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.