American Rhododendron Society's Gold Medal Award
Citation to Dr. J. Harold Clarke
Edward B. Dunn
President, American Rhododendron Society
Dr. J. Harold Clarke has rendered outstanding service to the American Rhododendron Society from its inception. He had actively worked with the genus Rhododendron for many years before the Society was formed.
His contributions as President of the Portland Chapter and of the National Society are extensive. From 1958 to 1963, as National President, he served his members well, by attending many of the Chapter meetings, and keeping them informed by writing articles and comments in the Quarterly Bulletin, and by his diplomatic thoughts and actions in local and National Board meetings.
After graduating from Purdue University he became a professional plant breeder in the New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture. He wrote many articles for that Experiment Station, lectured on radio and to garden clubs, and wrote a book on the Culture of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Dr. Clarke has further served this Society as Vice President, Yearbook Editor, Executive Vice President, Executive Secretary, and Editor. Because of his experience in writing, he accepted the capacity as Editor of the Quarterly Bulletin for five and a half years. This involves accumulating quality pictures, meeting deadlines, and writing to many people requesting information or articles.
In view of these contributions and activities, he has been recognized internationally and has been our representative in England and Scotland.
To Dr. J. Harold Clarke, whose devotion to this organization has been shown by his willingness to serve individual members as well as the National Society, to drive the many miles from Long Beach, Washington, to attend Chapter meetings, National Board meetings, and many Committee meetings, and to spend hours of his personal time for the American Rhododendron Society, we issue the Gold Medal.
Signed Edward B. Dunn, President, American Rhododendron Society, April 22nd, 1969.