History of the Rockville Chapter

Thanks to the discovery of Izaak Walton briefs in the Montgomery Sentinel found via the Library of Congress, we've been able to identify some of our Chapter presidents from the period between 1937 to 1945.

By 1940, the Chapter had 17 committees overseen by the president, Owen Knight, and led by the following committee chairs:

  • Bradley Van Hoesen (river and canal)
  • Alvin Higgins (fish)
  • Joe Fisher (game)
  • Adolph Gude JR (entertainment)
  • Paul Wire (pollution)
  • Frank DeMent (cover and wild life)
  • Rodney Currier (interclub coordination)
  • Reuben Riggs (reception and sick)
  • Gordon Change (education)
  • Alber Ady (public relations)
  • Reuben Riggs (legislation and legal action)
  • Jack Clark (house)
  • Adolph Gude SR (Finance)
  • George H. Darby (membership)
  • Carroll Waters (law enforcement)
  • Dr. E. Russell Cook (county conservation program), and
  • John Clagett (transportation)

At an awards ceremony in July 1994, thirteen past presidents were recognized:

  • Thomas Warren Fisher (1955, 1956)
  • James Naccarato (1964, 1965, 1977, 1988)
  • John D. Andervont (1974)
  • Jerry Jump (1978, 1979)
  • James Dove (1982)
  • James D. O’Neal (1987)
  • Joe Abosso (1992, 1993)
  • John J. O’Rourke (1967)
  • Mark D. Hollis, Jr. (1971, 1980)
  • Michael Talbot (1976)
  • Victor Ezerski (1981)
  • Tom Breeden (1983, 1984)
  • Edward J. Lopez (1990, 1991)
  • Peter Grahn, Jr. (1989, 1994)

Our records show that the Chapter has had 47 presidents. The term is for one year, and most served for only one term. A few individuals have served multiple terms. Most recently, our own Susan Cassell will be beginning her third term as Chapter president beginning this September.

At 10 terms, Lee Hays has served the most terms, followed by Owen Knight at 4 terms and James J. Naccarato at 3.5; there had been a change in the National bylaws that resulted in a new start of term date.

Tied for 3 terms are Miles Greenbaum, Peter Grahn, Jr and Reuben 'Bill' Riggs. Eighteen people have served 2 terms, and twenty-three people have served a single term as president. Many of our former presidents are still active in Chapter activities.