R/RFHA Newsletter, March 2001                                            P.2

From Rita Rawlins, 5690 Foxlake Drive, North Ft. Myers, FL 33917

NY Times Obit, April 11,1898

JOSEPH W. ROLLINGS, aged 27

1988 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY

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Remember, those subscribers who have not yet sent in their renewals, this issue will be the last you will receive. The 2000 Index is enclosed. Please let me know if yours is not in this envelope

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Our organization is once again listed in Elizabeth Bentley's "Directory of Family Associations'...and in the Gale Research Company's "Encyclopedia of Associations".

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On P.42 of the December issue You will note a mention was made concerning our RICHARD ROLLINS of New Mexico, formerly of New Hampshire. He was going to send us more information on that line and did so - a whole book. More later.

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I don't know how many of you were cognizant of the existence of one JERRY RAWLINGS the charismatic ex-fighter pilot in the British armed forces who staged two coups and let a military government in Ghana before embracing democratic ideals which now embodies Ghana's government. Nineteen years ago he led a revolt against a repressive government which had taken over after Ghana had obtained its freedom from British rule in 1957. He has led the country from military rule until democracy was established and he has been elected twice (1992 and 1996) as president of his nation. He stepped down in December. He pushed for monetary reforms...for free elections, and as the law now dictates no more than two terms for the presidency, his Vice President John Atta Mills is expected to lead the government with no problems. It is said RAWLINGS will be a hard act to follow and the country is one of the few in which democracy has flourished after a turbulent decade of opposition from other parties. JERRY RAWLINGS was the very handsome and intelligent son of a Scottish merchant and an Ashanti tribal princess.

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Speaking of RAWLINGS associations I was speaking with one of our members on the telephone a week or so ago (sorry I can't remember who) who said he had remembered a very popular soft drink "RAWLINGS Ginger Beer". Anyone else remember?

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June Waterman, (who researched with the late member Ann Armstrong) with the assistance of another member, Ed Wiessing, compiled Ann's papers and at her request submitted them to the Lewis Historical Library at Vincennes University in Indiana. Ann would be so proud.