed at the park like border crossing at Blaine, Washington, attesting to the regard the District IV clubs hold for each other and for Gyro internationally. Gyro could not exist without those ordinary people who each day make things happen, who do their jobs without fanfare and who seek no glory. Gyro has been the result of the efforts of such as those. It is unfortunate we do not have the capability to properly honor them, but we can remember them, those who are still alive and with us, and those who have passed on, all who have given their time and effort to m a k e G y r o t h e u n i q u e organization it is, including those two Honor Key recipients, Robert Abel, from Tacoma and Fred English, from the Camosun Club, who won this award despite not having served in District office. All these dedicated Gyros can be well represented by that grand old Gyro from the Gyro Club of Vancouver, Sar'Major Ben McMillen, who often prefaced his remarks with the Chinook phrase “Cla How Ya!”
“Greetings, Friend!”And so to all who read this -
CLA HOW YA from Gyro District IV
District VCLUBS: Salt Lake City
The clubs in District V at one time were: Denver in 1921, Colorado Springs in 1924, Salt Lake City in 1924 and again in 1927, and Kansas City in 1927. Although these clubs became members of Gyro soon after the association was formed, today there remains only one club, Salt Lake City. The District held six district conventions until 1933 when with, the loss of two clubs, district activities ceased. Denver remained viable until turning in their charter in 1991. Denver was host to two International Conventions in 1927 and 1965 and provided two International Presidents, Heinz Huffman (1925-26) and George Steinhauer (1964-65). With only two clubs, inter-club activities were negated by the distances involved, but at their high point, the two clubs could boast of having 250 members. Salt Lake City was notable for always offering the “red carpet” to visitors and for winning a number of man-mile trophies at conventions. International has continued hope that efforts to form clubs around Salt Lake City and in the desert areas will eventually bear fruit, and District V can again be a viable district.
James W. Heckman, DenverMichael B. Kauffman, SLCLawrence R. Leeby, SLC
A.B. “Bill” Manning, DenverTheodore Pate, DenverRichard E. Pate, DenverHarold Simpson, SLCRoyal Watson, SLC
MERIT AWARDS
District XI
As indicated by its number, Gyro District XI was the latest to be formed to date. Unfortunately, it has not lived up to its potential. When the club formed in Round Rock, Texas, in 1995, the nearest club existed several hundred miles away. The charter members wanted their own district, promising they would recruit new clubs in the towns between Austin and Dallas, Texas, and, expanding from there, form a viable district. Gyro International granted them their wish and established the new District XI, composed of the states of Texas and Oklahoma. The club chartered on a beautiful spring day in February, 1995. Attending delegates were promised a rattlesnake roundup as an afternoon entertainment, but the day was warm, and it was considered just a little too hazardous to be wandering around in rattlesnake country. They attended a Texas barbecue instead. The idea for the club in Texas was the brainchild of two friends from Syracuse, New York, one of whom was a college professor who had moved his career to U of Texas, in Austin. The other was, at the time, the Governor of District III, which includes the Gyro Club of Syracuse. Despite the distances, they managed to make it work and we finally had a Gyro Club in Texas. Inasmuch as the District has consisted of only one club, no District organization was ever formed. The club in Round Rock remained intact until it fell on hard times in recent years, and reduced to only three members, they resigned their charter in September 2011. Hopefully at some future time, Gyro can again establish a foothold within these two great states and promulgate friendship as envisioned by our founders.
District IV cont.
even attorneys have been members – has always held the club in good stead. With age, and some members moving to warmer climes on retirement, their best functions are now in the warm weather and, while they used to get into gear about 10PM, that's when they're now getting ready for bed. The club is proud to be
thcelebrating their 40 as the International thcelebrates its 100 .
Wheeling: chartered in 1954, still has one charter member in PG Bill Crowl, the perpetual secretary. The Wheeling club has always been willing to do their share in the district and International. Their meetings have often been dinner meetings where the ladies did not vote but, assuredly, had a few suggestions. With the women being so active, the club has been able to sponsor 9 district conventions, many of them at Oglebay Park. As with a number of smaller, couples clubs, the membership is capped at 30 and the average age has increased from the original 29, but there is no less enthusiasm. Three governors and one International President come from this club. PIP 'Gordy' Golden, was known for his white tennis shoes with tuxedos for many conventions.
Youngstown: was chartered just three months after Wheeling in February of 1955 as the #165 to charter. This is a small club but active in the district with about 30 members. They have sponsored several district conventions with the most notable being during an election year in the '80s when the governor rode in on an elephant followed by two donkeys with officers in control. A district S/T from the club has served 4 different governors, two of whom were from his club. Of the two governors, one is Jim Hyland, the International President presiding at the Centennial Convention in Cincinnati. The difficulty of scribing the history of an organization is that it should be interesting to the reader. Names from 90 years ago are not always of interest, but we must remember those GYROs who gave so much to our fraternity. Who can replace the enthusiasm of the Jordans’? One was the first president of the club -- his son Art, was a PIP who died of a heart attack as the International Sec/Trea at a convention in Chicago. He died loving and enjoying GYRO as his gyrette 'Bunny' would always attest. They were but one example of the dedicated men who have made up ... and still make up the leadership of GYRO.
DISTRICT I, continued from page 28 DISTRICT III, continued from page 39
This annual event diminished as other groups such as Lions and Optimists, copied this annual event for fund-raising, and therefore, too many hands in the pie led to declining attendance. For quite a few years, during the late 70s and 80s, the Club put a float in the Peterborough Christmas parade. The Club has provided three Governors and hosted seven District Conventions. Many of our Conventions have been highly regarded, leading to our official nickname “Partyborough.”
Etobian - It started in 1972 when Bruce Poll, a member of the Port Colborne Gyro Club, was transferred to Toronto. His initial responsibility with his job kept him busy, but having been a member of the Port Colborne Gyro Club for several years, Gyro was never out of his thoughts. Before leaving Port Colborne, he had resolved to start a new Gyro Club in Toronto's west end. He spoke of Gyro to everyone he met and gradually put together a list of likely candidates for that new club that was his dream. The club was chartered March 11, 1972 with twenty-three members. Port Colborne was the sponsoring Club. Since many of these young men were from Mississauga and the Oakville areas, it was felt that the name should be a derivative of its birthplace, Etobicoke, and not the actual name of the city, which at that time was a suburb of Toronto. As noted by the club founder, little did I realize back in November of 1971, when I first invited a fine group of local gentlemen to my home to hear what Gyro was all about, that I would be so pleased with such valued fellowship for the next thirty-five years. The Etobians have provided Gyro with six Governors and one International President and have hosted three District Conventions including one International Convention.
What does Gyro mean to me?One night a month to be foot-loose and free
Out on a very dignified spree, a Charter Member, And as I watch the years go by
I more appreciate whyThe value of friends is placed so high
Some of the brothers are no longer here But memories of them are alive and dear
Voices raised in the Gyro SongHelped along with plenty of beer
And at the Christmas Party, we see them dancingSlightly alcoholic prancing
So you lads of the new generationTreat old timers with veneration
Some day you will be thereLong on memory, short on hair
Keep the Gyro traditions forever aliveThat in prosperity and friendship may the
Club ever thrive.
from founder Howard Clark
Syracuse Gyro Club
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What is Gyro?All of us have been asked that question. It's not unlike being
asked, “What is love?” or “What is happiness?”
Mostly, we are at a loss for words, but the answer is simple. Gyro is a concept. It probably is different for each of us, but it would
be similar for all if we could just figure out a way to express ourselves. Really the answer is easy.
Gyro is the smiling face of a friend grasping your hand and saying “Hello Gyro!” It is laughing at a joke after a convivial dinner, or maybe a glass of wine shared with friends. It is the laughter on
the bus as you wend your way to the race track. It is the tour of a local enterprise that makes your town what it is. It is the
expression of surprise and pleasure as you arrive at the door of your “Guess Who's Coming To Dinner” host. It is the cup of hot
buttered rum as you wind down with your friends in the lodge after tha day on the slopes. Or your ball rolling into the cup on the 19
green after a round with your fellow Gyros.
Gyro is the feeling of satisfaction when the beneficiary of a club charity shakes your hand and expresses his or her sincere thanks. It is the feeling of pride that possesses you as you drive past the Gyro Park that you and your friends built. It is the words of a
guest speaker who thanks you for being a worthy member of your community.
It is standing in the cold wind, saying a last farewell to an old friend. It is an arm around your shoulder as you struggle to cope
with the loss of a loved one. It is being there for someone special during their moment of difficulty or maybe even their last hours.
It is standing with a friend as he is presented with that most beloved of honors the Gyro Award of Merit. Or following a piper as he leads you into the dining room, with all your friends smiling
to welcome you. Or, with your friends, proudly singing your National Anthem and theirs. It is the cleverly worded phrases of a
Gyro Resolution. Or the profound cadences of a sincere Invocation. It is seeing the flags of our two nations, standing
together in friendship and harmony.
That, in a nutshell my friends, is Gyro. May it continue to wrap us in the warm arms of friendship for another hundred years.
~ anonymous PIP ~
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quickly become International and then spread across North America, five districts were formed, each with a Governor. The first Board of Governors was composed of the five Association officers, the Governor of each district and three Immediate Past Presidents. This move also reduced the EC to the five elected officers and three past presidents.
1931, rather than a popularity contest in determining elected officers, an advisory committee was established to conduct nominations. This committee was composed of the 3 officers and the available PIPs. The following year the BOG mandated that the districts must have a Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary-Treasurer; that they must provide consistent by-laws; and they were expected to not only promote membership growth, but they needed to start visitations.
1934, the Association became Gyro International. Leadership was changed once again to a President, one Vice-President, a Secretary-Treasurer, and a committee of PIPs.
th 1942, the 25 convention in Victoria saw the Executive Council expanded to include the Immediate Past President as a member, and simultaneously removed the advisory PIPs. The nominations committee was then altered to include all PIPs, either in attendance, or in writing. All prospective nominees were to be contacted in advance. Interestingly, the following year the EC was altered again to be the IPIP, the President, and three Vice-Presidents (with no rank). The idea was to select the following President from the three Vice-Presidents. (Note: this concept was also soon dropped.)
1950 saw change again. The Executive Council was augmented by the addition of three Regional Vice-Presidents. These new VPs were elected with two-year terms. The Board of Governors was now composed of the EC, the Governors, and the three regional VPs. Four years later, the three regional VPs were eliminated. The EC returned to six members. The structure remained unchanged until 1986 when it was determined that although any PIP in attendance at a nominating committee meeting would act in an ex-Officio capacity, the actual voting for a new third Vice-President would be limited to the last five PIPs in attendance. The nominations committee was re-adjusted one last time in 1994 to again include all PIPs in attendance to be voting members of the committee.
2011, at the Savannah Interim, the Board of Governors determined as a cost savings measure to eliminate the position of third Vice-President and Immediate Past President following the 2012 convention. These changes were revisited at the 2011 Convention in Halifax where it was determined to reverse all proposed changes as being in the best interest of Gyro.
Additional Key Date Trivia of Interest:
In the beginning, when the Cleveland Gyro Club was formed in 1912, the group chose to have a club president, a vice-president and a separate secretary and treasurer.
This officer structure was adequate for those initial years within a single club; however, the rapid increase in new clubs and membership soon determined that some sort of grouping or association was necessary to not only control future growth aspirations, but to bring order to the burgeoning fraternity.
1917, saw the independent Gyro Clubs meet in Cleveland to form the Association of Gyro Clubs. This was the start of Gyro International as we know it today. At this first convention the delegates adopted a Constitution & By-laws framework which indicated that the officer structure would now consist of a President, first and second Vice-Presidents, and a Secretary and Treasurer. These officers would be elected by ballot at the annual meetings. Future planning within the By-laws allowed for an Executive Council that would be composed of the five officers and six others, also to be elected at first, but then would be composed of the past presidents. In addition, several committees were formed to aggressively forward the new association's mandates. Extension – to increase membership; Affiliations – to seek mergers with other existing groups; Publications – to produce and finance the GyroScope; and Bus-boosters – to promote and energize the business networking aspects.
1926 saw the beginning of the Board of Governors. As the Association had
LEADERSHIPSTRUCTURE
Constantly Evolving
1917 – Clubs were assigned club colors. 1923 – Founders Day established. 1925 Founder Ed Kagy elected over Joe Banigan in a close vote, 173 to 167, to be the first full-time Secretary/Treasurer. 1930 – patent difficulties with Pur Oil Co. They had to change Gyro Gas to Gyrol Gas. 1947 - Gyro emblem adopted. 1948 – International Associate membership approved. 1950 – another patent dispute. Attempt to merchandize a “Gyro Form-flex Girdle” was dropped in NY. 1956 – Hospitality Suites initiated as a function of International. 1964 – Perpetuation Fund changed to Memorial Fund. 1965 – Membership high of 5616. 1971 – International & District conventions combined. Lever Bros. tried to promote Gyro detergent. They were forced to drop name. 1973 – Honor Keys would now be returned to HQ for display. 1974 – Hubbell Trophy initiated. 1982 – Blue and Gold adopted as official Gyro colors. 1986 – Interim workshops planned. Lifetime memberships promoted. 1987 – HQ gets first computer. 1992 – full time HQ employees reduced to half-time. 1993 – Betterment Fund initiated. First organized PDGs meeting at Tampa Interim. 1996 – Website online. 2009 GyroScope available online. 2010 International database fully functional. 2012 Gyro Centennial!
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District VICLUBS: CHARLOTTETOWN, DARTMOUTH,KENTVILLE, NEW GLASGOW, RIVERVIEW,
TRURO, WINDSOR
The Great War had just ended. The Great Depression had not yet began. It was the year when the great inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, had just been laid to rest in his Nova Scotia summer hometown of Baddeck, Nova Scotia. The year was 1922. Robert Harvey was a student and a member of the Gyro Club of Victoria, BC. The superb academic record of Dalhousie Law School in Halifax, Nova Scotia attracted Robert, and so it was that this law student promptly gathered his new-found friends around him and formed the first Gyro club in the Canadian east. The Gyro Club of Halifax was thus formed. The Victoria Gyro Club contributed $150 towards the expenses of forming a new club. Within months, a Gyro Club was also inducted in St. John, New Brunswick. Both cities therefore, shared the distinction of the birthplace of Gyro in Atlantic Canada.In the meantime, the Gyro International Executive Council was meeting in Toronto and decided to divide the 27 existing clubs into 5 Districts and that the two Eastern Canadian clubs would be in the “the Sixth District of the International Association of Gyro Clubs”. The Gyros were having fun with their new-found friends and the word spread quickly. In the next 6 years, 7 clubs sprang into existence. In 1925, the Gyro Club of New Glasgow was initiated, the Moncton club was formed in 1926, while during the next year, two more clubs were inducted at Fredericton and Campbellton. And in 1928, the Gyro Club of Charlottetown was formed. Music became important to these new friends. During the Conventions of 1929 in New Glasgow, and in Moncton the next year, the Gyro 10-piece band met every train as the Gyros arrived in town for the Conventions. Every club boasted about how their music groups played on the trains and played in the orchestra at the club dances and community dances. By 1939, 6 more clubs were formed in Kentville, Boston, Windsor, Glace Bay, Dalhousie and Sydney. 15 Gyros from District VI traveled to the Boston Club induction, to show their support. Gyro friendship was on a roll!
During the War Years, men were joining up - including Gyros. With less members, Gyro Clubs worked together to support the War effort. Those left behind were having fun, however. The Victoria Club offered to send a case of salmon in exchange for a boxcar full of PEI potatoes. For the exchange, the D-VI boys made a replica boxcar, painted it up with Gyro slogans and filled it with dehydrated potatoes. Governor Bethune reported that he had traveled 5100 railroad miles to visit Clubs in the District. In 1944, the first Curling Bonspiel was held in Halifax. A few clubs could not attend however, because the trains were all being used to transport troops. Lots of reports of the antics aboard the trains - the music ranting between cars and the curling stones placed on
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1922-1930Angus L. MacDonald, Halifax
F. Homer Zwicker, HalifaxW. Grant Smith, Saint John
George Hazen, Halifax+# Arthur T. Smith, Halifax
*+ Fred MacLeod, New Glasgow+# G. R. Spencer, Moncton
Gordon Quigley, Halifax
1930-1940David F. Bethune, Charlottetown
Paul B. Cross, Saint JohnLewellyn M. Gray, Campbellton+# Frank A. Nightingale, Halifax
R. C. Macdonald, MonctonJ. Geddie Cotter, New Glasgow
Ralph S. Stephenson, Saint JohnCarl R. Tibert, Saint JohnCarl P. Bethune, Halifax
Dr. Allan W. G. Good, Fredericton
1940-1950Alister McDonald, SydneyWilliam T. Blair, KentvilleGaius Avard, Moncton
Morton Dew, Charlottetown+ David R. MacDonald, HalifaxClarence Clark, Campbellton
Henry McDonald, New GlasgowDr. Jos. MacMillan, Charlottetown
Wilbert N. Steadman, Kentville+ Charles L. Woods, Saint John
1950-1960* Reginald M. Piercy, HalifaxWalter F. Fowler, Moncton
Clarence E. Roach, WindsorJohn MacDonald, Merigomish
Harry G. MacDavid, CampbelltonOscar U. Reade, Fredericton
Eugene L. Cote, HalifaxEdgar Fullerton, Saint JohnWallace M. Barnes, Windsor
George L. Hiltz, Kentville
Then, the Great Depression hit the nation. One by one, Gyro friends were forced to leave the clubs. At about the same time, to help their less fo r tuna te communi t i e s , Service Clubs were being formed. Gyro Clubs had to make drastic cuts in expenses as memberships dropped.
governors
*merit award+ honor key
# int’l. president
SPECIAL THANKS TO PDG JIM SWEET FOR ASSISTANCE
governors
INACTIVE�CLUBS�(IN�MEMORY�ONLY):�
minimum of $180 per Club. District dues
were $5.50.
In 1967, the year of Canada's centennial,
the Gyrettes of Windsor appeared at the
District Convention in the colourful red
costumes of Confederation days. The
Halifax Club was commended for having
contributed $150,000 to the Children's
Hospital. The St. John Club finally had to
give up their running of a camp for
underprivileged children, and the New
Glasgow Club's Water Safety Swim
program, which was held at an ocean beach,
hired 22 Instructors and taught 500 children
how to survive in Ocean waters, for a total
cost of $3,100. The Windsor Club was
termed “the swinging club” because of its
music, and they operated the dunk tank at
the local Exhibition. At the 1963
Convention in New Glasgow, it was
reported that District membership grew
from 380 to 408 members, and the
Convention fee was $35.
For the 1970 District Interim in
Campbellton, the Halifax Club decided to
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1960-1970Edgar K. Aston, Dartmouth
Robert C. Tibbetts, New GlasgowArthur R. Abell, Saint John* Robert M. Rice, Halifax
*Gordon Prichard, CampbelltonMerle M. Keith, Moncton
Allistair W. Stephens, WindsorVerne L. Wright, Kentville
Jack Richard, New GlasgowWilliam J. Rodgers, Dartmouth
1970-1980Arthur “Lee” MacGowan, HalifaxDr. J. Sidney Wright, Moncton
J. Edgar Newell, TruroEarle W. H. Wood, Saint JohnClarence Y. Church, Falmouth
* George W. Butt, Kentville*+ J. Fraser Cunningham, New
Glasgow* Cecil J. O'Hearn, Dartmouth
Kenneth W. Hines, Halifax*+# Robert A. Dutcher, Moncton
1980-1990* Wilfred Burchell, New Glasgow* Ernest B. Lelacheur, DartmouthW. Andrew Ballantyne, Saint John
* David M. Grose, Halifax* Keith G. Manicom, Truro
* Ronald E. Hancock, WindsorDavid S. Campbell, RiverviewJohn A. Maclean, Bridgewater* John A. Fraser, New Glasgow
Wes J. Drodge, Moncton
1990-2000+# George E. Abell, Windsor
Arnold Haines, Sackville* Leslie R. Smith, Truro
N. Joseph Howell, MonctonRobert Stevenson, Charlottetown* Raymond S. Graham, Halifax
* James A. Sweet, New GlasgowHarold G. Tennant, SussexPaul F. Hyland, Sackville
H. Cornelius Moore, Windsor
2000-2010* Bruce W. Taylor, Riverview
+ Donald J. Gillis, New Glasgow* Ronald C. Conrad, Kentville* Robert J. Kimball, Dartmouth
*# Harold R. Bernard, Truro*# Harold R. Bernard, Truro
Donald A. Banting, DartmouthWilliam R. Haines, Kentville
John R. O'Regan, New GlasgowJames J. White, Windsor
2010-2012William MacKinnon, DartmouthWilliam MacKinnon, Dartmouth
Other International Presidents1958-59
*+# Ernest J. Gillis, Halifax1979-80
*+# Charles M. Dickson, Moncton
the cow catcher of the engine to keep them
cold.
1959, the mailing costs doubled in price to
two cents. The New Glasgow club
organized and erected a war monument in
the town park. Automobiles started to be
used to travel to Conventions. At the 1955
District Interim, a Cribbage Trophy was
played for.
As 1960 ended, a new Gyro Club of
Truro was formed, and in 1962, a second
Club was initiated in each of the towns of
Sydney and Antigonish, during the latter
of which the Truro club made and presented
a “Baby Club Crib”. In 1963, a Gyro Club
was started in Edmunston. Two clubs
were having problems with names. In
Dartmouth, there were 8 members whose
In 1945, as the war ended, the boys began flowing back into their Gyro clubs. The '50s saw increases in membership and costs. But, the Gyro bulletins could still be mailed out for 1 cent. In
f i r s t n a m e w a s “William”. In New Glasgow, there were 3 Jean MacDonalds - so one was called “Jean Will', the next, “Jean Duff”, and the other “Jean Ace”. A bad snow storm hit the Maritimes at the time of the Interim in April, 1963. Attracted by the competition of the C u r l i n g B o n s p i e l , everyone made it to Moncton. Later that month, 100 bowlers t r a v e l l e d t o N e w Glasgow for the District Bowlerama, but many more had to be turned down due to a lack of bowling lanes. Gyro friendship was on a roll! A t t h e 1 9 6 3 I n t e r n a t i o n a l Convention, Gyro dues increased for the first time in 11 years from $8.50 t o $9.00 with a
other merit awardsHonour Key, Governor Wilf Burchell of
New Glasgow received the International
Best Bulletin award, and the Windsor Club
won the International Award for Internal
Expansion.
The 1983 International Convention was
held in Moncton - 600 Gyros and Gyrettes
were in attendance. PIP Charlie Dickson
convened the event, which featured a
Thursday evening party of entertainment,
clam chowder and dancing to the tunes of
the Windsor Club's Dixieland band, golf,
tennis, boat cruises, banquet and dance
(with a 21-piece orchestra), and a farewell
brunch “where the music and dancing were
robust right 'til the end”. In 1988, membership in Gyro International was 5,200 jolly Gyros. By 1991, District membership was at an all time high of 520 members. Those were the glory days of District VI and of Gyro International. Today, some of the District Clubs have folded and membership is declining. But there is still a common thread that exists between the Gyros of yesteryear and the Gyros of today. We still have a lot of fun at club meetings, club socials, Interims and Conventions. Gyro friendship is still on a roll!
reserve 2 special railway sleeper cars. Word spread, and by the time the train left Truro, the cars were full, and when it left Moncton, the party was in full swing, led by Fraser Cunningham's clarinet. In Campbellton, the meeting room was jammed and when a Club President tried to read his report, it was lit on fire between his hands. The jolly Gyros slept in the railway cars, but there was almost no sleep. Following a couple of days of meetings, cribbage, curling and hospitality rooms, the last night in the railway car was silent, until 5:30am when the train noisily hooked up to the car for the trip back home. Buses were often used for inter Club visits. It was reported that the bar did not open until all were seated. Musical instruments and singing were common. Imagine the melee when the bus arrived at the Club meeting – and when it left. At the 1971 Convention in Truro, PIP Ernie Gillis of the Halifax Club gave an inspiring talk on Power, Poise and Purpose and “never was a group of men in such need of it”. At the 2-day event, the Truro gals invaded the meeting, performing in living colour. The Convention Banquet & Dance was a formal affair, but the New Glasgow Club, with Fraser's clarinet in the lead, did a singing snake dance. Later, the hospitality in the hotel rooms concluded with a wee-hours pool party. The 1977 Convention in New Glasgow was overwhelmed with 215 in attendance (40% of the District membership). The Gyrette cigarette girls stole the show as 14 gallons of chowder was served. The meeting revealed that the Dartmouth Club membership increased by 236% to 60 members. Governor Cec O'Hearn and Gyrette Marion Gierloff were honoured for spurring on the increase in membership. Extra buses had to be put into service when the planned banquet at the hotel had to be changed to a larger venue. Gyro friendship was on a roll! In 1976, the Gyro Club of Sackville was formed. By 1980, District membership was at 474 with 16 fifty-year members. By the end of that year, new clubs in Bridgewater and Riverview were chartered and by 1986, clubs were started in Sussex, Bangor, Maine, and Amherst. At the 1981 Convention in Windsor, PDG Bob Dutcher of Moncton was awarded the International Jimmie Hubbell award for his efforts in the formation of new Clubs, PIP Charlie Dickson of Moncton was presented with the
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John J. Burke, TruroG. Wilford Creighton, Halifax
H. John Denyar, HalifaxDouglas B. Eddy, New Glasgow
Loran Ferris, MonctonWillard Goodwin, Kentville
Robert G. Hanes, New GlasgowPeter E. Hynes, Truro
E. Fred Jensen, RiverviewJohn R. Kaulbach, N. Glasgow
James C. LeRoy, HalifaxHenry MacDonald, N. GlasgowRoss MacIntosh, New Glasgow
Fred D. MacLeod, New GlasgowH. R. Martenstyn, Truro
Cyril F. Matheson, HalifaxMichael V. Mattie, New GlasgowRoland E. Meuse, Windsor, N.S.
J. Grant Muir, Windsor, N.S.Robert L. Neal, Saint John
Leon Neima, HalifaxCharles F. Parlee, Charlottetown
Vernon D. Pelton, HalifaxThomas A. Pettie, Halifax
John A. Proudfoot, N. GlasgowChesley T. Roberts, WindsorWalter A. Smith, Riverview
John R. Swinamer, WindsorHarold B. Torey, New Glasgow
Charles M. Watt, HalifaxGarth Williams, Halifax
INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY): st. john, sydney, antigonish. edmundston, boston,
glace bay, dalhousie, campbellton, dartmouth,sackville, bridgewater, sussex, bangor, amherst
District VIICLUBS: fort william, mckenzie island, minneapolis,
minneapolis-metro, minneapolis-northstar,minneapolis-suburban, nor-west of thunder bay,
oryg-st. paul, port arthur, winnipeg
CLUBS:�fort�william,�mckenzie�island,�minneapolis,minneapolis-metro,�minneaoplis-northstrar,
minneapolis-subruban,�nor-west�of�thunder�bay,oryg-st.�paul,�port�arthur,�winnipeg
District VII is an expansive District which includes the states of Minnesota, and the Dakotas as well as the province of Manitoba, and includes Northern Ontario. Saskatchewan was an active part of District VII until 1980 when the two Clubs of Regina and Saskatoon received approval to transfer to District VIII.
over the years, the inter-club friendships have been cultivated. Winnipeg, the oldest Club in the District was chartered in 1920 under the presidency of William Hargreaves. It has remained extremely active over the years and contributed extensively to area charities. One of their fund-raisers is an annual Fish and Game dinner. (Make up your own acronym.) The entrees come from many sources including the spoils taken during the season by the members. A President's luncheon is a featured December event. The club remains active over the summer months with various social and stag activities. There is a cluster of five clubs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The two older Clubs, Minneapolis, chartered in 1924 under the presidency of Russell Thomas and St. Paul, chartered the same year with James Moore as charter president, became the foundation of the Fraternity in the area. In Minneapolis, the Minneapolis-Suburban Club chartered in 1953 with Don Bros as the first president. Forty-eight of the fifty three charter members were either sons or sons-in-law of the sponsoring Minneapolis Club's members. This was followed up in 1969 with the chartering of the Minneapolis-Metro club (charter president, James Barker). They had been nurtured and sponsored by the Minneapolis-Suburban Club again with most of the charter members being sons and sons-in-law of the sponsoring Club. If all this sounds confusing, the Oryg Club was chartered in 1965 with first president Thomas Coulter heading up a group of, you guessed it, sons and sons-in law of the sponsoring St. Paul Club. The old St. Paul Club has now merged with its off-spring. The baby of the group, Minneapolis-Northstar, chartered in 1989 with David Warner as the charter president.
1923-1930Royal Burritt, Winnipeg
R. W. E. Loucks, ReginaRalph B. Chandler, Port ArthurEarle D. McKay, Minneapolis
Dr. E. J. Robb, WinnipegRalph M. Pearson, WinnipegFred A. Waterous, St. Paul
1930-1940James E. McArdle, ReginaC. B. DuBois, MinneapolisIvan Matthews, Port Arthur
John D. Henderson, WinnipegRobert J. Flatt, Fort WilliamKenneth Robb, Saskatoon
*+# Walter Bartlett, MinneapolisA. W. Jones, Winnipeg
Thomas Temple, ReginaRobert Robinson, Port Arthur
1940-1950* Paul Grieg, St. Paul
Alex Morgan, Fort William+ Gleason Allen, MinneapolisCecil G. Schmitt, Saskatoon
+ H. S. Rimmington, Winnipeg* H. C. Andrews, ReginaRobert B. Angell, St. Paul
* William Spicer, Fort William* Len A. Wood, Port Arthur
*+ Harold R. Taylor, Minneapolis
1950-1960* Arthur L. Bragg, Winnipeg
George F. Boyd, ReginaMathew D. Clements, St. Paul
William W. R. Reid, McKenzie Island Edward S. Anderson, Fort William
Emerson E. Clow, Port ArthurArthur W. Anderson, Minneapolis
* Harold H. Elliott, WinnipegClifton T. Dempsey, Regina
Dr. Douglas G. Ganfield, St. Paul
1960-1970+# J. E. J. Fahlgren, McKenzie Island
Eugene C. Day, Minneapolis-Suburban* Fred Burn, Fort William
Preston R. Cook, Port Arthur* Douglas R. Manuel, Minneapolis
Howard A. Fairbairn, Winnipeg
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Minneapolis, the most senior of the area Clubs currently has dwindled to nine members, with two of these members well into their nineties. They have no plans to merge with another Club and enjoy their lunches and conversations. As can be seen above, they have certainly done more than their part for Gyro in the area. Prior to merging with the Oryg Club, the St. Paul Club was extremely active. It is noted in there club history that, in 1940 “more than 76 separate activities were staged”. All through the history, there are stories of fun activities, meeting interruptions and the like. Twice in the quotes from the five charter members who were
th honored at the 50 anniversary celebrations of the Club in 1974, the phrase “no noble purpose” is brought up. Their noble purpose was
In spite of the distances and weather involved, every effort is made to have each Club visited annually by a District officer. The annual conventions are often held in a resort area away from the cities where many clubs are concentrated. This generates a lot of mixing among the Clubs and gets everyone into the true spirit of the convention and creates the atmosphere of a family reunion as,
ONTARIO
governors*merit award+ honor key
# int’l. president
friendship and fun. Apparently Past First Lady, Mary Field has some great stories of the summer picnics held by the old St. Paul Club. Minneapolis-Suburban is one of the larger Clubs in Gyro. They also include a long list of Gyro widows on their roster, most of who remain active in some way. This Club's significant contribution to our fraternity was the late PIP, Bud Mitchell. More will be mentioned about Bud in another section of the magazine. Minneapolis-Metro has been very successful over the last few years in
increasing their membership. They stress that having a program at each meeting is important to them and to their success. An active ladies group does a bang-up job whenever conventions are hosted. A well attended father/son luncheon and a Valentine's Party are two of the highlights of the Minneapolis-Northstar Club's activities. Oryg, which derives its name from the backwards spelling of Gyro, started in the turbulent 1960s. It provided an outlet for the members from their busy lives. At one time, during one of the parties that perhaps got a little out of hand, they decided to run their own candidate, Nathaniel Oryg, for President of the USA with a platform of free love and abolishing computers. . This resulted in Nathaniel and the group stumping around three Minnesota towns giving speeches accompanied by member cheerleaders and a band. This was a great deal of fun until a local sheriff put a stop to it. Further to the north, in Thunder Bay Ontario is another cluster of three clubs. Port Arthur, chartered in 1922, Ralph Chandler, charter president,
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GOVERNORSDonald W. Devlin, SaskatoonErle T. Crull, McKenzie Island
Dr. James J. Swendson, St. PaulT. Wilfred Hunt, Regina
1970-1980Anthony B. Sparboe, Minneapolis
* George P. McEachern, Fort WilliamDr. Glenn Gullickson Jr., Minn. Sub.
George I. Crooks, Port AurthurR. Alan Webster, Saskatoon
Gordon Hunt, WinnipegG. Henry Angell, St. Paul
* William P. Langford, Oryg – St. Paul*+# Norman Mitchell, Minneapolis-Sub.
* Paul Fogh-Dohmsmidt, Nor-West
1980-1990Robert K. Pillsbury, Minneapolis
Donald R. Pavek, Minneapolis-Metro Duncan M. Wilson, McKenzie Island
Ronald R. Anderson, Fort William Terrence Jones, WinnipegTom C. Luck, Port Arthur
Roger Cammack, St. Paul* Frank T. Jones, Minneapolis-Sub.+# Charles F. Field, Oryg – St. Paul
Horace Willson, Minneapolis
1990-2000Doug Drake, Nor-West
Douglas A. Dolliff, Minneapolis-MetroBrian Kreviazuk, McKenzie Island
Arthur Sparks, Fort WilliamMichael B. O'Hara, WinnipegRichard A. Grayson, St. PaulDonald C. Leavitt, Port Arthur
A. Blake Scattergood, Minn.-Sub.* Paul F. Sands, Oryg – St. Paul* Veijo Paine, Minneapolis-Metro
2000-2010William J. D. Gibbon, Nor-West
Dr. Douglas McKee, Fort William Craig R. Cormack, Winnipeg
John A. Fahlgren, McKenzie IslandBernard D. Barton, Minneapolis-Sub.
Olavi M. Jarvela, Port Arthur* Richard Makela, Minneapolis-Metro
Donald McInnes, Winnipeg* Charles Killian, Oryg-St. PaulJohn H. Playford, Fort William
2010-2012Glen M. Hamilton, Nor-WestGlen M. Hamilton, Nor-West
Dateline: April 20, 1968
GYRO IS CANDIDATE FOR US PRESIDENT !
Following a four-piece advance band, a busload of avid supporters accompanied this popular Gyro in his quest to be the first from the Gyro fraternity to become the most powerful man in the world. This initial foray into the political arena complete with buttons, petitions, pom-poms, balloons and a bevy of attractive young ladies visited three local communities accompanied by a police escort - Stillwell, Hudson, and River Falls - from which the tuxedo attired candidate received an astounding 47 promises of support. Little is known about this candidate except that his name is Nathaniel Oryg, and that he is from Oak Twig, Colorado. The bulk of his support is from the National Naturist Party. At the end of this tour, the candidate and his supporters gathered in Riverside for a campaign dinner, following which the candidate returned to Oak Twig. Since bursting into the presidential campaign, nothing more has been heard of this candidate; however, we shall always remember his platform: “Down with speed! Speed is the killer of body and mind; all speed machines (computers, planes, rockets, autos, electrical devices) should be gradually phased out for life at a natural pace.”
“Nathaniel WHO?”
(This bit of Gyro fun was conceived by several members of the St. Paul club with Mr. Oryg’s role played by Del Moline. It was
noteworthy enough that the St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch ran a two-page feature illustrated with pictures and headed “Nathaniel
WHO?”)
INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY)moose jaw, duluth. rat portage, pigs eye
(clubs merged - st. paul/oryg ... or transferred to district viii 1980 - saskatoon, regina)
OTHER MERIT AWARDS Charles H. Bronson, Minneapolis
William T. Coulter, St. Paul Walter Evans, Regina
Harold Gyles, Winnipeg T. A. Higgins, Fort William
Charles L. Horn, Minneapolis James Kelly, Minneapolis
James H. Kilgore, Minneapolis William B. Sherman, Minn.-Suburban
Theodore L. Sogard, Minneapolis Russell D. Thomas, Minneapolis
Henry T. Warner, Minneapolis
District VII cont.
The Radisson was an older but very nice tropical style hotel, a twelve story tower at one end and three-stories high on two sides surrounding an inner courtyard, with each floor having a continuous veranda. The courtyard contained tropical flora, a grassy area, and, of course, the pool. This all faced to the west and a short stroll to the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. All meetings have memories and I recall several: the beach of mostly crushed shells made bare feet arduous; I was on my own as my wife had just had surgery; a “Fish House” for one of the best meals ever; AND ... the early morning fire alarm! The Welcoming Party continued past midnight until the die-hards were shooed from the hospitality room. After a few farewells, I tumbled into bed on the third floor. At 2:30 a.m., now in a deep sleep, an incessant clanging caught my attention along with hurried voices passing on the veranda. Stumbling out the door with limited covering, I peered over the railing to see several hundred people assembling in the courtyard. At that moment I understood the building must be on fire. The assembly was a sight to behold. It was still warm, about 75 degrees, so most of the people had been sleeping in light garments, or nothing (?) and were clutching blankets to cover themselves, a few wore bizarre nightclothes. I looked around to see the fire so I could head for stairs in the opposite direction; however, there were no flames to be seen. The floors were concrete and there were opposite exits, so I decided I was safe enough and stayed put. The firemen arrived and proceeded to check every room looking for the fire. I was chastised for not leaving the building as were several others. Eventually, about 4 a.m., the firemen finished their search, it was all declared a false alarm and the Gyro suspect was never revealed or identified.
International Interim, January 1989, Radisson Inn, Marco Island, FL
Vignette: Gyro Re-awakened
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The posted reward when captured was for $2 million. What did this have to do with Gyro? A few years earlier, when the reward was upped to $1- million, it was rumored that Whitey was seen in Sicily and a video of him had been widely distributed throughout Italy, prompting voluminous tips.
In 2007, well known and well-traveled Madison Gyros, George and Iris Weiland were off their cruise ship in La Speiza and booked on a tour of the city, when the Polizia arrived, with lights flashing.
An officer with his weapon drawn came onto the tram and directly confronted George. Of course his passport was on the ship so he offered his driver's license. The officer left to consult others, then returned and insisted that George and Iris must accompany him to the police station. After being questioned for several hours, fingerprinted and interchange with the FBI in the US, the Weilands finally convinced the police that they were innocent. The police then took them back to their ship, again with sirens blaring and lights flashing, where once again onboard they were instant celebrities for the rest of the cruise.
George Weiland in 2011
Whitey in Santa Monicajail - 2011
Later, George surmised that someone had spotted him coming off the ship wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, attire preferred by Whitey. “After all, we are exactly the same age … my height and size, and we both have white hair.” That winter the FBI contacted George and told him, while still checking to be sure they were not the couple in the video, that he was one of 60 couples similarly detained . Keeping the Fun in Gyro!
Madison Gyro not #1 June 2011, the legendary Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger and his girlfriend were apprehended at a modest apartment in Santa Monica. Indicted for 19 murders and on the run for 16 years, Whitey was #1 on the FBI Most Wanted List.
Fort William, chartered in 1927 under the presidency of Harry Beeman and Nor-West of Thunder Bay, chartered in 1971 with John Parnell as charter president. Thefirst two of these clubs were named after
the city in which they were formed. The two became Thunder Bay in the 1960s. Due to the proximity of the clubs in a smaller community, many inter-clubfunctions are popular. A joint Founders Day and a Dutch Shuffleboard event is hosted by Port Arthur. Port Arthur is a healthy and growing club with an Octoberfest prospective member event being high on their list of events. Speakers and other programs are key to the success of the Fort William club as well as two or three events with the ladies during the year. The Nor-West Club of Thunder Bay again was formed with sons and sons-in-law of the other two clubs. As they age, contact sports are no longer high on the list of activities and have been replaced by golf, Texas Hold'em, a “Lobster Slobster” dinner and wine parties.
OTHER HONOR KEYSOR PRESIDENTS
+ Eric Campbell, Winnipeg+# Don Clark, Port ArthurWm. T. Coulter, St. Paul
Noble Jones, MinneapolisEverett Stovel, Winnipeg
+# Gordon Stovel, WinnipegSeymour Verhey, St. Paul
District VIIICLUBS: Calgary, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Edmonton,Edmonton Crossroads, Lethbridge, Nelson, Regina,
St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spokane, Stampede City, Wallace
Edmonton - The first of our clubs to Charter on July 29, 1921 as the 15th Club in Gyro International was spearheaded by Reg Henry and Harry Fuller. Of special note is that a gavel was presented by the installing officer Rowe Holland from Vancouver. This gavel was made from material from the old Hudson Bay Company steamer, the Beaver, the first such ship to sail into Burrard Inlet in Vancouver. Immediately after chartering, the Club started raising funds through running a carnival with all of the proceeds to go to providing children's parks in the city. Not only did the children benefit but also the university students who were hired as supervisors. Through to the late 1940s, nine such parks were built before the City Parks and Recreation Department took them over. They, along with the other Edmonton area Clubs of the time continued the tradition by raising the funds for “Gyro Children's Playground #10” in historic Fort Edmonton. The club's benevolence has not stopped as over the years funds have been raised for many other causes including music scholarships for advanced studies, cancer research and many more. The relatively large membership is maintained through the efforts of an active group of recruiters. It would be remiss not to mention that they also provided us with District VIII's Mr. Gyro of so many years, Gordon Rennie, who in addition to his membership in the Edmonton Club, was an honorary member of the other three Edmonton area clubs. He and his Gyrette Ivy were fixtures at all of the area and District functions.
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District VIII came into being in April of 1924 when eastern British Columbia, north eastern Washington, Alberta, Idaho and Montana were split off from District IV due to the rapid expansion in the number of Clubs in the area. In 1980, Saskatchewan was transferred from District VII to District VIII. There have been twenty four Clubs in District VIII over the years with thirteen remaining active. The District is very active with most clubs well represented at Conventions and the District Interim Meeting. This latter function is held at the same time every year in Fairmont Hot Springs BC. All attendees look forward to the first glimpse of spring and make extra use of the hot mineral spring fed pools. The District also has an annual Curling Bonspiel in Banff, Alberta alternatively hosted by the Calgary and Stampede City Clubs. This over the years has been attended by many visitors from neighboring District IV. At the time of writing, the main trophy resides in Alberni BC. This will insure they make the long trek back to defend their title. Due to the vast geography of the District, it is difficult to get all of the Clubs together much more than is currently attempted; however, the Clubs in the various regions get together often for golf, Founders Night ceremonies and, of course, where possible, Club Installations. As can be seen elsewhere in this magazine, the Clubs of District VIII have contributed significantly to the leadership of Gyro, both at the International and District levels and the members have received appropriate awards at all levels. We are a friendly District and enjoy the fun of each other’s company.
governors*merit award+ honor key
# int’l. president
1924-1930+# Clarence Lougheed, Calgary
Nelles Buchanan, EdmontonE. H. Hanley, Nelson
O. Claire Arnott, CalgaryRobert Muir, Edmonton+# Alf Williams, Calgary
1930-1940R. E. Crerar, Nelson
Chas. W. MacDonald, EdmontonHarry Goetz, Spokane
Lynden E. Fairbairn, LethbridgeReginald Smith, Calgary
R.B. Morris, Nelson+ Alex Mitchell, Edmonton
Fred Yeager, SpokaneWm. B. Cromerty, Calgary
+ A.W. Shackleford, Lethbridge
1940 - 1950+ Don C. Manly, Grand Forks
+ Horton E. Ostrander, Wallace+ Les Read, Trail
*+# Russell Carter, EdmontonMerle F. Emry, Spokane+ Bert Sang, CranbrookRichard A. Mann, Nelson
Thomas Evans, LethbridgeDr. Henry L. Freeland, CalgaryWilliam C. Rullman ,Wallace
1950 -1960James C. Jefferson, Edmonton
Dr. Stephen N. Schmaltz, LethbridgeDorin Robinson, Kellogg,
George M. Bissett, Dawson CreekReginald Hawkes, TrailGeorge Oliver, Calgary
Fred Marler, KelloggDouglas W. Cobbledick, Edmonton
Victor C. Owen, Nelson* Fred Nuttall, Lethbridge
1960 – 1970Carlton A. Gladder, Spokane
Howard L. Gane, Trai+# Maurice G. Klinkhamer, Cranbrook
Gordon W. Hanna, Calgary* Garth D. Haddock, Kellogg
*+ Gordon H. Rennie, Edmonton
GOVERNORS Calgary - At the same time as the work was going on in Edmonton, a group of men led by Clarence Lougheed, the uncle of a latter day Provincial Premier, were working on a Club in Calgary. Lougheed had encountered a group of men wearing Gyro lapel pins in Vancouver in 1920 presumably doing what Gyros do best, having fun. He was intrigued when he learned of the friendship purpose of Gyro and was determined to form a Club in Calgary. The Club was formally chartered on November 12, 1921. Since inception, the Club has been involved in a variety of community and charitable projects. One of the most unique was the funding of the Calgary Zoo's purchase of two Asian elephants, Gyrette and Gyro-Moe. Funds are currently raised through an annual bingo with the proceeds going to a charity of the then president's choice. The social aspect of Gyro is emphasized by the Club and is strongly supported by an active Gyrette Club. Gyro friendship, which was so appealing to Clarence Lougheed, has consistently remained the core concept of the Calgary Gyro Club and the Club has maintained its membership by recruiting recent retirees.
Regina - The Regina Club first met in 1920 and was chartered in 1921 with Ray Louchs as president as the twenty third Club in Gyro. They transferred to District VIII in 1980. Always active in the community, in 1927 the Club was instrumental in starting an 18 hole golf course complete with clubhouse. It was turned over to the City in 1957 and is still in operation. For 34 years, ending in 1980, the Club ran “Stairway for Stars”, a variety musical and dance review which provided young talent an opportunity to perform before an audience. Many became performers on the world stage. Continually since 1966, the Club has annually awarded seven music scholarships to young musicians and singers. Applicants are judged by a panel of Gyros. As a result of the active community involvement of the members, five public schools bear the name of past Gyros. The club is on the remote eastern edge
of the District making travel to a lot of functions a two day adventure. In spite of this, they are active travelers to most of the District events in spite of getting stranded on occasion due to weather .
Nelson - The Nelson Gyro club was chartered in 1924 with sixteen original members. To keep the members interested and to assist in attracting new members, the Club decided to build a Gyro Park and Pool on a bluff overlooking the City of Nelson. To this day, it is one of the major tourist attractions providing a view of the City, the Lake on which the City is situated and the surrounding mountains. Yearly work parties and equipment donations have kept the Gyro Park in good shape for the last 88 years. The Club has managed over the last fifty years to keep the membership in the neighborhood of forty-five to fifty- five mostly very active members. There is a strong Gyrette Club and although most of the activities are social, many community activities and organizations have been supported over the years including a fish derby, the mid-summer curling bonspiel, the Hospital Foundation, Capital Theatre, scholarships and sporting teams. To raise funds, a community seafood dinner and dance is held with Gyros and Gyrettes doing the cooking, decorating etc. As the Club has many snowbirds, these folks maintain their Gyro commitment by meeting once a month while away. The Club was one of the first to enter into the “twinning” concept being paired with Blacklake. Visits are exchanged with each club hosting in alternate years. The Nelson Club is very well known and respected in the community.
Cranbrook - The Cranbrook Gyro Club was chartered May 10, 1924. From its inception the Club has maintained that it is a social/friendship club that makes significant efforts to contribute back to the community. Over the years the Club has been very supportive of Gyro both at the District and International level. They have contributed four District Governors over the last twelve years.
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* Dr. Edgar J. FitzGerald, Wallace* Stewart S. Colpitts, Calgary* Leo D. Mills, Grand Forks* Lorne Graban, Edmonton
1970 – 1980John F. Runyan, Spokane
* Allan M. Clark, Dawson Creek*+# Dr. Keith L. Lowings, Lethbridge
Raymond E. Wallace, Nelson* William Warrack, Calgary
W. Howard Wilson, Edmonton* Terry Lynch, Spokane
* Arthur Stavenjord, Grand Forks* Jack Jones, Calgary
Archie Hulsizer, Wallace
1980 - 1990* Hugo Hess, Cranbrook
* Russel J. Morbeck, Couer d'Alene*+# Ian D. Greig, Calgary (Stampede City)* James L. Little, Edmonton (Crossroads)
* Norman H. Hinton, TrailAlan Palmer, Nelson
*+# Martin L. Larson, Edmonton* Dr. Glen R. McIver, Cranbrook* Harvey W. Weible, Spokane
* Keith R. Bradley, Sherwood Park
1990 – 2000* Jack McNeil, Regina
Norman Billington, Calgary* Todd Verhaeghe, Castlegar
+ Leonard Cary, Calgary (Stampede City)* Kenneth Wiegele, Couer d'Alene
* Ian H. (Jake) McLeod, TrailJames S. Todd, Nelson
Roy G. Penniket, LethbridgeGordon Anderson, Calgary
* James G. Jackson, Cranbrook
2000 - 2010*Donald G. Greig, Sherwood Park
Richard A. Ross, NelsonRobert Gerald Glassford, Edmonton
*Alan R. Clark, Stampede CityDouglas Aspeslet, Lethbridge* Erik Braun, Sherwood Park
Sephen Denny, CalgaryVernon Griswold, Regina
Joseph Vingo, Nelson*Bernie Kropp, Sherwood Park
2010 - 2012Don Boyle, Cranbrook
Ken Baker, Calgary
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Typical District VIII Hospitality Room
Their community efforts have included contributions to what was the largest outdoor pool in Western Canada at the time, an artificial ice surface for the local arena, an expansion known as the “Gyro Wing” at a seniors home, a Gyro Park including tennis courts and playground equipment and assistance with the cost of hospital equipment. Youth activities have also been supported. The Club currently awards an annual scholarship to a high school graduate. Fund raising for these projects has always included fun events including carnivals, bingos and a “Barrel Derby” where tickets were sold on the length of time it took a barrel to float between two points on the Kootenay river. (remember this for later). As you will see in other areas of thismagazine, the Club has contributed its share of International and District Officers and members have been rewarded for their contributions to the Fraternity. Although the membership has declined recently, there is considerable interest in regeneration and the current membership love to travel and spend time with their friends.
Lethbridge - Chartered on March 28, 1925, the Lethbridge Club was sponsored by the Calgary Gyro Club. The Charter was presented by Governor Clarence Lougheed. Of note is that the banquet cost was $1 per person which included cigars and cigarettes for all. From the beginning, community projects were part of the Club's reason for being. Youth was at the forefront as the Club even attempted to start a Gyro youthgroup to get boys involved in the spirit of Gyro. Soon after chartering, $2400 was raised for a dance floor at the Exhibition. The Club undertook the operation of the
YMCA for many years and paired with the Rotarians to bring a mid-way to town during the Exhibition, netting the club $2,300. During the depression years, the club, spearheaded the Christmas Tree fund insuring that local children did not go wanting at Christmas. During WW II the efforts were directed to the sale of War Bonds and after the war,the creation of a Gyro Park which became one of the City's most beautiful parks. Later significant contributions went to the refurbishment of this park. Over the years, the Club continued its civic work with many projects. Theseincluded: contributions to a YMCA Campin Waterton, purchase of instruments forthe Sea Cadet band, nine or so years of involvements with the Lethbridge Ballet Auxiliary in the Alberta dance festival,contributions for a Cub Village, assistance with refurbishing an historic old mine entrance, a very significant contribution for the construction of public tennis courts, assistance with the funding of the Lethbridge Track and Field Club, funding equipment purchases for local hospitals, purchases of unit for theHandibus Association, the Food Bank,
and a neighboring town's fire department, major contributions to the local university and college and the list goes on. It can be seen that the Club has been actively associated with Lethbridge and District and its development and welfare. The members are extremely grateful for those who preceded them in helping create and develop the cultural and economic roots of their fair city. All of this was done while continuing to abide by the Gyro principles of friendship and fun while still maintaining a commitment to Gyro by providing the fraternity with an International President and eight District Governors.
other meritaward recipients
David Burnett, EdmontonGary Cull, Calgary
James Duncan, Stampede CityLyle Eckness, Coeur d’Alene
Ross Held, LethbridgeErnest Hopwood, NelsonDerm Jackman, CastlegarRichard Little, Crossroads
Allan McFadden, LethbridgeMurdock McIver, ReginaWilliam McIntyre, Calgary
Alfonso Merlo, TrailHarry Mills, EdmontonJack Morris, Nelson
Tak Okamura, LethbridgeWilliam Paulukonis, Spokane
Keith Picketts, ReginaKen Robertson, Edmonton
John Ross, EdmontonRobert Rowan, CalgaryWilliam Shankaruk, Trail
Gerald Townsend, NelsonDante Tye, Spokane
Harford Watson, CrossroadsBarry Walker, Edmonton
Roger Russell, EdmontonWalter Yakimets, Edmonton
INACTIVE CLUBS(in memory only)
kimberlytrail
grand forks rossland kellogg
dawson creek fernie
saskatoon (transferred)coeur d’alene fort st. john
GOVERNORS CONT.
Spokane - The Spokane Club, one of our two remaining American clubs was chartered in 1928 as the 77th Club in Gyro International and consisted of a large number of prominent local businessmen. The Club has in the past been active in promoting and hosting District conventions and an annual three day summer party which included golf, BBQs and a visit to the local race track where the feature race of the day was the “Gyro Stakes” with the senior attending Gyro presenting the winning horse's owner with the purse with all of the Gyros in attendance gathered in the winners circle. This event drew Gyros from all of District VIII and many visitors from neighboring District IV. Over the years, the Club has progressed from meeting in local restaurants and the B.O.F. Club to, as membership numbers fell, meeting in members’ homes with the social aspect of Gyro in the forefront.
Wallace - The Wallace Gyro Club was installed on May 19, 1934 under the presidency of J. W. Osborne with ten members. Prior to that date, on December 9, 1933, four young Wallace men met with two Spokane Gyros to discuss the formation of the “Wallace Thursday Noon Club” with the idea that after the Club had functioned for three months, i t would petit ion for membership in Gyro International. The minutes of that meeting report that the “Thursday Noon Club” was “an association of young men representing various commercial and professional activities formed to create opportunities for social and business relations, as well as to promote genuine friendship and to encourage the discussion of community and civic questions.” Wallace's history of community service has been impeccable. During WWII, the club voted to support the “Padre Jones Cigarett Fund.” Not necessarily politically correct today, but certainly a worthy cause then. Wallace was encouraged to do so by the Cranbook Gyro Club who were running a “Barrel Derby” event to raise funds for the project (above). This was the start of the Lead Creek Derby that continues to this day. Tickets are sold giving the buyer the length of time a ball will take to travel from Mullen, Idaho to
a bridge in Wallace. In 1942, the prize of War Bonds was presented by Lana Turner, a Wallace native. Over the years the net proceeds have gone to patriotic charities and recently to the Gyro Community Service Fund. They are then disbursed to various causes in Wallace with a lot of emphasis being on children. The entire vent has now grown into “Gyro Days” with parades, fireworks and a children’s carnival. In 2011 the District VIII convention was held in conjunction with the 70th running of this event. At one time, the only traffic light on highway I-90 between Seattle and Boston was in Wallace, Idaho and Gyros were always at the light selling tickets. Although the Wallace Gyro Club members are not great travelers, District VIII knows that they and the town of Wallace are great hosts. The rooms were sold out for the 2011 convention within a few weeks after the previous convention.
Edmonton Crossroads - Chartered on May 3, 1957, the Edmonton Crossroads Club is celebrating 55 years of Gyro friendship this year. They find it difficult to believe that they were once known as the “young” club, having been formed as an alternative for the then young founders to the aging “old” Edmonton Club who sponsored the young group along with the Calgary Club. The club has experienced its ups and downs membership-wise with membership being about one third of its high in the mid 1980s. The smaller group does allow for the flexibility of having house parties and other functions that do not work well with clubs with larger membership. This does not preclude them from “Inviting a Friend to Gyro”. Contributions to the District have included providing one District Governor and hosting three great District conventions. The dedication of the members is attested to by the fact that one member, Harf Watson reached the 50 year status. Three of the current members have attained the 30 year level and one the 25 year level. A collection of great athletes participates regularly in the District curling and golf events.
An active group of Gyrettes supports the Club and the guys insist they organize and host the best parties.
Stampede City - In this the Centennial year of Gyro International, the Stampede City Gyro Club will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. Chartered in October 1962 under the presidency of Bob Dixon, it has always been a very active Club in the D i s t r i c t . F o r m e d u n d e r t h e sponsorship of the Gyro Clubs of Calgary and Lethbridge, it was to be the “young Club” in the Calgary area. The club currently has three active charter members and one returnee who joined just after the chartering, left the Club for an extended period, and has now returned. In the early days, prompted by the Gyrettes, convention skits were always a priority. Although not an organized Gyrette Club, they have always been very supportive of all of the crazy things done over the years and insured our part was done for the District. What may have been the final chapter in all of this was a “Chicago Highlights” skit performed at the International Convention in 2006 which the Club hosted. The ladies, unbeknown to the Gyros, were rehearsing of all things. They eventually embarrassed the guys to the point that it ended up as a wonderful show. The Club has provided an I n t e r n a t i o n a l P r e s i d e n t , a n International Secretary-Treasurer and more than their share of Governors to the District. They have also hosted their share of District conventions and the above noted International convention. Various fund raising projects have been undertaken over the years with a significant portion of the proceeds being given to various needy groups.
Sherwood Park - On October 4, 1975, the Gyro club of Sherwood Park was chartered under the presidency of John Quinlan (who had been a member of a Club in eastern Canada) with thirty members. The chartering efforts were patiently encouraged by then Governor Howard Wilson from the Edmonton Club. There are
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golf fund-raisers a few years ago, St. Albert was quick to add key auction items to help swell the net profits. The club annually goes sailing off the West Coast of BC, and that is one of the highlights of the club each year. They are quite happy in their niche, and keep working towards more involvement with District and the Edmonton area clubs.
GOVERNORS CONT.
currently five charter members with continuous service in the Club. There are two others who left the club for a period of time due to work transfers and have now returned. Another has left but remains very active in Gyro in our neighboring District IV. A number of years ago, the Club removed its 40 member cap. Since that time it has increased to nearly sixty members. Many are not as active as they used to be due to time spent as “Snowbirds” but the absentee members remain in contact over the winter and keep the Club very healthy. The Club is very proud of being from Sherwood Park, and in 2010 hosted their third District convention which they were able and very pleased to do within the City of Sherwood Park with out relying on the resources of their larger neighbor to the west. It provided a real “small town” atmosphere resulting in a great convention. They are currently one of the key organizers of the District VIII Alberta golf tournament held annually in central Alberta. Over the years the Club has been supported by an active group of Gyrettes who have added to the solidarity of this group. They are a fun loving group and there are many stories of their antics at various Conventions and Interim meetings. The next time you run into a Sherwood Park Gyro or Gyrette, ask
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them about Mary McAllister.
tCastlegar - Chartered on May 12 , 1984 under the leadership of two former Gyros from the nearby Trail Club, Jim Marshall and Dick Lynch, the Castlegar Club had 33 charter members. Unfortunately, due to massive cutbacks at the major source of employment for the town, half of the members were lost in the first year. Attrition over the years and the economy in the area have resulted in an ever diminishing number of members. The remaining members are very dedicated Gyros. In 2001 they hosted a very successful District Convention when the Club had only seven members. It drew attendance from all over the District and from the nearby clubs in District IV and at least one couple from District IX. Over the years, the club has often won the “Man Mile Award” at Conventionsand Interim Meetings. After many years of traveling back and forth with these trophies, they have excluded themselves from the competition but still maintained their 100% attendance record at the most recent District Convention.
St. Albert - The fourth Club formed in the Edmonton area marks its 20th anniversary this year with some high spots, and a few disappointments. The St. Albert Club began on a high note with a solid number of members, but, soon after the club was chartered, a number of those backed away from their commitment. Over the next few years, with most either in business for themselves, or with major companies, transfers and moves away from the Edmonton area took their toll as well. However, those who remained have worked hard at keeping the club active, and all members pitch in and make their meetings fun and meaningful. It has been a struggle, but senior members of the club have added a few more to their ranks. As well, joint events with the Edmonton and Sherwood Park Clubs keep St. Albert in close touch with those Clubs. The St. Albert Club also participated in the Sherwood Park District VIII convention in 2010, hosting the opening night as casino dealers. When the Edmonton club staged their
OTHER HONOR KEY/INT’L. PRESIDENTS
+ F. W. “Ted” Fraser, Calgary+ Roy Miller, Edmonton
+# Ronald Newport, Calgary
District IXCLUBS: BLACKLAKE, FRESNO, LONG BEACH,
OAKLAND, SAN JOSE, COACHELLA VALLEY
District IX was formed in July 1925 by the Executive Council. It was formerly part of District IV, and it includes the areas of Hawaii, Nevada, and California. There are presently six clubs in California. The existing six clubs were chartered as follows: San Jose in 1932, Oakland in 1937, Long Beach in 1946, Fresno in 1964, Blacklake in 1993, and Coachella Valley in 2011.
In the 100 years of our Fraternity of Friendship, District IX has had five members who have or are serving as International President as follows: J. F. Meredith (Los Angeles) in 1938-39, Walter H. Smith (Los Angeles) in 1950-51, John F. Guzzo (Fresno) 1978-79, and Lawrence Braun (Oakland) in 2001-02. Larry L.
thDuba (Fresno) will be installed for the 100 year of Gyro in 2012.
San Jose - was established July 20, th1932, and it is celebrating its 80
anniversary. It was sponsored by the San Francisco Club. There were nine charter members. The club has provided 12 District Governors as listed later.
In 1937, Leonard Wells, Club President, wrote a letter to Ed Kagy with his concerns about the decreasing membership and the lack of interest of existing members to invite others to join their club (i.e. Internal
1925-1930 W. W. Petley, Los Angeles Boyd Oliver, San Francisco
L. C. Pulley, Long Beach+ James G. Marshall, San Francisco
Vernon Lilley, Long Beach
1930-1940 Carl L. Moller, Los Angeles
C. Lee Summers, San Francisco C. Lee Summers, San Francisco
G. Fred Wolcott, Los Angeles Merlin J. Bohnett, San Jose
# John F. Meredith, Los Angeles Elmer C. Gunther, San Francisco Elmer C. Gunther, San Francisco
Howard Miller, San Jose * Allen McCauley, Oakland
1940-1950 +# Walter H. Smith, Los Angeles * Edwin H. Livingston, San Jose Paul Scammon, San Francisco
Ralph York, Oakland George Ross, Los Angeles George Ross, Los Angeles
Sumner E. Orr, San Francisco Burch H. Fitzpatrick, Oakland
Leonard Wells, San Jose John B. King, Long Beach
1950-1960 A. Paul Gardner, San Francisco
Edward M. Larmer, Walnut Creek Clyde Long, Los Angeles Francis Piazzi, Oakland
E. Victor McDonald, San Jose * James J. Nagle, Long Beach
George B. White, San Francisco Douglas E. Matthey, Walnut Creek
Frank Schultz, Los Angeles Herbert S. Roemer, Oakland
1960-1970 Arthur C. Carmichael, San Jose George A. Fritz, San Francisco
Charles A. Chandler, Long BeachAdrien R. Gensoul, Walnut Creek
Alfred S. Capelli, Oakland Wendell C. Day, San Jose
Arthur J. Johnson, Walnut Creek
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Expansion). Ed Kagy responded by letter with the following advice:
“We must have in our clubs enough members to carry out local programs of civic and entertainment nature – enough members to assure each of a continuance of his intimate contacts – enough to work with, play with and grow along with as to make the group appealing to outsiders -- a club cannot live for many years with just a small group of cronies.”
He added, “A fair share of your members must think pretty well of Gyro and desire that she be carried on in the years to come – those who do so care must, if necessary, divorce themselves from those who do not so care and proceed about their business of developing the club to something of the point promised when in 1932 the unit started its Gyro history so
governors*merit award+ honor key
# int’l. president
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Vance W. Perry, Walnut Creek * Richard H. Swartz, Fresno
Louis H. Bostian, Los Angeles
1970-1980Gilmer O. Miller, Long BeachCharles W. Matthey, Oakland*+# John F. Guzzo, Fresno
Lester R. Foley, Walnut CreekWilliam J. Gillis, Long Beach
* Nick Mehes, OaklandCarl Brooks, Long Beach
* Allen G. McCauley, OaklandCol. Fred C. Haase, Fresno
* Leland Livingston, San Jose
1980-1990John E. Roggeveen, Long Beach
James Steenport, Oakland* Jack H. Selvian, Fresno
Robert W. Howard, Palm DesertSanford Frederickson, San JoseDonald V. Barden, Long Beach* Humphrey Pinney, Oakland* Robert A. Torgerson, FresnoEarle L. Scofield, Palm Desert
* Charles F. Hose, Oakland
1990-2000* Robert N. Hall Sr., Long Beach
* Robert C. Young, FresnoAlan Rehbock, San Jose
* Bernard McCune, Palm Desert*+# Laurence M. Braun, Oakland
* W. Robert Decker, BlacklakeGerald A. Sprayberry, Fresno
Ben J. Little, Long BeachJack Richards, San Jose
Gudmond Anderson, Blacklake
2000-2010Lawrence W. McDowell, Palm Desert
Kenneth A. Luft, FresnoLouie P. Tersini, San Jose
* Roger M. Lindley, BlacklakeRobert Skidmore, Long BeachRichard L. Miller, Palm Desert
# Larry L. Duba, Fresno Scott F. Anders, OaklandRobert McGill, Blacklake
William Morrow, Blacklake
2010-2012John A. MacDonald, Long Beach
Lowell Gist, Fresno
Other Merit Award RecipientsGeorge White, San Francisco
John F. DeYulia, BlacklakeDavid N. Main, Palm Desert
Artemio “Tim” Ruggerone, Blacklake
GOVERNORS well.” This advice still stands true.
Oakland - was established on June th9, 1937, and it is celebrating its 75
anniversary. The club was sponsored by San Francisco and seconded by San Jose. There were 10 Charter members. Prior to the establishment of the Oakland Club, Ed Kagy wrote a letter to Allen McCauley who was working on organizing the club. He wrote, “There is a distinct feeling among Gyro's leaders that the finest service to a community is the building of logically a sizeable friendship unit there-in – such a carefully built group will, from the very nature of its development and growth, when the time comes be of great service to its whole community in one way or another. No one appreciates more than I the task that confronts a man in building a Gyro unit and at the same time no one is more familiar with the satisfaction that comes from the building of a group that in all the years to come can mean so much to her membership – in this belief I decidedly agree with that great philosopher, Emerson, who said 'Whether we know it or not, we go through life in the search of intimate human contacts.' Gyro is a challenge to those who believe that intimate human contacts and understandings are worth the struggle.”
In 1943, the Oakland Club members entertained some of the wounded Sailors and Marines who were in the Naval Hospital, and their club members gave blood which is so necessary during wartime.
In 1950, the club hosted the District IX Convention. Pete Post, a reporter for the Oakland Post-Enquirer, asked what Gyro was? The answer was that the Gyro International is a club which has no Noble Purpose. However, when the idea of a children's Fairyland in Oakland's Lakeside Park was first broached, it was the Oakland Gyro Club which first jumped in to help out by sponsoring the Children's Pet Ring. “You can't call that a 'noble purpose,'” the Gyros protest. “That was just being friendly.”
A slogan used in their bulletin named GYROAK of 1961 was, “The club that's first in friendship, first in fun, first in Gyro
hospitality. Any doubt? Try us out!” In 1953, the club had 44 members. Now the smallest club, however, they have provided 11 District Governors as listed elsewhere (sidebar).
Long Beach, the second district club was established in 1946, and it is
thcelebrating its 66 anniversary. An earlier club was chartered in 1924 with 25 members, and it turned in its charter in 1932, probably because of the Depression.
The club was sponsored by the Los Angeles Club and seconded by the San Jose Club. There were 14 members and the newly formed club organized and hosted the District IX Convention within a month of being chartered. The current Club has provided 12 District Governors as noted elsewhere (sidebar).
One member, Ed Twining played in the Bob Hope Desert Classic pro-am golf tournament, and the team he was on won the tournament held in Indian Wells in 1985. He was teamed with four pros, Arnold Palmer, Gene Littler, Ray Floyd, and Bernhard Langer over the four days. Another member, Charlie London (Club President in 1988-89) became America's first “ace” in Europe in July 1943. He eventually knocked out six German planes and was decorated with a Distinguished Service Cross with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the British Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, and he earned the rank of major. His son Steve is a member of the club. The club hosted the International Convention in 1988.
Fresno - was established in 1964, and it this celebrating its 48 anniversary. The
Fresno Gyro Club was chartered on October 15, 1964. The club was sponsored by the Oakland Club by President George Maxon and seconded by the San Jose Club by President Robert Bowman. The installation of the new officers was held on October 31, 1964. There were 17 original members.
The first Secretary was John F. Guzzo who worked for Producers Dairy Delivery. John served as Governor, and he became the youngest Gyro International President.
In 1979, he attended the first installation
los angeles, palm desert, pasadena, san diegosan francisco, san gabriel valley, sacramento,
walnut creek, watsonville
INACTIVE CLUBS (IN MEMORY ONLY):
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GOVERNORSof the Northwest Indiana Gyro Club that his brother Bob helped organize.
The Fresno Club has always been very active and supportive of District IX, Gyro International, and 10 Fresno Club members have served as District Governor. At the 2009 International Convention, the Fresno Club received the award for the highest increase in membership for a small club. In keeping with the long tradition begun by other Fresno Club members, current members continue to take leadership rolls in our great Fraternity of Friendship.
“To lead a rewarding life,
each of us needs three places.
First is the home.
Second is the workplace or school.
Beyond lies the place where
people from all walks of life and
social levels interact, to
experience and celebrate their
commonality as well
as their diversity.
That place is found within the
bonds of Friendship.”
While the years have seen changes, the spirit, enthusiasm and
optimism continue. We hope both Gyros and Gyrettes continue to
enjoy the Gyro friendship for years to come. Whether this
experience is at a regular meeting, a Gyro party or just meeting a
Gyro by chance, it is always a special event.
An attendee at the 1935 International Convention in Indianapolis
put Gyro into perspective when he said:
“Some Gyros have asked what really serious purpose a convention
serves. It is the shop where ideals are pieced together in the pattern
that is Gyro. It is the dynamo that generates the bonds of friendship
to hold individuals in the clubs, and the clubs into the International
organization. Because of this wonderful convention, the pattern of
Gyro is brighter and bonds of friendship stronger than ever before.”
Notable Quotes ...
“When I last saw PIP Ed Strain, aka the “The Great Spotted Foghorn” it was in Wheeling. We had been discussing
PIP Maurice Klinkhammer from Cranbrook. ‘Klink’ had taken PIP Gorden Goldon to task for wearing tenny runners
to a cocktail party. Naturally I was compelled to wear my tenny runners that evening. Ed really cracked up!”
Events that led to the Blacklake Charter were interesting: charter president Bob Decker lived in Bellingham for 13 years after retiring from California law enforcement. He became a charter member of that newly formed club. Upon later moving to the
Blacklake area, he initiated interest in the brotherhood from his golfing partners. Shortly, the new club was formed and today has twice the membership and has become one of the strongest in Gyro.
Coachella Valley was established in 2011 and celebrated is first year anniversary in February. The club is the 247th club since our Founders started our Fraternity in 1912. Although the club now c o n s i s t s o f e x i s t i n g members from other clubs, it is expected that local residents will be invited to
join as soon as local contacts can be made. Their motto, “Gyros Without Borders” reflects the fact that members travel to the area during seasonal change. Over the past two years, the membership in District IX has stabilized and we are optimistic that the district will grow by “Inviting a Friend to Gyro.”
Baijot, Secretary-Treasurer Jim Parker, and many members from each district club.
Blacklake had their chartering night on August th7, 1993, and it is celebrating its 19 anniversary.
The Fresno Club was sponsor with San Jose seconding. There were 22 charter members with Bob Decker as the first president. At Charter Night,
there were 110 Gyros from around North America attending. Officiating was the Gyro International President Emil
District XCLUBS: tampa, gold coast/ft. Lauderdale,
sarasota, gasparilla, naples,palm beaches, caloosa
While District X did not take official form until 1957, it contains a wonderful history and background. It started in 1926 with the founding of the Tampa club which, along with other 'southern' clubs were a part of District I. Tampa was started by Ted Armstrong who just happened to be one of three founders of the second club in Gyro – Chicago – in 1917. District X was formed when the expense of travel from Cleveland to Tampa within one district became difficult. The original eight clubs in District X were Tampa, Atlanta, Columbia, Charlotte, Sarasota, Knoxville, Ft. Lauderdale, and Raleigh.
Of the eight original clubs, three remain and others have been added and subtracted from other districts. Within the district, there have been in addition to the original eight, clubs in Miami, FL (twice), Birmingham, AL, Savannah, GA, Decatur, GA, and Goldsboro, NC. Four others were added and include Palm Beaches, Ft. Lauderdale/Gold Coast (the two clubs merged in 1993), Gasparilla, and Naples.
Many fine and influential Gyros have hailed from District X, as well as many other members have been transplants from northern states. Past governors of the district, with any awards, are noted in the side bar.
The six remaining clubs are more active and grow a bit in the winter with 'snow bird' arrivals.
Tampa is the oldest as it was started in 1926 by Ted Armstrong who was also a founder of the Chicago Club in 1917. A bit of historical trivia written by his Gyrette daughter Mary Jane is elsewhere in this article. Tampa has provided 14 governors in its 55 years of existence, as well as a PIP and other award winners.
Sarasota also has strong ties to District I as it was chartered in February of 1956 by, along with others, a former Akron Gyro, Gus Ehrman who later became a District X Governor. Past Governors from District I, Joe Appleby of Akron and Bill Sutherland of Dayton - were both active in the club. The club is primarily a stag club meeting twice each month for lunch or dinner. With 11 PDGs from this club, it is easy to understand how they stay active and strong.
Ft. Lauderdale/Gold Coast on the East coast is the result of a merger just one year after Sarasota's founding. With a total of 12 governors over the years, it should be noted that this club hosted the first and only International convention onboard a cruise ship. This was also one of the longest conventions since it was a seven day cruise on the first “jumbo” liner.
While Tampa members wished to remain stag in nature, a number of prospective Gyros wanted something to do with significant others and thus was born the Gasparilla club of District X officially in November of 1965.
governors* merit award+ honor key
# int’l president
1957-1970 O. Alderman Duncan, Columbia
Byron C. Spoon, SarasotaHolcombe T. Green, Atlanta
Fred V. Cooper, Ft LauderdaleGeorge F. Leonard, Sarasota
Rush St. John, Tampa* Lewis D. Lay, Ft. Lauderdale+# Peter B. Winston, Columbia
* Dan L. Meyers, TampaArthur F. Langley, Columbia
Harry W. Pace, Sarasota
1970-1980 Milo E. Smith, Ft. LauderdaleEdgar D. Hanebuth, Sarasota* Charles D. Brazzeal, Tampa
John D. Ristine, Ft. LauderdaleHarry G. Haisten, Atlanta
Eugene B. Bibbins, SarasotaJack E. Graham, Tampa, FL
*+ Anders J. Friend, Ft. LauderdaleHenry F. Thompson, Jr., AtlantaCharles T. Maeding, Sarasota
1980-1990 Leon A. Smith Jr., Tampa
Frank P. Willis, Palm BeachesFrancis D. Walker, Jr., Sarasota
A. John W. Buckle, Ft. Lauderdale*+# David P. Hansma, Tampa
*Walter F. Michel, Palm Beaches* Wheeler Tracy, Sarasota
Gordon J. Elliott, Gold CoastRobert F. Lee, Tampa
Robert D. Webb, Palm Beaches
1990-2000 * George G. Ehrman, Sarasota
George E. Mitchell, TampaDavid Vlazny, Ft. Lauderdale/G.C.
William R. Baker, TampaMaynard L. Lemke, Tampa
Charles L. Stevens, Tampa, FLArthur W. Athanas, Ft. Lauderdale/G.C.
Eugene R. Blaskievich, TampaJames Weaver, Ft/ Lauderdale/G.C.
+# Albert N. Sinicrope, Gasparilla
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As noted elsewhere, diverse as the early Gyro groups
may have been, they created symbols that were
incredibly similar, incorporating both their
chosen name and a representation of
the namesake Gyroscope. As was
commonplace during those years –
young men identified with insignia and
medals from the recent war, so a number
of pins and awards were designed and made available
utilizing one form or another of reference to the
device. Other than the GyroScope magazine, perhaps
most significant and the most visible symbol was what
we know today as a logo. Being educated and talented,
these early Gyros wasted little time in developing a
unique design that represented their connection to the
Gyroscope. Over time, the logo has been adjusted,
altered and redesigned, however never losing its
reference to the Gyroscope
Gyro Symbols & Emblems
The earliest effort (left) was in evidence in
time for the 1916 Exposition in Cleveland,
where the club made a strong bid for
recognition (and new members) by renting the
Remarkable in similarity was the
logo (left) produced by the
Davenport club in 1920 without
any influence of the Association of
-
Following the original 1916 design, Gyro
International has used similar variations
such as the (top right) embossed seal on
plaques; (right) modernized version, and
(below) other variations
Armory and staging a parade through the city. They
rented booths, provided entertainment and conducted
military drills.
Gyro Clubs. The first was copyrighted as a general pin in
anticipation of other clubs being formed, the next was
for the Davenport club only.
Gyro Vignette
Noble K. “Nobby” Jones was the GyroScope Editor for seven years, from 1934 to 1941. He passed away on Nov. 9, 1985 at the age of 92, and sometime later his son found the following in Nobby’s desk in his own handwriting. It was notable to many Gyros as it expressed so eloquently the principles of long-time International Secretary-Treasurer Chick St.Clair when he encouraged Gyros to “let them smell the roses.”
When I quit this mortal shoreAnd mosey ‘round this earth no more
Don’t sigh, don’t cry, don’t sobI may have struck a better job.
Don’t go and buy a large bouquetFor which you’ll find it hard to pay;Don’t hang around me feeling blue
I may be better off than you.
Don’t tell the folks I was a saintOr anything you know I ain’t.
If you have stuff like that to spreadPlease hand it out before I’m dead.
If you have roses, bless your soulJust pin one on in my buttonhole.
But do it while I’m at my bestInstead of when I’m safe at rest.
FRIENDSHIP Bert Wertman was a 44-year member of the Buffalo Gyro Club and a recipient of the Merit Award when he penned this poem in 1979 to remind us all about what Friendship means:
Count your garden by the flowers,Never by the leaves that fall.
Count your days by golden hours,Do not count the clouds at all.
Count your night by stars not shadows,Count your hours with smiles not tears.
And with the joy throughout your lifetime,Count your age by friends not years.
PERSONAL HYMN
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Gyro has enjoyed one-hundred years promoting the value of friendship. Our Gyro vision statement as we enter our second one-hundred years must be that “We will expand Gyro membership beginning with the year 2012.”
In later years, our fraternal membership has paralleled many other service club and civic organizations across North America – all have difficulty in retaining and growing their membership. The nemesis is partly a state of mind wherein people feel they don't have enough leisure time to invest any of it in a group environment.
An underlying problem seems to be that Gyro members have lost the desire to grow their clubs by inviting a “Friend to Gyro”. Historically, when Gyro experienced growth it was because individual Gyro members invited a “Friend to Join Gyro”. When practiced, it is a tried and true method. Members join to be part of a club after being invited by a Gyro club member to join. We must regain our zeal for inviting friends to join Gyro!
Early in our history, Gyro was a “Brotherhood” that existed in an atmosphere of business networking coupled with strong friendships. Later, the bond of “friendships only” became the motivating factor in Gyro growth. We seem to have lost some of this feeling of “Brotherhood.” It must be reignited. We must again understand that we are unique and are members of an organization that wants friendship for the sake of friendship without any strings attached. Our product of friendship has no competition. This must be projected to others.
Gyro International will continue to provide training and membership tools. District Officers will need to make every effort to motivate individual Gyro members in district clubs. It then remains up to individual Gyro members, with encouragement from club executives, to “Bring a Friend to Gyro.” New members join to be a part of a club first and foremost, later many go on to participate in District and International gatherings.
Our fraternity is faced with challenges. When one considers the dramatic evolution in lifestyles, personal behavior, and technology, we find ourselves as only one choice among many for personal leisure time. The social framework of the last century wherein regular meetings of a service club gave sustenance to a man aside from his family has lessened. Today, a woman's stance in life has greatly expanded beyond family care. Families have unrelenting obligations of athletic and social nature. Evolving electronics demand attention. Easy communication is within one's pocket. Leisure time is essential.
As we begin the second century of Gyro, we will constantly search within our ever-changing environment for viable alternatives to administer our message of fellowship. Marketing and social networks will be explored. For this first year of the next 100 years, everyone should evaluate what Gyro has meant to them, and then re-dedicate themselves to make Gyro once again a growing and vibrant organization. Remember how great it was when someone shared Gyro with you and invited you to join a Gyro Club. Return that favor to others and “Share Gyro With a Friend” and help to make the “Vision for the Second Hundred Years” one of growing and thriving membership.
The Next Hundred Years
Inviting a Friend to Gyro would be a great place to start!
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Conventions & Interim Meetingsto learn more, go to http://www.gyro.ws
Future Deadlines for the GyroScope June 2012 Centennial Issue Only / September 10, 2012 / December 10, 2012 / March 1, 2013
?�HAVE YOUINVITED AFRIEND TO
GYRO�
June 11-17, 2012 ............................................................................................. District I Convention
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 20-22, 2012 ......................................................................... District II Convention Concourse Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin
August 24-26, 2012..................................................................................... District VII Convention
McKenzie Island hosting
August 24-26, 2012 .................................................................................. District VIII Convention
Radisson Hotel, Canmore, Alberta
September 7-9, 2012 ................................................................................. District IV Convention
Shilo Inn, Ocean Shores, Washington
September 14-16, 2012 ............................................................................. District III Convention
Holiday Inn, St. Catharines, Ontario
September 14-16, 2012 ............................................................................ District VI Convention
Pictou Lodge Beach Resort
October 19-21 , 2012 ................................................................................. District IX Convention
Sea Crest Motel, Pismo Beach, California
December 8, 2012 .......................................................................................... District V Installation
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 2013 ....................................................................................................... District X Convention
Florida
June 11-17, 2012.................................. International & District I Convention
“100th Anniversary of Gyro International”
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio
February, 2013 .............................................................................. International Interim
TBD, Las Vegas, Nevada
May, 2013 ...................................................... International & District X Convention
Caribbean Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale/Gold Coas
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DISTRICTS
INTERNATIONAL
Thoughtful Quotes
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.
- Aristotle -
A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
- Arnold H. Glasgow -
I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I
nod; my shadow does that better.
- Plutarch -
I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the
friend who for me does not consult his calendar.
-Robert Brault -
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with
them.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
One’s friends are that part of the human race with which one can be
human.
- George Santayana -
I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the
favor of the kings of the world.
-Thomas A. Edison -
True friends always stab you in the front.
- Oscar Wilde -
