Our History
Highlights of Our 90-Year History
The First 30 Years: A Legacy of Service to Community Begins
First President – Harry E. Kelley
First Secretary – E. Pierce McGhee (served for 25 years)
Four Standing Committees
* Education – paid tuition for students
* Agriculture – underwrote loans for purchase of pigs for 4-H students and endorsed farm programs
* Vocational Guidance – brought together qualified youth and businesses
* Underprivileged Child – bought eyeglasses, books and milk
First Large Venture
Built a playground for underprivileged children at the foot of South 4th Avenue; paid $1200 just for the lot
Community Influence
1920 to 1940
1929 – Sponsored a hospital and dormitory for Georgia School of the Deaf
1930 – Used influence to back grand jury recommendation that agriculture and home economics agents be employed
1931 to 1935 - Depth of The Great Depression. Only 27 members spread over 18 committees.
1937 – Dean Owens, Rome Kiwanian, elected Georgia District Governor.
1940’s
Early 40’s – Collected scrap metal and cloth, promoted defense contributions by sponsoring savings stamps drives in local schools, Sponsored the USO in Rome. Participated in Blood Drives; missed meetings could be made up by
donating a pint of blood!
April 23, 1946 – Only time in club’s history with perfect attendance recorded; 75 members present.
1947 – membership climbed to 100!
1948 – Organized Boy Scout Troop 29; helped build the meeting house.
Donated $2000 to nedy families at Christmas. Seny 128 kids to YMCA camp.
1949 – Donated $1000 to build wading pool and skating area at playground near Eagle Stove Works Park in North Rome.
The Next 30 Years: Involvement with Youth Grows!
1950’s
1950 – Sent several Boy Scouts to World Scouting Jamboree at Valley Forge, and two Key Club members to national convention in Columbus, Ohio.
1952 – Gave $850 to YMCA, sponsored Geramn student to Rome High, sponsored little league to for $300; so successful, sponsored farm team for those mot slected to Little League for $500. Fundraising projects included Rogers
Brothers Circus and financed an Eddie Arnold concert.
1954 – Sent 50 underprivileged kids to Glen Holla Camp.
1956 – Created another club – Kiwanis Club of Floyd County (later known as the Metro Club) with 35 members. Hosted the state Kiwanis Convention.
1957 – Established the Rome Kiwanis Foundation.
1959 – Budget of $11,281.00 had grown significantly from $133 in 23 years!
1960’s
1963 – Berry College Circle K was founded and won trophy for best club in state for second time 3 years later in 1966.
1965 – Kiwanis sponsored several Special Olympians to the national competi- tion. Dr. Ouida Dickey, who’s late husband, Dr. Garland M. Dickey, was President
of the Club, served as Vice President, and is still an active member today!
1967 – Heavy emphasis on sponsored youth with Key Clubs assuming some projects previously financed by the parent club. East Rome Key Club bought uniforms for midget football team.
1969 – Donor of gifts to Salvation ASrmy, Open Door Home, Little League Baseball, track and softball teams, as well as Boys Club Choir. Established
“Lawman of the Month” program to foster respect for law and order.
1970’s
1970 – Club has grown to 129 members with a budget of $16,750.00.
1970 to1975 – Many great Kiwanians provided leadership to the club during this period. This was a period of great fun and camraderie among club members. Past members describe a great Ladies Night Program with Grady Nutt as
entertainer.
1976 to 1979 – Members were known to provide their own musical entertainment, with fond memories of J. Derwood Powell as offical song leader for the club. He started many a Kiwanis meeting with a rousting patriotic song. Edythe Sprayberry played the piano for several decades, along with active participation in many worthy Kiwanis projects.
