Rosenwald High School - Torch Yearbook (Harlan, KY)

Text from Pages 1 - 56 of the 1942 volume:

ROSENWALD — HARLANITES INC. Rosenwald High School WELCOME TO ROSENWALD ALUMNI REUNION DECENDENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS 1978 Public Relations Committee HARLANITE ALUMNI BANQUET Robert L James, President REUNION 1973 Ora C. Westmorland, Secretary 1976 DETROIT HARLAN, KY Minerva Copeland, Chairman MICHIGAN FIRST NATIONAL REUNION 1970 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 1942 YEARBOOK TORCH 1942 FOREWARD Kind Header you now hold a book in your hands, something which is to be looked through, studied and probably criticized, but to some who will hold this torch, it means more than merely a book. These pages hold something dear to the boys and girls whom you will find within- These pages hold our records upon them. They carry our minds back to the good times and hard times we have had at our old Rosenwald school and to others they remind of something more, the Take Off into the great unknown life which means that we must never cease to struggle, but constantly carry on in honor of Rosenwald. Therefore we cherish this book. We have tried hard to make a success of this book and we believe that we have done well. We know that there must be a number of mistakes, but Kind Reader we trust that you will overlook these and hold in mind that we have done our best. In the future we hope to be more perfect. Now as you go further into this book we say farewell, and to the future staff we wish you all success in your publications. STAFF i • L  i ■ 111  ..,.«« ' 4 % i . • i  ;    i FACULTY J.B.CUWHOK5 PKIH Ct£ U B.S.j HOftfNOUSE COLLBQS M.S., atlahta omvensiTT StflWfeXt KIWTUOKI STATC COLL£(W SCIENCE . MATMMATXCS PRAMAT1CS WSt f.B.HAU. A.B.,I V$3VXLtff (WNICXPAt OOLLSOt SUMMER: INDIANA U. MISS K B.KLIift B.S.JCBJITUCIOC. STATE COLLEGE SCIENCE - IVKTMEMATXCS W. .N. KENDALL a.b.« Kentucky All amebic an histor amd veRBUfiNT Was V.A. LAWiRY A.B.j LQUISVILiLS MUNICIPAL COLLEGE St WTO ft WAYNE u, ENGLISH WSTOfty BLEMEKTARr fc£ . MISS A. LEWIS KFUTUCKT STATE COLLEQ-C ELfMiNTA ' RT ED M«5 L. IClNGr STATf COLLEGE HOMfi ffCONOMTCSi AS, KENTUCKY state ooLLeae £LEMeitTttRyex . 3rd 4 tk L.A lLLeR Afl.JTENNEiSEfc STATE eOLLEftd £L£AftiVTAXY.Q - ETHEL FOWLER cms RrsfRvr PfBATllW CLUB CHORAL CLU0 KUveRrrrs C1UJ9 LIBRARY CLvB 19 SKAMATIC CLUB library; CLUB CMOftAV OLftJ KLfttr£R£TTS CLg QiRLs Rcsefwe STUPINT COoNCIL BSBAT1MQ- CU B CHORAL CUlB EXPRESSION CLUB WESLEY ELLIOT V. PI?ESIDH«T FOOTBALL TEAM DRAMATIC CLfB CHORAL CLuB B0Y5 Hl-YI CLB LiBKART CLUB BENSON TPEASUREX CURLS R£Se«Vt KLEVBRBT7S CUB PEBATlUa CLUB LIBRARY CLUB OHORAL CLuB - Huhhican« J 1MHS R. V 0 R RIS VALfcDlCfcRY SALUTATO Rir All coNPi«EWCf w (f otsallj  A ll confg NQB CFocTsallj  Y BI-YI CLUB BRAAATIC CLUft CHORAL CLUB B ¥S Hl-YI CLUB SRAKATXO CLbB OitLS RESERVE OPBATIWO CLUB KL E ETES CLB LIBRARY CLUB CHORAL CLOB EKPRtSSIOfCLUB CHEERLfADSR aOMNDIULAiCE FOOTBALL T£AM BOY «-Y3 u ■4 FWrtCES WAUCEl? 0)1 RLS RgSffRve DeBATJKa club LIBRARY CLUB CHORAL CLUB R.H.s oue M OK RLS RESERVE DRAMATIC CLUB PROTOCtRAfH CLU KLBVBRfim CLBB CHORAL CLUB CM set t- M rA ALL COBPCRWCE GTRLS RESERVE (FOOTBALL) DRAMATIC CLuB BOYS H1-YI PHOTOGRAPH CLUB DEBATING- CLUB DRAMATIC CLbB LIBRARY CLUB KLEirERETTS ' CB DELplBC CLUB CHORA l. CLUB CAPTAIN FOOTBALL TEAM DRAMATIC CLUB Expression CLB BTAR 9C0UT BO¥S Hl-YI CLB CURL RESBRVE SCXCKCf CLUB £ f RCSSZOR CLB DEBATING- CLUB CHORftL CLUB CffRt RE9CRVE BOYS Hl-YI CLuB P RAM ATI C CLUB HURRICANE DEBATIN3. CLUB LIBRARY CLUB I GLASS HISTORY OF 1942 We, the class of ' 42 commenced our journey at Rosenwald four years ago. Four years seemed endless to us as Freshmen. By the end of our Freshmen year many had become disheartened and tired, some had been transferred to other schools, matrimony called others. A few misfortunes has befallen others, but there were a faithful few who were determined to reach their goal. Our freshman year rolled around quickly. Soon we were sophomores, the wisest people in the world. Miss Mary Lee Rhodman became our president, various other members became affiliated with the Red Devil football team. Those outstanding were, Robert James, Norman and Richard Morris, Wesley Eliott, and George Washington. Not only did we excel in football but also in Dramatics, Debating, Girls Reserve, and the Choral Club. Mamie Gore was elected secretary of treasurer of the Girl Reserve in the eastern colored district. Dramatics held a place for members during this journey, outstanding were Queen E. Cornett, Robert James, Norman Morris, Mamie Gore, Norma Jean Parks Ralphie Amos and Wesley Eliott. The almighty junior year rolled around, the journey was a long and tough one but we were still fighting. Our extra curricular program offered us so much diversion and entertainment until our worries were made into minor ones, at last we were seniors only seventeen in number. This is the land mark in the history in the lives of the graduating class. It marks the fruition of their first milestone of 1938. ! i I ! . WHO ' S WHO IN SENIOR GLASS Most Popular girl Mamie Gore Most popular boy Robert Lee James Friendliest girl Ralphie Mae Amos Friendliest boy John Didlake Shyest girl Ethel Fowler Shyest boy Richard Morris Prettiest girl Mary Lee Rhodman Handsomest boy Norman Morris Best dressed girl Norma Jean Parks Best dressed boy Wesley Eliott Tallest girl Mamie Gore Tallest boy Georg Washington Funniest girl Rosa Mae Benson Funniest boy Robert Lee James Cunniest girl Verna Richardson Cunniest boy Winfred Didlake Smartest girl Beatrice Tolliver Smartest boy Richard Morris Most versatile girl Queen E. Cornett Most poetical girl j Frances Walker PS Can you Can you to college? Can you Can you Can you Can you Can you State College? Can you ington? Can you Can you team? Can you first Lady of the Can you Can you Can you Can you CAN YOU IMAGINE imagine Mamie Gore with a mansion in Kildav, Kentucky? imagine Mary Lee Rhodman making B ' s in French when she goes imagine Rose M. Benson with curls in college? imagine Queen Ester Cornett married to Newt McCrary? imagine Ethel Lee Fowler and Wesley Elliott married next year? imagine Richard Morris dancing the tango with Rose Benson? imagine Norma Jean Parks an unimportant student at Kentucky imagine Beatrice Tolliver courting the six footer George Wash- imagine Robert Lee James not playing football at Fisk University? imagine Winfred Didlake being the largest star on a basketball imagine Ralphie Mae Amos singing at the White House for the Land? imagine John Didlake making all A ' s in his lessons in college? imagine Norman dancing like Fred Astaire? imagine Frances Walker an actress? imagine Verna Richardson a trapese dance? PULLERS Question: How many balls of string would it take to reach the moon? Answer: One, if it were long enough Teacher: What do we mean by Wasted Energy in science? Richard: Telling a hair raising story to a haldheaded man. Customer: (Wesley) Do you give a guarantee with this hair restorer? Barber: (Norman) Guarantee! We give a comb. Frances: Did you hear that they were pulling down the library because there were so many worms in it? Mamie: Worms? What kind of worms? Frances: Book worms. John: (the husband) looking out the school window. There are so many cars nowadays you ' d think they would grow on trees. Ralphie: (his wife) Such nonsense! Everybody knows that they grow in plants. Winfred: (the son) Dad I ' ve just succeeded in raising two dollars for my ring. George: (Dad) Fine. Its good to see a young man become independent of his father. How did you do it? Winfred (the son) I got it from Mama. IS IT TRUE? YES OR NO Is it true that a lion tamer is called an equestrian? No, an equestrian is a horseback rider. Is it true that metaphor is a shooting star? No, a metaphor is a figure of speech. Is it true that a meddlesome person is one who has many medals? No, a meddlesome person is one who is very interfering. Is it true that Sec. Knox is commander in chief of our Army and Navy. No. the President of the United States is the Commander in chief of the Army and Navy. ! CLASS SONG (By Ralphie Amos) HOW CAN WE LEAVE THEE, DEAR ROSENWALD How can we leave thee, How can we from thee part. You are in every heart, Dear Rosenwald You ' ve been so kind and true We ' re going to long for you Yet we will have to part dear Rosenwald. We love you dearly And we will ne ' re regret Nor will we e ' er forget All you have done We dread to say goodbye Our love will never die We ' ll be forever true, Dear Rosenwald. I CLASS POEM (By Ralphie Amos) TO YOU DEAR ROSENWALD Dear Rosenwald we cannot forget, The happy days spent here. The hardest days we ' ll keep in mind And the work we use to fear. There are many things we learned to do Along with you to help. There are many things we failed to do But do not blame yourself. If it had not been for you, We might have failed the test, But thinking of you, Dear Rosenwald We truly did our best. It is so hard Dear Rosenwald, To think of leaving you, But we ' ll try hard to do our best In everything we do. We thank you for your kindness, Your guide and watchful care, And we ' ll strive on and make the grade To reach the goal somewhere. j I fi ! I ! i. CLASS WILL OF ' 42 We, the senior class, being of sound mind, hereby bequeath the following will to the remaining classes of Rosenwald : George Washington, after consulting his lawyer has left his social standing at Rosenwald High School to George Turner. Francis Walker leaves her poetical thoughts to Mary Inez White. Rosa Mae Benson leaves her cattish and sly actions to Opal Creech. Richard Morris leaves his mathematicl abilities to James Billips. Ethel Fowler leaves her silence to Emma Lee Jones. Norman Morris leaves his romantic possibilities to be placed upon Bill Jones to help in bringing him out of the fog. Beatrice Tolliver wills her height to Geneva Banks. Mamie Gore leaves her ever ready smile and magnetic personality to Elizabeth Jones. Mary Lee wills her beautiful complexion to Ora Lee Tarrant. Queen Ester wills her indifference and popularity to Eloise McCary. Norma Jean wills her popularity and neatness to Bessie Mae Tye. Winfred Didlake wills his jiving ability to Jesse Fendersn. Verna Mae Richardson leaves her musical ability to Janice Tye. Rough John leaves his class cutting tactics to Daphalena Walker, and Drucilla Turner. Ralphie Mae Amos leaves her poetry writing to Fuston Simmons. Wesley Elliott leaves his sober and full command to Samuel Stamps. Robert Lee James leaves his wit and humor to Charlie Davis. Signed: Senior Class ' 42 May 21 1942 Witnesses: J. B. Clemmons V. A. Lawery GLASS PROPHECY 1 While walking down the street one sunny afternoon I spied a sign which read Fortunes Told Here. Immediately I walked in and before I could utter one word the fortune teller said, Ah, but you want to know the future of the graduat- ing class of 1942. I assured her that this was true. She began reading her cards and this is what she read: Ralphie Mae Amos is owner of a studio in St. Louis, Missouri. Mamie Gore is the owner of the Madam Gore Beauty Salon in Chicago, Illinois. Norma Jean Parks is head of the Home Economic Department at Kentucky State College. Queen Ester Cornett is working in a large business firm in Detroit, Mich. Frances Walker is head Dietician in one of Chicago ' s largest hotels. Verna Richardson is owner of a unique newspaper stand in New York City. Mary Lee Rhodman is the head nurse at Grady ' s Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. Ethel Fowler is the owner of a lovely summer resort in Los Angeles Cali- fornia. City. Rosa Mae Benson is nursing in Oklahoma. George Washington is coaching at Morris Brown College. Robert Lee James is an electrical engineer and is working in New York Norman Morris is singing at the Grand Terrace in Chicago, 111. Wesley Elliot after completing four years of agriculture work is now teaching at Wilberforce Uniersity. Richard Morris is teaching Mathematics in one of the largest Mid -Western Universities for Negroes. Winfred Didlake is Chief Radio Technician over one of the largest radio net works. John Didlake is doing Auto Mechanic work in Baltimore, Maryland. And you, Beatrice Tolliver are teaching dietetics at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama. After hearing these fine things, I left smiling for I had been greatly pleased about the future success and happiness of my classmates. ! ELEVENTH GRADE The class officers for this year are as follows: President Samuel Stamps Vice President Fuston Simmons Secretary Jenell Creech Asst. Secretary Emma Lee Jones Treasurer Mildred Tye Reporter Mary Inez White Asst. Reporter Wardell E. Howard The eleventh grade class was fortunate enough to have members in the different clubs, namely; Dramatics, Girls Reserve, Debating, Kleverette and others. Some of our members have participated n the football team, band, and chorus. We, the eleventh grade, will strive to make our senior year the best that ' s ever been in Rosenwald. TENTH GRADE President Broadus Jackson Vice President Lessie Bell Amos Secretary James Effinger Asst. Secretary Jessie Mae Vary Treasurer Louise Prince Business Manager Thornie Anderson Program Committee Dallas Blue and Irene Moore Reporter Irene Moore The honored members of the Sophomore class are Irene Moore, Helen Cloud, and Broadus Jackson. Some members of the sophomore class have excelled in many of the activities, such as debating, dramatics, choral singing, expression and many others. We are fortunate enough to have two all conference basketball players in the Sophomore Class. They are Laurence McKinley and John Hale. Our Motto is Greater heights are yet to be attained. FRESHMAN GLASS President George Vary, Jr. Vice President Clarence H. Gibbs Secretary Dortha Caddell Asst. Secretary Geneva McKinley Business Manager John L. Goins Treasurer Newt McCravy Reporter Charlie B. James Seargant of Arms Willis Mitchell MOTTO Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit. The freshman class is the largest class in the high school and is one of the best classes too. There are fifty students in this class. They have taken an active part in all the extra-curricular activities. i pussy rfrr£MDfft r i (j ■ ■ ■ . ■ 3 I i SPORTS This year Rosenwald ' s team numbered twenty-four. It had speed, power, and that will to go on. Strong teams such as Lynch, Lancaster, Lafollette, and Hazard fell before the power of the Red Devils. Only Benham and Midcdesboro were successful in tying us. The Devils flashed a strong defense in holding its opponents to a single touch down, that being accomplished by Lafollette. Due to the fact of not playing enough conference games the Cumberland Valley Conference title was not won, but Harlan was lucky in placing four men on the all-Conference team. They were Richard Morris (guard), Sidney Prince, (tackle) George Washington, (halfback) Norman Morris, (center). Keep the good work up boys! SCHEDULE Harlan 0 Middlesboro 0 Harlan 46 Hazard 0 Harlan 9  Lynch 0 Harlan 0 Benham 0 Harlan 14 Lancaster 0 (Homecoming) Harlan 18 ' Lafollette 6 For the first time in history Rosenwald is able to send forth a basketball team to challenge other teams. Although this team was a court yard team instead of a hardwood team, it gave a good account of itself in several games, going through the regular season without winning a game. They gave a good account of themselves in the tournament when they lost to Pineville in an over-time period by two points. This game left a great impression on the minds of the public. For this moral victory Rosenwala was able to place two men on the all-tournament team, Lawrence McKinley (first team guard) and John Hale (guard) on the second team. Look forward to a better showing next year. MEMBERS Lawrence McKinley (captain) Guard Richard Coleman Center Herman Williams (co-captain) Forward Booker Kennedy Forward Jess Fenderson Center, Forward John Hale Guard Dallas Blue . . Guard Thornie Anderson Forward George Pratt Guard Henry Tintman Center 1 1 I 8 ! Reserve i V;;. • ' XI •• .. ,i. y i.  11 i  • « ««;. 7T T — 5 CHDRf L CLUB SCIENCE CLUB EXRE55ION CLUB i i DUE EN. APar are-b Carter PRINCESS Jessie B. Cherry ! AID of HO NOK...Ka.tHeriTie G-etets 5TUDENT COUNCIL Vr s Group 5pon sored The MaMTJaH Contest And Manoi O her Useful TVoqra™ Pro q rams. 7 p I 1 I THE-DR WTIOUJUB KLEVERETTE CLUB | V ! SOCIAL NEWS The various clubs and classes during the season of 1941 and 1942 have had excellent progress in most of their activities. The Dramatic club started the season by giving a Get Together Social. It was a very gay affair. The Red Devils really hit the top with a mighty bump this year. They were undefeated, tying with Benham and Middlesboro. The boys were really given pep by their four cheerleaders: Queen £. Cornett, Ralphie Amos, Louise Galloway, and Norma Jean Parks. Rosenwald showed its appreciation by giving the boys a banquet, the color scheme was carried out beautifully, using the patriotic colors, red, white and blue. The V for Victory sign was placed on every table encouraging us to keep up the fight for victoy. Toward the end of the program the boys were presented with letters by coach Kendall. The senior boys made their farewell address to the school. They were Richard and Norman Morris John and Winfred Didlake, Wesley Elliott, Robert Lee James, and George Wash- ington. A delicious dinner was served and the evening ended far too soon, for everone was enchanted with the strains of beautiful music as they danced. The social given after every football game permitted us to become acquainted with boys and girls from the schools of Jenkins, Lynch, Hazard, and Middlesboro. Miss Norma Jean Parks, the beautiul football queen, reigned majestically over her kingdom. Her lovely attendants were Miss Wardell Townsend, Miss Louise Prince and Miss Doretha Caddell. Miss Mamie Gore, a popular senior was crowned Sweetheart of Rosen- wald. Her three attractive attendants were: Geneva Pickett, Virginia Joyner and. Beatrice Tolliver. The Rosenwald chorus has made much progress, indeed their voices harm- onized beautifully over station WHLN several times. They also sang at schools and churches: Loyall High School, Harlan High School and Evarts High School. The churches were the Methodist Church, the Christian Church, and the Baptist Church. This chorus is directed by Miss J. B. Hall. The expression club under the direction ' of Miss V. A. Lawery, also had the opportunity of being presented over station WHLN. The Dramatic Club presented several plays under the direction of Mr. B. Clemmons. J. The Kleverette Club celebrated St. Patrick ' s day by giving a St. Patrick ' s Ball, which was their first affair of the season. The decorations green and white were draped beautifully along the walls and ceiling. The club members wore green and white dresses. They served their guests with green and white cakes and cream. The season was topped off by the Junior and Senior prom. It was a very gay affair, the girls were beautiful in their evening attire accompanied by their well dressed escorts. The clubs and classes wish to thank the public for their cooperation with them in helping them to have this successful year. .. ' ,..::? , . ' .:: , ,! .i ;; . ;-5- ' v: , ' t .;i; , «  . :, • ;ttii ■■ Li -—---■ --«- - - - — .1 y, J J ... J ;ii t. , -A . 1 SCIENCE CLUB The officers of the club are as follows: President Irene Moore Vice President Jim Effinger Secretary Ora Lee Tarrant Asst Secretary Eloise McCary Treasurer Gladys Lockett Business Manager Beatrice Tolliver Adviser Miss Katherine King The Science Club is under the supervision of Miss Katherine King. We have been presented in many of the activities of Rosenwald. The club colors are orchd and pink. DEBATING CLUB The officers of the Bethume Debating Society are as follows: President Mamie Gore Vice President Queen E. Cornett Secretary Irene Moore Asst. Secretary Verna Richardson Business Manager Wesley Elliott Treasurer Rosa Mae Benson Director Miss J. B. Hall The Bethume Debating Society has accomplished much in the year of 1942. During the weekly meetings we had round table discussions of current events. The club has sponsored inter mural debates, one for the student body in chapel and one for the public. A panel discussion on political parties in America was much enjoyed. The club presents graduating varsity members with awards. DRAMATIC CLUB The Dramatic Club started out with the intention of doing something great, and they did it, when producing Popularity Plus. This club enables one to better express himself on and off the stage. The Senior class play was tops which was also produced by the Dramatic Club. Wesley Elliot President Queen Esther Cornett V. President Mamie Gore Secretary Ralph Amos Assistant Secretary Norman Morris Business Manager Robert Lee James Treasurer J. B. Clemmons Advisor The Choral Club of Rosenwald High School marks 1942 as a banner year in progress. This year the chorus has had the pleasure of rendering programs at most of the major county high schools and some of the larger churches. The chorus is proud of its thirty-two members and the quality of work they have produced this year. Attention is f ocussed on specialized groups such as Girls Glee Club, Boys Glee Club, Trio and Mixed Octette. Watch Rosenwald ' s chorus for progress. This Choral Club is under the supervision of Miss J. B. Hall. Miss J. B. Hall Director Wardell Howard Secretary ! GIRL RESERVE CLUB Officers: Queen E. Cornett President Mamie Gore Vice President Jessie Mae Vary Secretary Frances Walker Assistant Secretary Rosa Benson Treasurer Miss J. B. Hall Advisor A Girl Reserve strives to adapt herself into whatever situation she is found. She aims always To find and give the best. Outstanding activites are the attendance at the regional conference, held this year at Monticello, Kentucky, Sweetheart contest of which Mamie Gore was crowned Sweetheart of 42 and the Moher and Daughter banquet given on Bacca- lureate Sunday annually. THE KLEVERETTE CLUB President Norma Jean Parks Vice President , Mamie Gore Secretary Irene Moore Assistant Secretary Mary Inez White Treasurer Rosa Mae Benson Business Manager Wardell Howard Adviser Miss Alberta Lewis The Kleverette Club had its beginning in the year 1942 under the super- vision of Miss Alberta Lewis. The Kleverette Club is a club for girls only. We had seven new girls to be initiated and they have contributed much to the club. Our biggest event was The St. Patrick ' s Ball . We carried out our color scheme of green and white very uniquely. Our aim is to have plenty of wholesome fun along with our work. EXPRESSION CLUB NEWS The Expression Club the first one that Rosenwald has had was organized and directed by Miss V. A. Lawery. The club began with approximately twelve members and ended with twenty. A splendid piece of work was accomplished during the year. Some of the main events of the club were rendering a chapel program and a radio broaaeast over station WHLN. Both of them were a success. President Beatrice Tolliver Secretary ; Everett Cole STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council is composed of the Presidents and Secretaries of all classes. This club has made a wonderful progress under Miss V. A. Lawery as ad- viser. The members of the Student Council made many rules for the betterment of the school and pupils. They were successful in carrying them out. Much stress was put on cleanliness, obedience and safety. President Broadus Jackson Secretary Jenell Creech BOY SCOFX TROOP NO. 25 Robert Lee James Senior Patrol Leader Fuston Simmons Junior Patrol Leader Lawrence McKinley Patrol Leader Newt McCravy Scribe Richard Coleman Sgt. of Arms Clarence Walker Asst. Sgt. of Arms Henry C. Tintman Marshal James Buttler Bugler J. B. Clemmons Scout Master H. W. .Elliott Asst. Scout Master TROOP COMMITTEE Mr. Joe Curry Chairman Mr. S. A. Ledford Secretary Mr. Shedd Pittard Treasurer The Boy Scouts of Rosenwald has progressed wonderfully since orga nized in 1938. The scouts made great showing in parades, funerals, and sports, as well as the Clean Up campaign. The Boy Scouts of Harlan have reached higher ranks than any other race troop in the state of Kentucky. ROSENWALD HARLANITES INC. NATIONAL BOARD OFFICERS CHERISHING OUR HERITAGE 2nd Vice President A. B. Williams President R. L. James Vice President G. Anderson Secretary Ora C. Westmorland Nat. Cor. Secretary Dorthy Sanders Treasurer W. Didlake, Sr. CHAPTERS PRESIDENTS John Hale Harlan, KY Willa Evans Lexington, KY Dennis Brown Louisville, KY Robert Gibbs Columbus, OH Ruby Smith Dayton, OH Edna Menter Cincinnati, OH Annie B. Frazier Cleveland, OH Floyd Tuner Detroit, Ml David Henderson Rochester, NY David Pickett Fort Wayne, IN NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Minerva Copeland, Chairman David Pickett, Vice Iren Belton Bertha Menter Viola Green Rhonda Pickett Robert Gibbs Charlotte Carter Thomas McDowell David Henderson Chairperson Constitution By Law Committee CHERISHING OUR HERITAGE Ruby Smith Chairperson Scholarship HISTORY OF THE FIRST HARLANITES In 1 969, Horace Wesley Elliott came to Detroit on a visit. In getting together with some of his schoolmates, he gave us the idea of organizing a Kentucky Club. Dorothy (McCary) Sanders then sent out letters to ll known Kentuckians in the Detroit area. The response was very good. Our first meeting took place October 14, 1 969 at the home of Eloise James Ramseur with eight (8) persons present, namely; Winfred Didlake, John Didlake, Emma Lee (Jones) Burton, James (Mudcat) Ramseur, Eloise (McCary) Ramseur, Dorothy (McCary) Sanders, Gladys (Lockett) Warren and Booker T. Kennedy. This was just a temporary get together. One week later we met at the home of Veta Winfred Didlake. The following officers were elected: Winfred Didlake President James Ramseur Vice President Dorothy Sanders Secretary Emma Burton Corresponding Secretary Alberta Lewis Williams Treasurer Gladys Warren Business Manager Emma Didlake Chairperson of the Social Committee The purpose of this club was to have fellowship and annual affairs for all interested Kentuckians and their families. After several meetings we came up with the idea of awarding scholarships to descendants of families of the Harlan County area. We were officially named the Harlanites on November 15, 1969. Our colors are Gold and Black. Our emblem is coal , which stands for the Black Gold mined in that county. We continued to progress and other interested persons became members, namely; Clarence Rhodman, Miriam Kennedy (wife of Booker Kennedy) who became our Sick Fund Treasurer, Floyd Turner, Willie and Mary Eff inger, Henry and Edwina Trentman, Willie B. and Bethel Jackson, Veta Didlake, George and Nora Mahone (Geo. Pratt), Adell Sanders, Hartford L. Warren, Jesse and Mattie Logan and Claudia Gardner. The following year, 1 970, Horace W. Elliott, seeing his dream fulfilled became a member, as well as his wife Louise. Still growing, new members to join in 1 970 were as follows: Charles and Mattie Gore, Louise (Calloway) Rivers, Mary Didlake, Ruby (Knox) Person, Charlie Davis, George J. Washington, Vernon Langford, Arthur and Lucille Ramsey, Jesse and Dorothy Mason, George Burton, J. D. Weldon, Emma and Leroy Ramsey, Grady and Sally Anderson, Jackie (Didlake) Hinton, Tereace Johnson, and Steve and Beatrice Hill. We as Harlanites stayed active, working towards the First Annual Kentucky Reunion (Harlan County Area), September 5, 1970, held at Prince Hall Masonic Temple in Detroit. Harlanites from all states attended. As the years went along we worked together with our activities and travels which led to our reunion held in Detroit, July 30, 31 and August 1 , 1 976 at the Detroit Cadillac Hotel. We as a club moved into the hotel to be with our guests. The affair was climaxed with a fabulous ball in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel. The following morning at 10 A.M. the ground work was set for the National Board to be organized. Being the first chapter and the first chartered chapter, delegates from Detroit were appointed to attend the meeting held in Columbus, October 30, 1976. They were as follows: Alberta Lewis Williams Dorothy Sanders Emma Burton Winfred Didlake Grady Anderson As a result of several meetings held in various cities, we now have ten (10) nationwide chapters, and have become an incorporated body. DETROIT CHAPTER M. EFFINGER W. DIDLAKE, SER. E. TENTMAN