The Rote – April 24, 2018
The City of Miami Cemetery
It sure looked like a funeral as 26 Miami Rotarians, 3 Honorary members, 4 guests and 5 City of Miami workers gathered under the shade of a white tent at the historic City of Miami Cemetery. We gathered to remember our founder and first club president, Dr. James Jackson, on the anniversary of his passing back in April 1924.
The cemetery is also the resting place for many other early Miami pioneers and more than a few early Miami Rotarians who led the club in its infancy.
President Phil Seipp called the meeting to order. Don Van Orsdel gave a most fitting invocation and PDG Robin Shelley led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The whole idea for this unique meeting came from our resident historian, Norman Kassoff, and was quickly organized by Diane Landsberg and Don Van Orsdel.
Norm Kassoff, an ardent student of “Jackson history”, spoke of Jackson’s arrival in a very primitive Miami. Were it not for a delay in return transportation, Jackson might not have fallen for the promise and potential of Miami. Originally summoned to be the Railroad Surgeon, Dr. Jackson soon became the community physician, and he worked diligently to improve life in Miami. He was dedicated to people, and he always went above and beyond to do the right thing.
He helped form the YMCA in 1916 and the Rotary Club of Miami in 1917. It is amazing how much he accomplished in a few short years before contracting a lung infection. It is quite possible that the “cure” he was prescribed actually contributed to his death.
It was especially fitting that we had his grandson, Dr. James Jackson Hutson, at this special meeting. At 96 years young, Dr. Hutson is a Rotarian from the Allapattah Club and an Honorary member of our Club. A prominent physician himself, Dr. Hutson was hired by Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker to join the medical department of Eastern Airlines where he worked his way up to Medical Director. Norm also mentioned that Dr. Hutson helped him get into and out of the Navy by giving him his entry and exit physicals for his service in Korea. They have been great friends for quite a long time.
Former Past President and now Honorary member Bob Decker also joined us today, along with his business associate Bill Ramos.
Recently inducted new member Steve Duggan became official by receiving his red Rotary name badge.
To further capture the historic ramifications of the meeting, Robin Shelley introduced his good friend and another special guest today, Dr. Paul George:
- Dr. Paul S. George is a Professor of History, Miami-Dade College, Wolfson Campus. He also serves as Historian to HistoryMiami. A native Miamian, Paul George is a graduate of Miami Dade Community College and the University of Miami.
- He holds a Masters and Ph.D. degree in History from Florida State University. Dr. George has taught in several universities and colleges, including Florida State, Florida A & M, Florida Atlantic, and the University of Miami.
- Paul has authored fifteen books, nearly two hundred articles, book reviews, columns, and numerous unpublished manuscripts. Two of the books have won awards. He has served as editor of three books.
- Dr. Paul George is also very well known for his very extensive tour schedule. He conducts about thirty-five different history tours of Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. He provides a combination of walking, bus and boat tours that provide tour goers the experience of reliving Miami’s rich history.
President Phil Seipp proudly presented Dr. Paul George with the pin & certificate that denotes Honorary membership in the Rotary Club of Miami. Dr. George was very appreciative of the honor and spoke about his familiarity with the history of the Rotary Club of Miami, its long list of notable members and the Club’s many contributions to the community. He also shared that Henry Flagler had also visited this cemetery once for the funeral of one of his key builders of the Key West railroad extension who is buried very close to where we sat.
A special certificate of appreciation was presented to Andrew Holmes and his crew for their help in providing the much appreciated tent and chairs that provided respite from the warm sunny day.
Dr. Hutson was presented with a framed copy of the 100th Anniversary Gala Tribute ads for Dr. Jackson and himself that appeared in our Gala program booklet.
Special thanks went to Diane Landsberg for her efforts in providing the picnic lunch at today’s meeting.
Robin Shelley thanked those who attended the UM vs. Pittsburg baseball game last Friday night. It was a fun night and we hope to continue it next year as well.
Past President Dave Anderson mentioned our upcoming 5/31 Scotch Tasting event. Stay tuned!
Phil reported that the club had a great turnout at RLI last week and that our spirit and accomplishments are certainly being noticed by District. He thanked everyone for coming out today for this special day of remembrance.
Interesting, we had more members present than we usually have at some yacht club lunch meetings.
With our group tucked in between the marble & granite monuments, the trees & grass, Marcia Brod had the honor of closing this most unique, special meeting by leading everyone in the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say and Do.
