The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition
Thursday, July 1, 1976
Section C, Page 3

WINFIELD CHAMBER ORGANIZED IN 1949

The Winfield Camber of Commerce had its beginning in The Winfield Journal
Office, with former Editor Oscar RODEN and George THORNTON of The Pastime
Theatre discussing the importance and advantages of Winfield's having a
Chamber of Commerce, and continued over many cups of coffee in the cafes of
winfield(sic) and on the streets as initial plans were made for the
organization meeting held in January 1949.

George THORNTON was made temporary chairman of the organization and Oscar
RODEN, executive secretary, and the organizing committee was composed of
Ivan HILL, M. L. LUCADS, M. C. HOLLIS, Jr., L. C. JOINER, Dr. R. L. HILL,
and T. A. CARNES.

Dr. R. L. HILL introduced the speakers at the organization meeting when
twenty-eight business men and individuals became charter members of the
Chamber.

Fulmer HILL was elected the first president of the Winfield Chamber of
Commerce; L. C. JOINER, vice president; Oscar RODEN, secretary; and Bob
MOORE, Jr., treasurer. On the initial Board of Directors were: Ed HOLLIS,
L. C. JOINER, Ivan HILL, Fulmer HILL, Wally BARTHOLOMEW, J. M. HIGHTOWER,
Sr., Charles WHEELER, Bill ROBERTS, albert ERWIN, M. V. WHITE, Sr., M. L.
LUCAS, T. A. CARNES, R. M. WILBANKS, Dr. M. C. HOLLIS and Bob MOORE, Jr.

Many of the leading businessmen have served in the Chamber of Commerce
official cabinet since that day in January 1949, and many worthwhile plans
have led to great progress for Winfield and surrounding areas. The Chamber
works in cooperation with the city council and the civic and social clubs
to make Winfield more beautiful, a more desirable city, a more prosperous
city by encouraging industry, cooperating to establish Winfield's modern
hospital and other important projects.