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The Rotary Club of Amarillo History - 1950 to 1960
In May, 1950, Densel Dean was elected President of Amarillo Rotary. The activities of the Club felt a strong influence of this President. It was his desire that every Rotarian have a part in the program, and with conspicuous hard work during this year Rotarian Dean served his Club in behalf of every single member.
In the traditional Amarillo Rotary way the presidency of the Club for 1951 - 52 passed to an outstanding citizen of Amarillo and a Rotarian of real distinction. Dr. A. M. Meyer was honored in this election because of his service contributions to this community and to his Club. As President of the Amarillo College and as a member of the Club he proved to be a man of numerous capabilities and revealed that "He profits most who 'unselfishly' serves best."
Floyd Hemphill, as president for 1952 - 53, brought to the Club the gift of understanding and sincerity, and the spirit of reaching out in friendship with other Rotary Clubs across the country. Floyd stressed better programs and during his term funds wee set aside for programs of national and international scope. (Floyd was elected District Governor for the 1959 - 60 year.)
Charlie Young enriched Amarillo Rotary in 1953 - 54 with his systematic and expedient manner which he had developed in a successful business career. It was easy and natural for Charlie to uphold the ideals of Rotary tempered with the warmth of genuine friendship.
The Fiftieth Anniversary of Rotary was observed in 1954 - 55 during John Lee's term as president. John's leadership made the year a highlight year for the Club. His year caused Rotary to be felt as a great force in the community. He enlisted the cooperation al all civic clubs and 20,000 school children in the observance of the Anniversary.
A year of fine humor, good programs and Rotary service for all members is credited to President Eddie Melin for 1955 - 56. In making Rotary "glow" for the membership, Eddie "handled" well everything and every member except Emil Myers.
Genial Jerry Ratcliff's term as President in 1956 - 57 was noted by the formation of the new South and West Amarillo Rotary Club. After several years discussion as to the need of a second Rotary Club in Amarillo, the Amarillo Rotary Club voted and sponsored under Jerry's able leadership the new South and West Amarillo Rotary District Golf Tournament. This venture met with much success and high hopes for future District Golf Tournaments.
"Enlist, Extend, Explore and Serve" -- these were the goals of our 1957 - 58 President, R. G. Mills. Perhaps the outstanding single accomplishment under R. G.'s leadership was the hosting of the District Conference in April. It was the largest and, many say, the finest conference ever held in this district. But the success of R.G.'s administration can best be measured by his adherence to Rotary's unique classification and "Service through Vocation" principles and by the club's progress down the Four Avenues of Service. Measured thus, Amarillo Rotary had a fine year under R. G.'s leadership.
Manuel B. Edquest, with his subtle wit and great capacity for getting things done, led the club to a well rounded Rotary Year in 1958 - 59. Much emphasis was placed on strong programs, and the club enjoyed a Ladies Night that will long be remembered by those who attended. A great deal of work was done in the area of International Service, and the Vocational Service Committee held "Career Days" at Amarillo High Schools...an activity that will probably become an annual project of the Club.
"Like father, like son." Guy C.Saunders, president 1926-27; Guyon H. Saunders, president 1959 - 60. The first time the son of a past president of this club has served as president. Young, vigorous, and full of "pep," Guyon led our club to a very successful Rotary year. His enthusiasm, exuberance and dynamic personality was a motivating force to the entire membership of the Club. Probably the most outstanding achievement of Guyon's reign was the club's participation in the new Amarillo Regional Hearing and Speech Foundation.
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