President Nate introduced his longtime friend and fellow banker, Don Jeffery, Sr. who spent 54 years in and around Michigan banking, 42 of them as a correspondent banker with NBD. Don is a person who knows all the banks, all the bankers, all the deals done and undone. He is the author of Don't Throw the Empty Bottles in the Trash: A History of Michigan Banking.
Don began his presentation by saying that in 1928 there were 782 banks in Michigan. Today there are on 94! In the 1920s, banking failures had dotted the rural landscape of the country as the new wave of industry and commerce constricted the traditional lifeblood of agriculture. 1929 saw the great stock crash, and 1930 brought with it a new tariff and onerous tightening from the Federal Reserve.
In 1925 there were 617 banks alone that failed in the United States. In 1930 that number was 1,350 and by 1931 it was 2,293. With each failure came an obliteration of many people's life savings, and fear began to spread through the country that an unstoppable cascade would soon materialize.
He mentioned that the FDIC was created through legislation in 1934 and that the largest bank today is JP Morgan Chase with $2.4 trillion in assets. Should you wish a copy of Don’s book signed, you may contact him at: 13296 Wesley, Southgate, MI 48195 – 734-284-0979.
Kudos to Dane Nelson – President Nate recognized Dane for his efforts with the Maple Stadium fundraising and renovations. What a great new look it has off of Division Street here in Adrian! Congrats, Dane! Our club contributed $1,000 toward that effort.
Pathways & Interconnections Project – President Nate mentioned that the painting of the Rotary Room in the back of the building was completed last weekend and thanked all who turned out for it.
One Rotary Summit – Nate also thanked those 6 members who attended last night’s meeting – Susan Tobey, Luke Barnett, Kathye Herrera, Rhonda Gage, Jim Potthast and Yours Truly.
Hurricane Relief Fund – President Nate announced that the District has so far raised $13,000 toward this effort and that a very generous club member who wishes to remain anonymous has announced a matching gift of $1,000! Anyone wishing to make a donation can make their checks out to “Rotary District 6400 Foundation” and make a note in the memo section “Hurricane Relief Fund” and give them to our Treasurer Rhonda. Cash gifts are also welcomed. Please contribute between now and our meeting next week. Our gifts will be matched by the District as well! Thank you.
Fluency Friends 2017-18 School Year – Chairperson Mary Murray reported that we will be once again gearing up for this program at Michener Elementary. Sign-up sheet was passed around during our meeting. We’re looking for another great turnout that has lasting effects on the children that read to. The program will begin mid-October.
Annual River Raisin Cleanup – Prez Nate thanked those who help last Saturday especially Mark & Mary Murray and Luke Barnett who spearheaded this successful event once again. Thanks also go to Rotaractors from both Adrian College and SHU!
September 16 & 17 - Bike Tour – See “Today’s Presentation”
October 2 – District Governor’s Golf Outing – Our club has a team! It will be held at the Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, MI. 12:30pm – shotgun start. Playing will be Greg DuMars, Kevin Keller, Dane Nelson and Gerry Burg.
October 6 – Dedication - On this date the grand opening of the Pathway’s/Interconnections office will be held. The time will be 4:30pm. Please plan to attend.
October 24 – World Polio Awareness Day – Prez Nate reminded members that all of the clubs in the county will be coming together to host a gathering at the Stables in Tecumseh that day. Each club will be sending a number of representatives to it. Each club will be submitting the donations that have been raised thus far to this cause. Our own John Elchert has agreed to help with the planning from our club and will be seeing to it that the community is aware of how significant this is to Rotary all over the world. More info coming.
November 2 – Official Visit by DG Rick Caron
Upcoming Club Program Presentations
September 21 - Libby Watson and new ASO director September28 - Jason Trame - Lenawee YMCA October 5 - Club Assembly October 12 – Eric Driver from Missions Sports Performance
October 19 – Joe Williams - One Lenawee
October 26 - Kathy Williams - Women & Children Homeless Shelter November 2 - DG Rick Caron visit
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President Nate introduced his longtime friend and fellow banker, Don Jeffery, Sr. who spent 54 years in and around Michigan banking, 42 of them as a correspondent banker with NBD. Don is a person who knows all the banks, all the bankers, all the deals done and undone. He is the author of Don't Throw the Empty Bottles in the Trash: A History of Michigan Banking.
Hurricane Relief Fund – President Nate announced that the District has so far raised $13,000 toward this effort and that a very generous club member who wishes to remain anonymous has announced a matching gift of $1,000! Anyone wishing to make a donation can make their checks out to “Rotary District 6400 Foundation” and make a note in the memo section “Hurricane Relief Fund” and give them to our Treasurer Rhonda. Cash gifts are also welcomed. Please contribute between now and our meeting next week. Our gifts will be matched by the District as well! Thank you.
October 24 – World Polio Awareness Day – Prez Nate reminded members that all of the clubs in the county will be coming together to host a gathering at the Stables in Tecumseh that day. Each club will be sending a number of representatives to it. Each club will be submitting the donations that have been raised thus far to this cause. Our own John Elchert has agreed to help with the planning from our club and will be seeing to it that the community is aware of how significant this is to Rotary all over the world. More info coming.
