Japanese Honor Awarded
William "Robbie" Robinson, a charter member of the American Rhododendron Society was honored by the government of Japan on April 29 for helping to foster "civilization, friendship and peace" through his work at the Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Robinson received the medal of the Sixth Class order of service given by emperor Hirohito on the emperor's 84th birthday. The former senior garden foreman for the city of Portland, Mr. Robinson, is an honorary director of the Japanese Garden Society. His garden activities extend over many years, in 1968 the Portland Chapter honored him with their bronze medal for his help in the development of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.