Erika Willitzer and Jane Nice at the celebration
The Herb Monroe Park dedication took place on Tuesday, September 30 in Paulding. This project began as a dream and with the help of two Leadership in Action Classes sponsored by the Paulding Chamber, it became a reality. The Village of Paulding acquired the property from Certified Gas Station located at the corner of Jackson and Main in Downtown Paulding and then leased it to the Chamber to beautify.
The Paulding High School Marching Band performed several songs in memory of the late Herb Monroe.
The dedication began with Marsha Yeutter, Director of the Paulding County Senior Center, opening with her history and how much Herb Monroe did with the organization and making sure he always brought the cookies. One thing he loved: helping people in the community (and bringing cookies to the Senior Center). One thing he hated on the menu: Liver. He avoided liver day completely, and who could blame him? “Deliver Me from Liver!” he is quoted.
Herb also started the Alzheimers Association in helping others with their family members needs like he did with his wife, Millie.
At age 91 he was still delivering Meals on Wheels with his friend Hank Brune, having had a great time of fellowship.
After Marsha reminded everyone how cold it was two years ago in November when the project began officially with the demolition of the old and decrepit Citgo fuel station, Peggy Emerson was introduced as the new Chamber of Commerce Director for Paulding, and thanked everyone for coming to the dedication.
There are still a small number of items that need installed including the signage and the completion of the gas fireplace. The bricks with contributors names still must be installed and the sale of these stones will help with the continued upkeep for the park.
Leadership in Action came up with the original design and later it was changed and finalized with the help of Chris Banks of Creative Landscape and Design.
The platinum contributors include: Kiwanis Club of Paulding County, Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative, State bank and trust, and the Whirrett Family. Also, Ron Williamson was made an honorary platinum contributor because of all his hard work. There were also many others who donated to make this possible.
Herb Monroe passed away on November 11, 2011 at the age of 98. Even at that age, people testified he was full of joy.
Erika Willitzer, previous President of Paulding Chamber, was encouraged by how much love and joy he gave to the community. He would be embarrassed if he knew what was going on in his honor, but he would be excited that people were making the community a better place to live. When she first met Herb he was very interested in her family. She couldn’t believe he would care so much, let alone remember.
Willitzer also pointed how much Leadership In Action did to make this possible.
The cover of the new book by Jane Nice with the picture of Millie and Herb Monroe.
Jane Nice spoke on her experiences with Herb and her decision to interview him, turning into the written biography, “Married to Mille…The Humble Life of Herb Monroe”. It ended up being years of meetings and recordings of his life. “The book could have been named War and Peace (due to it’s size) but because it was written of Herb it was just named “Peace”. The book is 800 pages of knowing a Paulding legend and his family.
Bob Monroe, son of Herb, was there with his family for this event. He spoke of his father and how he would love the new park, but not necessarily the honor. “This would be the start of many good things to come.” Bob stated.
This project has been a pride project. It’s taken a corner that looked like an eyesore and turned it into a place where families and friends can enjoy each other and create new memories.
Nearly 75 people braved the weather and participated in this joyous event.
The Paulding Presbyterian Church Choir was there to sing a song they wrote in Memory of Herb. He was a big promoter of the church and loved serving in the choir.
The beautification process has taken over two years and there is absolutely no way the park would be nearly finished without the support of its people.
This community has memorialized Herb Monroe in a special way for future generations.
