Anderson Sertoma was founded in 1952 with a very deep, strong, and consistent commitment to the Anderson Community. Our Club is currently working on a Heritage project that chronicles the Club's legacy and importance in Anderson in anticipation of celebrating its 75th Diamond Jubilee in 2027.
Anderson Sertoma: The Beginning 1952-1978 (written for 25th Anniversary)
Twenty five years ago there were many Lions, Elks, and Optimists in Anderson. But there were no Sertomans. In fact, there were very few in South Carolina. This is an informal history of Anderson Sertoma, our club, the first Sertoma Club in Anderson. It is informal as it doesn’t dwell on dates, but on events and activities, which were significant to the growth of the club and to the growth of Sertoma in Anderson.
Louis Funkenstein’s neighbor, in 1952, was a man named Julian Friday. Mr. Friday had been a member of a Sertoma club in Charleston and wished to continue his activities here. He approached Louis with the idea of beginning a club in Anderson. Louis agreed to help him although both men were aware that the new club would be at a disadvantage competing with older clubs. International sent a representative to help them begin. He said that the recruitment would have to be on a personal basis and that if the club were to succeed it would have to have an active fund raising/sponsorship program.
One of the first persons they approached was Reuben Siegel. Things were a little less formal in those days, and they approached Reuben in his place of business. He was selling a mule at the time. He remembers that he sold it, then talked with Louis and Friday, He agreed to help form the club as did Wilson Stringer. In time, twenty-five or so men agreed to join, giving them enough members to be chartered.
On June 27, 1952, the International Secretary officially chartered the club which began having regular meetings at the Elks Club. Unfortunately, the fledgling organization had its problems. During that year it was primarily a social club, meeting for lunch, with each member paying for his own. Attendance began to lag. Once, when Bill Johnson, then Mayor of Anderson, came to speak, Louis Funkenstein and two others were the only member present. Another time, Reuben and seven others were present.
Attendance was so poor that there was talk of disbanding the club. But a few wouldn’t give up. Louis and Reuben went to see a young pharmacist, who was working at Smith’s No. 1 on Main Street. His name was Buddy Boulware. He agreed to be President, and to spearhead a membership drive. The three agreed that because of the competition from other clubs that they would have to concentrate on young men, who, as yet, had no affiliation with a civic organization. They also felt that the club needed activities which would benefit the community while bringing the name of the club to the force as an organization worthy of membership. Things didn’t get better overnight, but this was the beginning of the club as we know it.
As with many first attempts two of the club’s initial fund raising efforts were flops. Selling light bulbs door-to-door fizzled, so the club members decided to have a booth at the fair to sell hot dogs. The booth cost $60.00. The club, after many hours of hard labor, raised $60.00. Reuben went to the fair owner and told him of the club’s plight. The rent was waived.
The first really good fund raiser was the parking lot at the fair. In the beginning the property was owned by the Griffin family. They had been parking cars, but it as a strain. They eagerly accepted the club’s offer to do the work and split the profits. The hill was much steeper at the tie, and when it rained, movig stuck cars was really messy. Much more than today- if you can believe that! Once a car pulled in and parked, the people ran into the back entrance of the fair without paying, Reuben waited for them to return. When they did, he confronted them with a demand for a fee. The man began to argue, threats were exchanged- whereupon the driver’s mother yelled out the window, “give the son of a gun his money and let’s get back to Georgia!” they sped off, leaving Reuben covered with gravel and dirt. But he got the money.
During this time the club honored the local baseball club, the known as the Anderson Rebels. The event was broadcast on the radio, and the ball players were given presents. It was a very good exposure for the club. But one of the best advertisements the club has had, is one of the biggest fundraisers- the Christmas Tree Lot. The first site for this was the present location of K-Mart. Bill Watson;s grandmother, who owned the property, allowed the club free use of it. It is said that Anderson Sertoma introduced the first Canadian trees and first Frazier Firs from North Carolina to the area. At first, the Canadian trees didn't sell very well because they were unknown, but later caught on. The Fraziers sold immediately. In those days the Canadian children would tie notes to the trees asking Americans to send money. You might say the club was doing double fundraising. Because of its location on Main Street, and the lot’s reputation, Anderson Sertoma began to be well known.
Of course, other fund raising activities have been tried. For a few years the club sponsored a kiddy fair at Watson Village, had a barbershop quartet sing, and a country music show. But none have been as successful as the parking lot and the Christmas trees.
With money coming in, the club could begin to do something for the community. One of the first sponsorship projects was a gift to the Emergency Room of Anderson Memorial Hospital of $3,500, the equivalent of $20,000 today. The money, the payment of which was spread over several years was designated for outpatient service. The longest sponsorship program was the Nurses Scholarship project. Beginning in the 50’s it continued until about 1970. Its aim was to provide Anderson with nurses. There was a shortage the time. The club would fund nurses training for qualified young ladies (and once, a man!). If they remained in Anderson to work for one year for each year of training, the money was free. If they moved, they would have to repay the club. By the early seventies with training programs at Clemson, and governmental funds available, the club decided to phase out the program.
The club sponsored a little league team, the Anderson Chorale, sent boys to Boy’s State, and once the members, instead of having a Christmas Party, gave food and clothing to a needy family. In 1969-70 the first children were sent to camp, a forerunner to Camp Sertoma, as we know it. A soap box derby and a drug program were also sponsored.
Besides the fund raising and sponsorship the club started Freedom Week in Anderson. During Buddy Bouleware’s term, Bryan Dorn visited the high schools in Anderson to talk on freedom. Later, the club gave the “Service to Mankind Award.” The recipient was Dr. Mason Young. In other times copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were taken to schools. Now these activities are sponsored by all of the Anderson Clubs, but Anderson Sertoma was first.
Of course, a civic club is a circular activity. The idea is to provide good works for the community. To produce good works, you must raise money. To raise money, you must have people. To attract people, you must be known and be of good repute. To do this, you must provide works for the community. It will attract a man interested in service to his fellow man, who takes pride in spending his time doing something worthwhile, not just getting with the guys to talk. This was the task facing the founders of Anderson Sertoma. Did they succeed? With membership standing over sixty, and having built other Sertoma Clubs in Anderson, Belton, Athens and other towns; and with sponsorship of many, many projects. You must agree, that they, and we, succeeded
Twenty five years ago there were many Lions, Elks, and Optimists in Anderson. But there were no Sertomans. In fact, there were very few in South Carolina. This is an informal history of Anderson Sertoma, our club, the first Sertoma Club in Anderson. It is informal as it doesn’t dwell on dates, but on events and activities, which were significant to the growth of the club and to the growth of Sertoma in Anderson.
Louis Funkenstein’s neighbor, in 1952, was a man named Julian Friday. Mr. Friday had been a member of a Sertoma club in Charleston and wished to continue his activities here. He approached Louis with the idea of beginning a club in Anderson. Louis agreed to help him although both men were aware that the new club would be at a disadvantage competing with older clubs. International sent a representative to help them begin. He said that the recruitment would have to be on a personal basis and that if the club were to succeed it would have to have an active fund raising/sponsorship program.
One of the first persons they approached was Reuben Siegel. Things were a little less formal in those days, and they approached Reuben in his place of business. He was selling a mule at the time. He remembers that he sold it, then talked with Louis and Friday, He agreed to help form the club as did Wilson Stringer. In time, twenty-five or so men agreed to join, giving them enough members to be chartered.
On June 27, 1952, the International Secretary officially chartered the club which began having regular meetings at the Elks Club. Unfortunately, the fledgling organization had its problems. During that year it was primarily a social club, meeting for lunch, with each member paying for his own. Attendance began to lag. Once, when Bill Johnson, then Mayor of Anderson, came to speak, Louis Funkenstein and two others were the only member present. Another time, Reuben and seven others were present.
Attendance was so poor that there was talk of disbanding the club. But a few wouldn’t give up. Louis and Reuben went to see a young pharmacist, who was working at Smith’s No. 1 on Main Street. His name was Buddy Boulware. He agreed to be President, and to spearhead a membership drive. The three agreed that because of the competition from other clubs that they would have to concentrate on young men, who, as yet, had no affiliation with a civic organization. They also felt that the club needed activities which would benefit the community while bringing the name of the club to the force as an organization worthy of membership. Things didn’t get better overnight, but this was the beginning of the club as we know it.
As with many first attempts two of the club’s initial fund raising efforts were flops. Selling light bulbs door-to-door fizzled, so the club members decided to have a booth at the fair to sell hot dogs. The booth cost $60.00. The club, after many hours of hard labor, raised $60.00. Reuben went to the fair owner and told him of the club’s plight. The rent was waived.
The first really good fund raiser was the parking lot at the fair. In the beginning the property was owned by the Griffin family. They had been parking cars, but it as a strain. They eagerly accepted the club’s offer to do the work and split the profits. The hill was much steeper at the tie, and when it rained, movig stuck cars was really messy. Much more than today- if you can believe that! Once a car pulled in and parked, the people ran into the back entrance of the fair without paying, Reuben waited for them to return. When they did, he confronted them with a demand for a fee. The man began to argue, threats were exchanged- whereupon the driver’s mother yelled out the window, “give the son of a gun his money and let’s get back to Georgia!” they sped off, leaving Reuben covered with gravel and dirt. But he got the money.
During this time the club honored the local baseball club, the known as the Anderson Rebels. The event was broadcast on the radio, and the ball players were given presents. It was a very good exposure for the club. But one of the best advertisements the club has had, is one of the biggest fundraisers- the Christmas Tree Lot. The first site for this was the present location of K-Mart. Bill Watson;s grandmother, who owned the property, allowed the club free use of it. It is said that Anderson Sertoma introduced the first Canadian trees and first Frazier Firs from North Carolina to the area. At first, the Canadian trees didn't sell very well because they were unknown, but later caught on. The Fraziers sold immediately. In those days the Canadian children would tie notes to the trees asking Americans to send money. You might say the club was doing double fundraising. Because of its location on Main Street, and the lot’s reputation, Anderson Sertoma began to be well known.
Of course, other fund raising activities have been tried. For a few years the club sponsored a kiddy fair at Watson Village, had a barbershop quartet sing, and a country music show. But none have been as successful as the parking lot and the Christmas trees.
With money coming in, the club could begin to do something for the community. One of the first sponsorship projects was a gift to the Emergency Room of Anderson Memorial Hospital of $3,500, the equivalent of $20,000 today. The money, the payment of which was spread over several years was designated for outpatient service. The longest sponsorship program was the Nurses Scholarship project. Beginning in the 50’s it continued until about 1970. Its aim was to provide Anderson with nurses. There was a shortage the time. The club would fund nurses training for qualified young ladies (and once, a man!). If they remained in Anderson to work for one year for each year of training, the money was free. If they moved, they would have to repay the club. By the early seventies with training programs at Clemson, and governmental funds available, the club decided to phase out the program.
The club sponsored a little league team, the Anderson Chorale, sent boys to Boy’s State, and once the members, instead of having a Christmas Party, gave food and clothing to a needy family. In 1969-70 the first children were sent to camp, a forerunner to Camp Sertoma, as we know it. A soap box derby and a drug program were also sponsored.
Besides the fund raising and sponsorship the club started Freedom Week in Anderson. During Buddy Bouleware’s term, Bryan Dorn visited the high schools in Anderson to talk on freedom. Later, the club gave the “Service to Mankind Award.” The recipient was Dr. Mason Young. In other times copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were taken to schools. Now these activities are sponsored by all of the Anderson Clubs, but Anderson Sertoma was first.
Of course, a civic club is a circular activity. The idea is to provide good works for the community. To produce good works, you must raise money. To raise money, you must have people. To attract people, you must be known and be of good repute. To do this, you must provide works for the community. It will attract a man interested in service to his fellow man, who takes pride in spending his time doing something worthwhile, not just getting with the guys to talk. This was the task facing the founders of Anderson Sertoma. Did they succeed? With membership standing over sixty, and having built other Sertoma Clubs in Anderson, Belton, Athens and other towns; and with sponsorship of many, many projects. You must agree, that they, and we, succeeded
The Later Years 1978-1992 (written for 40th Anniversary)
By Bill Trammell
In order to present highlights of the history of of our club from its 25th to 40th year, we interviewed most of the presidents who served during that period. Of the 15, 11 are still active in Sertoma. One- Elton Jones was named International Sertoman in 1990. Denny Cole, Marshall Willingham, Jack Martin, and Elton went on to serve as District Governors. Seven club presidents won the coveted Gold Honor Club award- Denny Cole, Jack Martin, Eddie Nail, Charlie Thornton, Elton Jones, JimDecker, and Larry Vaughn. Decker was the 10th president to receive his Gold Coat and the diamond on the Club Gong commemorates this event. Two new clubs were built - Foothills and Pendleton and five clubs were rebuilt during this time. Nail, Thornton, and Jones rebuilt clubs for three years in a row. We doubt that this has been accomplished by another Sertoma Club. We even attempted to start a new club in Pocotella, Idaho in 1989. However, minus 30 degree temperatures and 7 foot snowdrifts were adverse factors. We presently have 15 Life Members whose contribution fees go toward building new clubs throughout International.
Spectacular growth has been achieved in our own club. From 60 members in 1978 we grew to ov efr 100 in ‘87 and to 136 in ‘88. Anderson Sertoma is one of the top 10 clubs in size. An interesting note - during Thornton’s term another milestone was achieved … Debbie Howard was inducted as our first female member. Women now comprise 30% of members. These ladies have proved to be some of our most loyal and hardworking members. We predict that it will not be long before one of them serves as club president. How did we ever get along without them?
As always, Anderson Sertoma continues to be one of service to mankind, particularly in the field of the hearing impaired. One of the newer programs is support of the Southeast Assistance Dog Project- that is, training dogs to assist hearing impaired and otherwise handicapped individuals.
Camp Sertoma become a reality with our club contributing financially as well as sponsoring handicapped and less fortunate children to every summer camp. A $130,000 swimming pool was added in 1987. Our club is presently awarding college scholarships to deserving students. During all of these years our club has been a 100% contributor to the Sertoma Foundation. The Service to Mankind Award, given each year to an outstanding person of the community, was started in 1960 and continues today. It is interesting to note the Dr. Mason Young was the first recipient and in 1987 we honored his sister-in-law-, Dr. Ann Young.
We have participated in the Officer Mac toy collection at Christmas time for the past several years. Our contribution was over $1000 in 1991. For many years we have sponsored an essay writing contest in the middle school during National Heritage Week. The depth of patriotism shown by these young people makes us proud. Another project is sponsorship of the Mobile Hearing Test Van which began in the 1970’s. Thousands of individuals in three county areas have benefited from this free service. It takes a great deal of work and money to fund these worthwhile causes and our club members have always pitched in. Our oldest continuing project - that of manning the parking lot adjacent to the fairgrounds - was finally phased out in 1983. You newer members will never know the thrill of inhaling tons of dust and pushing parked cars out of the mud. Las Vegas Nite, started in 1983, proved to be a good money maker for several years. Some of our group still assist other clubs in staging this event. For almost all of our 40 years, the Christmas Tree sale continues to be our biggest fund raiser with a profit of over $14,000 in 1991. Just think - we sold 100 trees in 1956 and made about $200!
The Annual Telethon got its start i 1989 and has grown each year with $6000 being made in 1992. This project promises to get bigger and bigger. For three years the Summer Soiree was in existence, our club sold Cokes earning about $1000 each year. Another project was assisting in the annual youth basketball tournament for three years. The mobile (?) hut that we used as headquarters for parking and trees was finally put to resta couple years ago. Its replacement is a super mobile (really) camper with heat, lights, coffee maker, desk, and comfortable seating. We have come a long way.
The wearing of the gold and blue Sertoma vests was started in 1989 - a distinctive way to promote our club and show our colors.
Our beautiful solid walnut podium sporting the Sertoma seal was made by that master craftsman, Elton Jones, from wood donated by Ryan and Judy Faulkenberry. No other club can boast of such a beautiful piece of work. And don’t forget the little stool that slides out and makes every speaker 6 feet tall.
Anderson Sertoma has always participated in sending delegates to District, Regional and International conventions. We suppose that the most memorable in recent years was the Crescent Limited train ride to New Orleans in 1988. Nineteen made the trip and most got back.
Our club has garnered more than our share of awards at all levels. The banners displaying the medallions attest to this.
And so - Happy 40th, Anderson Sertoma.
Now get ready for 2002 and our Golden Anniversary!
Coming Soon:
Back To the Future To Infinity and Beyond: 1990’s-Present
By Bill Trammell
In order to present highlights of the history of of our club from its 25th to 40th year, we interviewed most of the presidents who served during that period. Of the 15, 11 are still active in Sertoma. One- Elton Jones was named International Sertoman in 1990. Denny Cole, Marshall Willingham, Jack Martin, and Elton went on to serve as District Governors. Seven club presidents won the coveted Gold Honor Club award- Denny Cole, Jack Martin, Eddie Nail, Charlie Thornton, Elton Jones, JimDecker, and Larry Vaughn. Decker was the 10th president to receive his Gold Coat and the diamond on the Club Gong commemorates this event. Two new clubs were built - Foothills and Pendleton and five clubs were rebuilt during this time. Nail, Thornton, and Jones rebuilt clubs for three years in a row. We doubt that this has been accomplished by another Sertoma Club. We even attempted to start a new club in Pocotella, Idaho in 1989. However, minus 30 degree temperatures and 7 foot snowdrifts were adverse factors. We presently have 15 Life Members whose contribution fees go toward building new clubs throughout International.
Spectacular growth has been achieved in our own club. From 60 members in 1978 we grew to ov efr 100 in ‘87 and to 136 in ‘88. Anderson Sertoma is one of the top 10 clubs in size. An interesting note - during Thornton’s term another milestone was achieved … Debbie Howard was inducted as our first female member. Women now comprise 30% of members. These ladies have proved to be some of our most loyal and hardworking members. We predict that it will not be long before one of them serves as club president. How did we ever get along without them?
As always, Anderson Sertoma continues to be one of service to mankind, particularly in the field of the hearing impaired. One of the newer programs is support of the Southeast Assistance Dog Project- that is, training dogs to assist hearing impaired and otherwise handicapped individuals.
Camp Sertoma become a reality with our club contributing financially as well as sponsoring handicapped and less fortunate children to every summer camp. A $130,000 swimming pool was added in 1987. Our club is presently awarding college scholarships to deserving students. During all of these years our club has been a 100% contributor to the Sertoma Foundation. The Service to Mankind Award, given each year to an outstanding person of the community, was started in 1960 and continues today. It is interesting to note the Dr. Mason Young was the first recipient and in 1987 we honored his sister-in-law-, Dr. Ann Young.
We have participated in the Officer Mac toy collection at Christmas time for the past several years. Our contribution was over $1000 in 1991. For many years we have sponsored an essay writing contest in the middle school during National Heritage Week. The depth of patriotism shown by these young people makes us proud. Another project is sponsorship of the Mobile Hearing Test Van which began in the 1970’s. Thousands of individuals in three county areas have benefited from this free service. It takes a great deal of work and money to fund these worthwhile causes and our club members have always pitched in. Our oldest continuing project - that of manning the parking lot adjacent to the fairgrounds - was finally phased out in 1983. You newer members will never know the thrill of inhaling tons of dust and pushing parked cars out of the mud. Las Vegas Nite, started in 1983, proved to be a good money maker for several years. Some of our group still assist other clubs in staging this event. For almost all of our 40 years, the Christmas Tree sale continues to be our biggest fund raiser with a profit of over $14,000 in 1991. Just think - we sold 100 trees in 1956 and made about $200!
The Annual Telethon got its start i 1989 and has grown each year with $6000 being made in 1992. This project promises to get bigger and bigger. For three years the Summer Soiree was in existence, our club sold Cokes earning about $1000 each year. Another project was assisting in the annual youth basketball tournament for three years. The mobile (?) hut that we used as headquarters for parking and trees was finally put to resta couple years ago. Its replacement is a super mobile (really) camper with heat, lights, coffee maker, desk, and comfortable seating. We have come a long way.
The wearing of the gold and blue Sertoma vests was started in 1989 - a distinctive way to promote our club and show our colors.
Our beautiful solid walnut podium sporting the Sertoma seal was made by that master craftsman, Elton Jones, from wood donated by Ryan and Judy Faulkenberry. No other club can boast of such a beautiful piece of work. And don’t forget the little stool that slides out and makes every speaker 6 feet tall.
Anderson Sertoma has always participated in sending delegates to District, Regional and International conventions. We suppose that the most memorable in recent years was the Crescent Limited train ride to New Orleans in 1988. Nineteen made the trip and most got back.
Our club has garnered more than our share of awards at all levels. The banners displaying the medallions attest to this.
And so - Happy 40th, Anderson Sertoma.
Now get ready for 2002 and our Golden Anniversary!
Coming Soon:
Back To the Future To Infinity and Beyond: 1990’s-Present
