My curiosity peaked when I was told historian and banker Howard Boyle was conducting research for the Kent Historical Society, however I was more excited to learn that Howard's research will eventually become a book! I'm not sure about everyone else, but I always heard about the Haymaker's story. The Kent family always seemed to be missing from various conversations I've heard through the years. I had no idea that Zenas Kent grew up in Connecticut and moved with his parents to Western Reserve in 1811. Eventually marrying Pamela Lewis, the couple had 12 children, 10 of which survived adulthood. Howard provided so many interesting facts about this time period, that I found myself lost amongst the descriptions of both struggles and successes. The most interesting fact that I learned was the connection of the Kent family and their investment in the Erie Railroad. That railroad's importance led to Franklin Mills renaming itself Kent. How incredible to think that this family had such an influence on the community that their name was selected and continues today. Thank you Howard for once again leading us down a historical path that kept us longing for more. I will be one of the first to buy the book! See you all on Tuesday as we celebrate our successes of the past year, while we welcome Amanda and our leadership of tomorrow!!!
President Rachel welcomed the group by calling the meeting to order at ~12:15pm. Our patriotic song of the day was National Anthem with David Dix (on piano); Dominique Bolenbacher (vocals) led the club in the singing of It’s a Grand Ole Flag followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Invocation for today’s meeting was offered by Joan Seidel. Marc Pennell, Adam Alderson, and Roger Kramer working tech; Dominique handling photo; and Brian K Bialik handling Rotareminder duties.
There were no visiting Rotarians.
Visitors / Guests
Jim Myers introduced Henry Halem of the Kent Historical Society.
Howard T. Boyle, II introduced his grandson, Teddy Boyle.
Bill Childers introduced his guest, Greg Dostal, of Portage Community Bank.
Student of the Month
None
Announcements
Nancy announced the next KRF Board meeting is tomorrow night at the Kent Free Library at 7:00pm.
Joan Seidel announced that June 21st will be the next Health Screening event from 11-1pm. Please reach out to Joan for additional details.
Doug shared with the club that the next Tap Talks are: this Thursday, June 17th – Charlie Thomas, et al, will be speaking on the history of Ray’s; July 15th Chuck Ayers, cartoonist/author will be visiting Kent; and, July 22nd will be a talk about Antonio Gates, former KSU basketball great and retired tight end for the San Diego Chargers.
Jennifer, once again, extended invitations to all for a late-afternoon/early-evening social event at Marathon Financial, Thursday June 12th.
Dominique announced the City of Kent will commence its movie programs at Al Lease. Please check the City’s website for more details. Also, the city is looking for a crossing guard. Finally, there will be a City Hall ribbon-cutting ceremony next week. All are welcome.
Todd Kamenesh thanked all of the volunteers who assisted with the IGTA Conference held at KSU last week. Also, Habitat for Humanity is looking for Live Auction items for their upcoming auction event. Please contact either Todd or Rachel if you wish to donate. Finally, Todd announced a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser benefitting CASA of Portage County on Saturday, June 14th. It will be held at the Kent American Legion on 1945 Mogadore Rd., Kent 10:30am registration – 11:30am KSU – 5-6:30pm dinner. There will be live music, Basket Auctions and, a Duma Meats raffle. Tickets and bike run are $20 – kids are free. Please reach out to Sean or Cole at 330.980.6676 and 330.968-8381 respectively.
Bill Childers wanted Rotarians to know that the United Way’s Day-of-Caring is coming up on June 27th and, unrelated to this, the next Salvation Army food distribution event will be on July 2nd.
Happy Bucks
Jim Myers celebrated he and Sally becoming Great Grand Parents of new baby Keaton Elizabeth Kent, who came into this world at 7lbs 3oz.
Mary Beth’s son Will was recently married in Paris – congratulations to Will and Analia.
Lee Higgins recognized his granddaughter who will be a senior in HS next year spending much of her time at Ottobein College in a special program giving her freshman status.
Anne was very happy that the Chamber and Visitor Center is right across from the KSU Hotel. She was able to meet many new people during the IGTA conference.
Tom Hatch’s HB was for the kitchen staff at the UMC for coming up with the Southwest Chicken meal for lunch. If they prepare it again, he will buy lunch for the entire club. (Wishful thinking.)
Carol complimented Past President Asad for the dinner he served, which she purchased with others at the Rotary Auction this past March.
David Dix echoed similar sentiments regarding the Asad dinner event.
Nancy Whitehead confessed to a toilet-papering incident that was thwarted by a friendly police officer. Apparently, the club did not properly vet her when she was admitted.
Program
History of the Kent Family
Howard T. Boyle, II
This afternoon, esteemed Rotarian, and defacto local historian, Howard T. Boyle, II, presented a perspective on the the City’s namesake family – Kent. Being a lifelong resident of Kent, Howard has dedicated much of his adult life to learning and understanding the Kent family and how their contributions shaped and influenced our local community.
It is rare thing that any community have someone who can look at a picture and immediately begin a narration on an individual, or a place, or even an event - Howard is one such person. I can speak from personal experience when I say he is able to recite details so granular that makes it hard for the outside observer to find believable - but it is.
Rather than attempt to summarize a 40+ minute presentation, this author thought it would be better to capture the essence of Howard’s remarks, by arranging for a complete audio recording be made available via the Kent Historical (KHS) for all those interested. I have included an email link below to the Kent Historical Society. Any person may click on this link and request a copy of this recording from the archives of KHS:
Information in this eBulletin comes primarily from the Rotareminder, board meeting minutes, and stories submitted by members.
If you have any Rotary stories, events or speaker information to benefit the Club, please submit it to info.rotarykentohio.org@gmail.com. We will add it to the next appropriate eBulletin.
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