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The Rotary Club of Amarillo History - 1930 to 1937
1930 - 31 saw Rotary slip into the "economic depression years," and the area's most severe drought period. Norris Ewing was in the president's chair. Norris recognized the fact that Rotary could mean so very much to the members and their society in times of the reverses which were in evidence for all. To Norris goes the credit of setting a motion a period of valuable Rotary fellowship, and during his term high quality programs at meetings were enjoyed by the members.
Following Norris in 1931 - 32 came Charlie Lambie, a Rotarian with a big mind and a "light hear" - a heart that brought fun and happiness to all about him. Charlie as president in this difficult year created a fortunate situation for the Club and its membership.
Walter Barlow, Guy Carlander, and John Fain serving as heads of the Club from 1932 to 1935 in order, and carried well the responsibilities during these difficult depression and drought years. During this period a new concept of the ideals and spirit of Rotary evolved. Records in the Amarillo office indicate that during the "business boom" years of 1926 - 1930, there had been a sort of "let down" in Rotary education in the local Club in the same way recession appeared in numerous other conventional and established institutions across the country.
President Guy Carlander, no doubt, was on the right track when his administration sponsored a first class Rotary Education School for the membership. This special emphasis upon the aims and ideals of Rotary was responsible for a great new upsurge in the influence of Rotary and in appreciation for its principles and background throughout the community.
Jim Farwell was, indeed, the personality to take the reins of the Club for 1935 - 36. His devotion to all that Rotary stands for was an intrinsic part of Jim's whole life. President Jim was Rotarily serious and probably recorded the greatness of Rotary more indelibly in the lives of his members than any other single member has done.
During 1936 - 37 the local club lost a great member - its president, Horace M. Russell, who died May 25, 1937. H. M. Adkins and John McKnight writing about Mr. Russell in May, 1937, expressed the idea that Horace was the embodiment of all the greatness of Rotary. Rotary was felt throughout Amarillo for a period of twenty years because Horace was a Rotarian.
Fred Brien finished the 1936 - 37 term, and for Horace, he carried out plans for the brilliant observance of Amarillo Rotary's Twentieth Anniversary. This program, held Thursday, June 24, 1937, was dedicated to the Charter Members.
Carl McKeig in 1937 - 38, led the Club into a mature respect for the spirit of cooperative effort on a wholly voluntary basis.
Then came Cal Farley, the big hearted man of action, who brought the Club a place of foremost distinction in the field of boys work. His vigorous Rotary leadership during 1938 - 39 pointed the way to his election to the District Governor's position in 1941 - 42. Establishment of the Maverick Club Program for Boys under Cal Farley's leadership was one of the great achievements in 1938 - 39.
Irving Tolzien became the chief officer in 1939 - 40, and his year ranks as one of the finest Club luncheon-program years. Fine music, humor, and well balanced entertainment - these made the programs an important part of this Rotary year.
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