The first fund raising event was a minstrel show put on by the club members. They played to large crowds here in Abingdon and in many neighboring communities.

Another community project that touches many young people is Abingdon Rotary's Eighth Grade Banquet. Students finishing the eighth grade and their teachers are entertained in the spring. That is the time they change from children to young men and women. This program began in May 1942.

Our first real international project was carried out in 1956. Abingdon Rotarians entertained 16 young Turkish students in their homes for eight weeks. These students were seeking to improve their English speaking and understanding ability.

Rotarians seeded the Martin Street City Park and planted numerous trees there.

In 1969 Rotarians constructed a nice picnic shelter in the Main Street Park. It is complete with cement floors and electric lights.

For a number of years, beginning in 1962, Rotarians, with the help of their wives, served a smorgasbord dinner each year. This was served in the grade school all-purpose room to over 600 folks.

During 1969 and 1971, we entertained Group Study Exchange Teams from Japan and Australia. These teams were funded with funds from the Rotary Foundation. This fund receives contributions, mostly from Rotarians, with the idea of promoting peace and understanding between the nations of the world. Over the years, Abingdon Rotarians have contributed more than $24,000 to this fund. Abingdon Rotarians have been honored because of these contributions. They are Kenneth Bulkeley, C.J. Vanderwert, Dr. J. W. Packard, Cornelius Sandoval, Gerald C. Bulkeley, Wilbur Quick, Ray Jones, Francis Kendrick, Harry C. Bulkeley, Eugene C. Bulkeley, Richard B Eyre, W. E. Borg, Paul Cuba, Keith McElwain, Kenneth Davies, Clint Hills, Charles Head, Clarke Sherman, Earl Day, LaVerne Allen, and Glen Castle.

A new money making project was added in 1986. The club bought the J.C. building at the Abingdon fairground and sold steak and pork chop sandwiches and pop at the fall festival and scenic drive.

For the past several years, our fund raising project has been selling Floriday citrus fruit around Thanksgiving. Many smaller community projects have been supported and encouraged by Rotarians.

Harry Bulkeley served this District as District Governor and Rotary International as First Vice President. Kenneth Bulkeley served the district as District Governor in 1958-59 and 1972-73.

A memorial was built in the North City Park, honoring the late Kenneth Bulkeley.

On February 19, 1990, by vote of the Abingdon City Council, the name of the North City Park was changed to Rotary Park. The Rotary hopes to keep the park as a picnic and play area for the younger children. We also plan to add to the playground equipment periodically.

When Abingdon Rotary was originally chartered, it was given the number 1441. Since computerization etc., we are now, and have been for a few years, number 3201.

The most recent improvements to Rotary Park were the Rotary sign and planting of trees in memory of Kenneth Bulkeley and Cornelius Sandoval in 1990-1991. During 1991-1992 the water fountain and flagpole were added. And in 1992-1993 new playground equipment was installed.

In 1993-1994 a new food stand building was erected on the fairgrounds, to be used during our major money making projects. The entire cost of this structure was possible from the sandwich sales at our food stand.