History
The following passage is from the 50th Anniversary. Written and complied by Wally Wicks in 1997. At that time three charter members, Robert Mattocks, Starling Pelletier, and Robert Mills were still active.
Our Rich History
The Rotary Club of Maysville was chartered on February 14, 1947 . A charter presentation program and banquet was held at the old Maysville School on March 12, 1947 with sponsorship and formalities conducted by The Rotary Club of Trenton. Maysville then became a part of the world's greatest volunteer service organization, Rotary International. There were 18 charter members present. The Maysville Club has enjoyed a rich history of community service since that time. Mother club to Pollocksville, Jacksonville, and Swansboro, we understand the importance of establishing new clubs and providing support to new members.
Maysville Rotarians became involved with a great many civic activities, Rotary meetings and convivial fellowship. Never a large Club, membership over the years has ranged from about ten up to twenty members. Early on, the Maysville group developed a reputation for attending and enlivening the various Rotary meetings and functions in the District.
Meetings
Over the years, the weekly Tuesday supper meetings were held in several locations including the Methodist Church and a restaurant. After the formation of the Maysville Community Service Association and construction of the Community Building, in which the club played an active part, meetings were held there. Around 1987 the club changed to a Tuesday morning meeting with breakfast at the Community Building. Julia Barbee cooked for Rotary for a number of years and her home cooked meals are fondly remembered. Eventually the meetings moved to Wednesday morning breakfast at Janet’s Restaurant.
Projects
For many years, the key project for Maysville Rotary has been the giving of a cash award for college scholarships each year. Over $20,000 has now been awarded to students in the Maysville aea. In 1972, Rotarian Jimmy Jones died while serving as a fireman on a large forest fire. The award was then named, The James Melville Jones Scholarship in his honor.
During these years of service, the club has also helped support and contributed to many other civic causes: RYLA; Boys and Girls Homes at Lake Waccamaw; Maysville Community Service Building and Park; the Finer Carolina Award and Governor’s Excellance Award for Maysville; helping organize and sponsor new Rotary Clubs in Jacksonville and Pollocksville; ‘Adopt A Highway’ program; Salvation Army and Christmas baskets for the needy to name a few.
Fund Raising
Fund raising for Club projects has always been a challenge for this small club. For several years, a very enjoyable and successful Horse Show was held. Fishing tournaments, Raffle tickets, Yard Sales, Bar-B-Que and Chicken Plates, and numerous other endeavors have been conducted. An investment partnership called the Cog Wheel Fund Group was also organized as an adjunct to Rotary with returns on investments contributing to Club activities.
Member Recognition
Three members of the Club achieved singular honors in Rotary service and dedication: Tom Foscue served as Rotary District Governor in 1960 — 61. Robert Mattocks completed 50 years of perfect attendance and Milan LaRoque has completed 20 years of perfect attendance.
Nine members have been named Paul Harris Fellows, a high honor in Rotary. These honored members were Tom Foscue, Robert Mattocks, G. Starling Pelletier, Bill Cotton, Milan LaRoque,With it’s twelve present active members, The Rotary Club of Maysville looks forward to many more years of ‘Service Above Self’ in the Maysville Community.