BLIMP HANGAR

As you read along the Key West Rotary history portion, keep in mind that which is written occurred some 100 years ago. Some things change. Some no more. Like a picnic involving wheelbarrow racing and tugs of war.

Installment 4.

The year 1924.

Key West High School had a newspaper. The Monroe Tatler. An article in one of the publications wrote about a senior class luncheon picnic with the Rotary. At the picnic, the Rotarians took turns escorting a senior girl to a table and each senior boy by a Rotary Ann.

The blimp hangar was part of the Navy facility at what was then called Trumbo Island. The same Trumbo Base area today in Key West. The naval base was small. Established in 1918.

There was no Boca Chica in 1924 as we know it today. Boca Chica did not become a major military installation till World War II.

Nineteen twenty four was a time when organizations could legally limit membership to men. Such was changed by a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1987. Ladies had to be admitted to membership.

Rotary wives participated in Club activities from Rotary’s 1905 beginnings. Such wives became known as Rotary Anns. The name evolved. Some Rotary Clubs referred to the ladies as Rotary Spouses or Rotary Partners.

The Rotary Ann label was born in 1914. The national Rotary Convention was held in Houston. The San Francisco Rotary hired a special train to make the trip to Houston. Few wives made the trip. One that did was Ann Brunnier who got on the train with her Rotary husband Bru Brunnier in Los Angeles.

During the trip, Ann acquired the name Rotary Ann. One of the Rotarians wrote a song about Rotary Ann. The Rotarians sang the song all the way to Houston.

Philadelphia Rotarian Guy Gundakr’s wife was named Ann. The conventioneers referred to her as Rotary Ann, also.

The conventioneers an exuberant group. At one point, they hoisted the two Rotary Anns on their shoulders and paraded about singing the Rotary Ann tune.

Both Brunnier and Gundakr became International Rotary Presidents in subsequent years.

The Rotary Ann name and concept took hold. Soon Rotary wives everywhere formed Rotary Ann clubs to assist with Rotary activities.

Back to the luncheon picnic.

Alan Clesse was senior class President. He made a thank you speech  to the Rotary.

The Key West Rotary President at the time was Bugs Werner. A playful type. He passed a clock to one of the senior girls. He explained that each time the alarm went off, the girl holding the clock had to make a speech. The clock moved fast from one girl to another.

The alarm rang while held by two different girls. A Miss Perez and a Miss Lowe. Each made a speech. Some Rotarians thought Perez’s was the best speech they had ever heard.

The picnic was a time of frolic. Singing, talking, wheelbarrow races, and tugs of war.

A Louis day yesterday. A manicure with Tammy. The nail emporium a gold mine. Tammy and her husband Ricky have worked hard and have a constantly growing business. I admire their success.

Tammy is good company. We laugh through the procedure.

Last night was dinner at Liz’s Kitchen. So labeled by Liz herself because I love her kitchen so much.

Liz a cook extraordinaire!

We enjoyed cocktails in the garden with tasty pickies. Then inside the kitchen for French Lasagna. A first time dish for me. Outstanding!

Liz had the entire evening planned. Following dinner, we went into her study to watch the World Series and have coffee and desert. Desert home made pumpkin pie.

The woman’s a gem!

Chicago won the game and the series. I did not think Chicago could come back. A feat in itself. Big time winners.

I am confused. The polling numbers have become simultaneously inconsistent. Things tightening up. Trump could win. A disaster!

Bocce tonight.

Enjoy your day!