History & Tradition - Whopper Gavel
History of the Whopper Gavel
As I was browsing through the magazines, I came across this fascinating story regarding an object made. I have no idea how accurate this is. There is one photo showing a couple of men with a large gavel. Looks like I will have to dig around to find out more information on this whopper gavel and perhaps find out where it might have become misplaced. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading the article as I did.
In August of 1928, Rex T. Kearney, of the 20-30 Club of Stockton, No. 2, was elected to the high office, of the President of the Association of 20-30 Clubs. He realized well, his duties and responsibilities and promised, upon the taking of the office, to use all the strength he possessed to better the organization. But he knew, also, that he lacked instruments to carry out his ambitious program.
It came to pass, that a one Dick Denton, of Bakersfield, then District Governor, of District Three, became aware of the needs of President Rex. Whereupon, he went out into the vast open spaces and meditated. Deeply he pondered, and finally arrived at a solution. He would have made, a gavel – of such size and proportions that it would command respect for the President of the Association. It would enable our chief executive to have order constantly prevail at Convention assembled. Eureka, the big problem was solved, in a still bigger way!
Plans and specifications were immediately drawn by Governor Dick. The gavel would be 36 inches high, 8 inches in diameter, and the handle, made of strong sturdy wood, would be 36 inches in length – that it would weigh 45 pounds. And it came to pass, that this gavel, at a great cost, became a reality.
Now, on the 30th day of August, 1929, A.D., Governor Dick, presented, to President Rex, at the Convention in Hollywood, this mammoth gavel – and whereupon, President Rex used it in style that was fitting to the high office.
It was decreed at that Convention, that from then on, Rex T. Kearney, was to be the Custodian of the Whopper Gavel. This office he held, with honor and pomp, til August 31st 1930.
On that date, in the Sainte Clair Hotel, in San Jose, Calif., said gavel – the Whopper Gavel – the sacred property of the Association of 20-30 Clubs was found, unguarded in the hallways of the aforementioned Hotel. Consternation reigned, tumultuous raptures pierced the ether, and two men came boldly forth to protect this holy instrument.
These men, valiant and loyal Twenty-Thirtians, took possession of the gavel and with great care and tenderness transported it to the City of Sacramento, and turned it over to the 20-30 Club of Sacramento, No. 1. These men will ever live in the history of 20-30 – Russell Harris, lawyer, and statesman extraordinary, and George Barnes, Past President of the Sacramento Club, a diplomat of no mean calibre.
The Sacramento Club, aware of the sacredness of the gavel, and appreciating the spirit and bravery of these two, have bestowed upon these men, the high office, of “Custodians of the Whopper Gavel.” Immediately, these men took possession of said instrument, and fearing that an invasion from other clubs might relieve them of the gavel, rented a safe deposit box in a local bank, the name of said banking institution not being divulged, in order to further protect the sacred gavel. The Association in recognition of their services, has placed their names on the Honor Roll.
(written article in the September 1930 Twenty-Thirtain Magazine)
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