QBARS - v21n3 Gold Medal Citation to Cecil Smith

Gold Medal Award Citation To Cecil Smith Of Aurora, Oregon
Edward B. Dunn, President

Since the early formative years of the Society, Cecil Smith has worked continuously with enthusiasm and dedication for the advancement of the Society. He has also worked in numerous others ways to share his knowledge of rhododendrons with others.

Cecil Smith's service to the Society extends over many years as a National Director and as a frequent contributor of articles to the Society's publication. He has been the major source of photographs needed for the Society's publications, making this his special project.

Cecil Smith has developed an unusually fine slide collection of rhododendrons in color. These he uses as a basis for the many rhododendron programs he has presented to various chapters of the Society and other horticultural groups, thus helping to increase interest in the genus Rhododendron.

In a woodland setting near Aurora, Cecil Smith has created one of the finest rhododendron gardens in the Northwest. Many individuals and garden groups tour his garden each year and he has shared his knowledge of rhododendrons generously with all these people.

His garden of outstanding rhododendrons has been the source of pollen for the work of hybridizers in many areas. It has also been the foundation for his own hybridizing, begun in 1951 and only now bringing him growing recognition.

To CECIL SMITH, whose work for the Society has been continuous and richly productive, whose knowledge and rhododendron resources have been generously shared with all and whose motivation has been solely the love of rhododendrons, the American Rhododendron Society presents its highest tribute.

THE GOLD MEDAL by unanimous action of the Board of Directors in Seattle, Washington April 9, 1967.