ALL HISTORY OF SE-ARS

Kehr Memorial Garden

FOUNDING OF SE-ARS

NATIONAL MEETINGS

Hybridizers

Presidents

AWARDS

Dr. August Kehr ..................... Dr. Ernest Yelton

DR. ERNEST H. YELTON CO-FOUNDER OF SE-ARS, 13 MARCH 1957

                                    Photo by Steve Henning.
ARS President Augie Kehr presents the Silver Medal and citation to Ernest H. Yelton in 1976.
Source: Quarterly Bulletin – American Rhododendron Society – Winter 1977

Citation:
Since acting as cofounder of the Southeastern Chapter in 1957, you have contributed vigorously and consistently to the Society, and to the advancement of the practical understanding of the rhododendron culture in the Southeastern United States.
        You have served as president of your local chapter and have been a frequent show judge and speaker throughout the region. Through contributions to the Bulletin, you have been able to share your knowledge gained through long personal experience as a hybridizer and grower of rhododendrons.
        In assisting in the formation of the Piedmont Chapter, acting as program chairman of the 1967 National Convention in Asheville, North Carolina, and in the wide distribution of your own plant material, you have given generously of yourself. You continue to do so as a frequent contributor to the Seed Exchange and as a member of the National Board of Directors.
        The American Rhododendron Society is pleased to present its Silver Medal to ERNEST H. YELTON, M.D.

 

The story of our home page rhodo:
Our profile picture is of a Rhododendron fortunei seedling, not the pure species as it undoubtedly has hybridization.  It has pleasing color with a true non-lavender pink with yellowish center, and is highly fragrant.  It was raised from open pollinated seed I collected in the late 70's courtesy of Dr. Herbert Hechenbleikner at the UNC-Charlotte rhododendron glen.  It has special significance for our chapter, as the parent plant had been donated to UNC-Charlotte by Ernest Yelton,MD, of Rutherfordton, NC, who was the cofounder of the Southeastern Chapter ARS in 1957 (see Leon Pace's account of the founding of the chapter on se-ars.org). Submitted by Jackson McCarter,MD

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