Past President Bob fills in for President Bryan who was on vacation.

Past President Bob reported that President Bryan was apparently so exhausted after the inaugural activities on June 26th that he needed some rest and recuperation.

He introduced Nath Briley who gave our invocation and John Drake who welcomed our visiting Rotarians.

Betty Willis presented our speakers Vivian Price and Maceo Rodgers

Betty Willis introduced our speakers, author Vivian Price and illustrator Maceo Rodgers, who have produced the DeKalb History Center's most recent publication, Historic DeKalb County.

Vivian Price is a life-long resident of DeKalb County and has researched and written numerous publications on history and genealogy. She provided us with an interesting overview of her new book:

• DeKalb County was founded in 1822, carved out of Henry County. New settlers were flocking to this area, because land was being distributed for free using a lottery system. Settlers received 2 to 2-1/2 acres, paying only a filing fee.
• When DeKalb County was formed, it was twice as large as it is today, stretching all the way to the Chattahoochee River.
• DeKalb County was named for Baron Johann DeKalb, a hero of the Revolutionary War.
• Decatur became the county seat because it was located at the intersection of two major Indian trails. Decatur is named for the naval hero, Stephen Decatur, who is best known for his successful battles against the Barbary pirates of Africa.
• Aside from Decatur, three other major communities existed in DeKalb County when it was formed. The Standing Peachtree Community, home of the influential Montgomery family, was located near what is now the Atlanta water plant. The Old Cross Keys community included the Primitive Baptist Church, built in 1824, which is still holding services today. Near what is now Lithonia, Macedonia Baptist Church was the center of that community. It is the oldest church in DeKalb County, and it is also still holding services today.
• In 1848, Atlanta was created, and in 1853, Fulton County was created. With their removal, DeKalb County became the size it is today.
• As Atlanta became a transportation hub, DeKalb County became an industrial hub. A proliferation of sawmills contributed heavily to the economic growth of our county
• Current cities within DeKalb County are also highlighted within the book.
• Vivian emphasized that her book is not intended to be Volume 2 of the official history of DeKalb County. Instead, it is divided into three different parts for an integrated view of the county since its inception. Part 1 is Through the Years, and it is a factual narrative of county history to the present. Part 2 is People, Places and Events, with many stories on a wide variety of topics and time periods. Part 3 is Sharing the Heritage, with profiles of institutions and businesses that have made significant contributions to and influences on the success of DeKalb County. The book also includes numerous unique photographs and illustrations contributed by the DeKalb History Center, Emory University, Georgia State University, and by the illustrator, Maceo Rodgers.

  Maceo Rodgers is a person of many talents as well. He is the Deputy Director of the DeKalb County Office of Economic Development. He is also the artist responsible for the numerous paintings and watercolors throughout the publication, Historic DeKalb County.

  Maceo confessed that he is often asked how economic development and art relate to each other. He explained that vision and planning are required for both of his passions. Just as he envisions the subject and the results before he starts painting on a blank canvas, he also envisions the correct business and the results for new developments within the county.

  He said that his contributions to the book were rewarding experiences for him, both as an artist and because he was able to talk with residents about their particular communities.

  Their book is available for purchase at the DeKalb History Center.

  In honor of their presentation, Darrow Willey selected Voice & Vision: A Guide to Writing History and Other Serious Nonfiction, for donation to the DeKalb County Library system.

  Reported by Betty Spiker

John Drake introduced our visiting Rotarians.

Bo Sundmark, from the Stockholm, Sweden Club presented us with his Club's flag, and Past President Bob presented Bo with one of our flags.

• July 03: Warren Davidson
• July 04: Bob Castellani and Robert Soens
• July 05: Betty Spiker
• July 08: Linton Broome
• July 09: Al Raab
• July 10: Walt Drake
• July 16: Ted O'Callaghan
• July 17: Joe Kusmik and Barbara Tedrow
• July 19: John Kline
• July 21: John Bennett
• July 27: Jim Thibadeau and Jim Topple
• July 30: Mark Whatley

Upcoming Programs

• Welcoming Guests

  John Drake introduced our visiting Rotarian Bishop Bevil Jones, from the Atlanta Club and Bo Sundmark, from the Stockholm, Sweden Club. Jim Jarboe introduced his guest, his wife Mary K. Jarboe. Betty Willis welcomes former member Mark Dehler.

  If you have news to share about our Club members or a member spotlight, please let us know so we can feature it here. It is even better if the information is already in written form with a photo!

  Officers for Decatur Rotary:

  President - Bryan Downs

  President-Elect - C.J. Becker

  Past President - Mark Hastings

  Secretary - Vee Nelson

  Treasurer - Jason Conn

  Sergeant-at-Arms - Doug Torbush

  District Governor - Roy Strickland

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  Join us! Decatur Rotary Club meets each Friday at noon at the Old Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur.

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  The four-way test of the things we think, say or do:

  Is it the TRUTH?

  Is it FAIR to all concerned?

  Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

  Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

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  Directions: Old Courthouse on the Square