A Pleasant Stroll
Down Memory Lane

A Delightful History of
the Rotary Club of Damascus

written in 1983 by
Past President Lon Snelson

[Editor's note] We had originally intended to glean just a few historical tidbits about our club from this magnificent piece written by Past President Lon Snelson several years ago, but after reading and re-reading it several times over, we decided it was too fine a gem to tamper with, so we present it here in its entirety, just as he wrote it back in 1983 (except for a few captions and visual embellishments to make it easier to read on your browser). We hope that you will enjoy it as much as we do.

Auspicious Moment. The founding of a service club is an auspicious moment in the 1ife of any community. It indicates the maturity of the business leaders and their willingness to work together for the common good. They voluntarily accept those responsibilities which will further enhance the quality of life not only for them but for all. Such was the spirit which led to the forming of a Rotary Club in Damascus in the spring of 1956.

Confidence in the Future. Not only were the ideals just described a factor, but also there was a very real sense of building for the future in the minds of those first Rotarians — for, after all, Damascus was a small town and already had one service organization, the Damascus Lions Club. Thus, the charter members of the Rotary Club of Damascus banded together for service and fellowship in the present, but with confidence in the future needs of the town. Their faith was not misplaced.

The Spirit of Rotary. No group develops in a vacuum, and Rotary in Damascus was no exception. Two neighboring clubs, Olney and Sykesville, were instrumental in planting the idea and nurturing the young club into existence. These two clubs well knew that where the spirit of Rotary dwells, there, too, is found both the ideal and the implementation of compassionate civic responsibility. But they also understood sponsoring clubs can only go so far. Then the fledgling new club must "go it alone" if it is to succeed.

Determined Leadership. Usually it is the dedication of time, money, and talent by a few which will ensure survival of the group — and induce the necessary growth. To take in new members, have interesting programs, and maintain worthwhile projects is no easy task. The leadership in Damascus succeeded. The efforts of people such as Col. E. Brooke Lee, Upton Gladhill, Deets Warfield, Sr., John Hood, Lew Gladhill, H. O. McDaniel and Walter C. Brown, to name but a few of the charter members, led to a fully established club. There were setbacks (such as a disappearing organizer — along with the initially collected funds). On September 4, 1956, however, the Rotary Club of Damascus was formally chartered and firmly on its way.

Skillful Guidance. The first president was Col. Lee. Having pledged his commitment to the concept, one would expect no less than his fullest energetic participation and the expert application of his skills in organization. In this case, as in so many other times in his career, the expectation was parent to performance. Under his skillful guidance, the club weathered its first year. He was assisted by the capable skills of Walter Brown of the Bank of Damascus as Treasurer.

The Summer Solution. Whether because of the economic recessions of 1958 and 1959-60 or for other reasons, Damascus (and therefore the Rotary Club) did not show the hoped for growth until the 1960s. This led the Club into a level in terms of membership and a decline in finances. To solve this problem, Walter Brown devised the system, still in use, of picnics for two months in the summer. These were, and still are, hosted and paid for by the various members. The quarterly fees remained unchanged through these two months, thus allowing the treasury to build a reserve for the winter months.

A Well Fed Group. Meetings were first held in the Fire Hall served by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department at 7:15 on Thursday evenings. They continue to be held at the same time, on the same day, in the same place, and served by the same organization twenty-seven years later. Mrs. Franklin (Miss Molly) Gladhill was in charge of the kitchen and of serving in the early years. One of the ladies helping in the beginning was Mrs. (Sis) Senseney, still active and still helping at age 90 in 1982. Over the years, serving dinner to the Rotarians has been a project engaging two or even three generations. No longer is it necessary to move the fire engines outside and set up trestle tables to serve dinner, but an occasional alarm still interrupts dinner or program — a reminder of another service organization in Damascus (and one to which many Rotarians have committed time and money over the years). It is well known throughout the District (No. 762) that the Damascus Club is well fed — probably the best fed of any club.

Biting the Biscuit. In those early years, Walter Brown, the first Treasurer of the Club, seems to have been a favorite target for jokes played by the ladies in the kitchen. On one occasion strawberries were served to everyone else with a generous slice of pound cake — while Walter got a hard biscuit!

Can't Rattle This Cook! One lady who became a dominant figure in serving over the years was Mrs. Bernard Gladhill. "Miss Ethel" kept the dining room running smoothly — no emergency or crisis was beyond her capable and skillful control.

Gobbler Tradition. Two meals each year are highlights. First is the Thanksgiving meeting, always the third Thursday in November, with the traditional Maryland turkey and trimmings. Then, on the Thursday before Christmas, the annual Christmas party is held. For this event the ladies in the kitchen have always outdone themselves — again it is usually turkey and all the appropriate fixings.

Santa's Kiss. On the latter occasion the Rotary Anns are invited. A visit from Santa is a highlighted feature. For some years now Rotarian Ray Gustin, III, has decorated the dining room and tables in greens and other festive appointments. Toward the end of the evening the ladies in the kitchen each receive a poinsettia and a kiss from the various Rotarians. The evening is concluded with the singing of carols, the last of which is, traditionally, "Silent Night."

Much Has Been Done. Over the years many projects have received support from the Club. True to the spirit of aiding the immediate locality, much has been done for, and with, the area schools, especially Damascus High School. The Future Farmers, the band, and the Community Fair have been three concerns of the Club. At one time each Rotarian on his birthday donated a book to the high school library.

Deeper Meaning. Three projects are worthy of special mention. For years the Club has been a mainstay of the AFS program in Damascus, sponsoring students both going to and from the high school. For over twenty years there has been a Damascus Rotary 4-H Trophy in the Montgomery County Fair. The past two years (1981 and 1982), special efforts have been made to enliven Christmas at the nearby Maryland Sheriff's Boys Ranch. This project, under the able leadership of Rotarian Al Lewis, aided by Rotarians Charley Cramer and Mike Wootton, and many others, has made the meaning of Christmas deeper for every involved member.

Good Deed for Scouting. The Damascus Cub Scout Pack, on the verge of dissolution, was saved by the sponsorship of the Rotary Club — as was the Woodfield Boy Scout Troop. Both Scout groups continued to benefit from the Club's sponsorship and financial aid for several years in the mid 1970s and early 1980s.

Casting Our Spell. One Damascus venture which has enjoyed great success has been the annual Spelling Bee, now in its 16th season. For years it was organized by (now former) Rotarian Bob Robertson and is now guided by Rotarian "Nic" Nicoll.

Chateaubriand? The main fund raiser for the Club has been, and continues to be, a beef raffle at the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department's July Carnival. Proceeds from this have allowed participation in such Rotary International projects as the Rotary Foundation, Gallaudet College, and a Paul Harris Fellow (awarded to Rotarian Charley Beaver). Rotarian Lew Gladhill, the only Charter Member still active, donates the beef for the raffle.

Rejuvenation. Though the town and Rotary Club of Damascus grew little during the late 1950s, both enjoyed a surge of population throughout the 1960s. By 1970 the Club had 45 members and was thriving. After a drastic slump period in the mid 1970s, which many members feared would be the end of the Club, a rejuvenation occurred under the able leadership of President Ray Green (1980-81).

Charter Anniversary. The celebration of Charter Night each fall has been the occasion, too, for reflection on the Club's progress over the years. None was more memorable than the Silver Anniversary one in October 1981, when the members were honored by the presence of Past District Governor and Mrs. Ernie Wooden — the man who had presented the Charter 25 years ago that night. Rotarian Charley Beaver organized and ably carried through the details of Charter Night for many years. Rotarian Gary Pocock carries on in that tradition.

Rotary Anns. Over the years Ladies Nights have been popular events. In addition to the traditional Christmas Party, the Rotary Anns have been invited for many occasions, always made special by their presence. They have been there for spring evenings at Peter Pan and Mrs. Mealey's, as well as for Sweetheart Nights at Valentine's Day and many, many more.

We Live By Our Motto. The future is faced with confidence now — as always. The motto of Rotary is well served in Damascus by the Club whose members do indeed put "Service Above Self."

Appendix I

The First Year (1956)
The Charter Members

Directors (1956)

Members (1956)

Appendix II

Much Owed To Many. Much able help has been provided to me in writing this [Trip Down Memory Lane page] by Lew Gladhill and Charley Beaver. Many others helped without knowing it by letting me 1isten over the years as they reminisced. This has been specially true of Chester Leishear, Charley Cramer, Norton Goodwin, and Thomas Woodfield. Specia1 encouragement and aid has come from Past Presidents Al Lewis and Dan King as well as President Irv Scullin. No blame, of course, must be attached to any of them for errors herein — all of that belongs to me.

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