Russians at the Minnesota Rotary

Russians at Rotary

 

In 1955 Khrushchev, curious about feed crops that would boost Soviet production of meat, sent his Deputy Agricultural Minister Vladimir Matskevich and a delegation to tour Midwestern farms. They came back impressed by the productivity of American farms, and committed to introducing hybrid corn to Soviet soil.

Original Source: The Rotarian. An International Magazine. October 1955, 48

pearsonThey paced off corn fields and inspected diaries. And everywhere, the Soviet Russian farmers touring the United States encountered citizens eager to show what made their communities good ones. Rotary Clubs, naturally, were on the schedule.

On one Tuesday recently the touring party split into two groups–and visited two Minnesota Rotary Clubs at the same time. One party dropped in on the new Club in Shakopee (chartered on Rotary’s 50th Birthday last February 23). There the Russians stood at attention during the Club’s opening anthem–The Star-Spangled Banner. They enjoyed roast beef and pork chops and pumpernickel bread, and listened attentively while their interpreters explained the meeting.

The Club President, Dr. B. F. Pearson, greeted the delegation, headed by Soviet First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Matskevich. Dr. Pearson told Agriculturalist Matskevich a bit about Rotary and its role in 92 lands. Tactfully he suggested that someday Russians might consider Rotary.
The Russian leader thanked Dr. Pearson and said he hoped their unexpected arrival “wouldn’t interfere with the Rotary luncheon.”

Meantime, in near-by New-Prague, the other Russian travelers were lunching with the New Prague Club. The meeting that day was moved to the offices of the Minnesota Valley Breeders Association, an organization of cattle raisers. As wives and employees of the Association served a large, farm-style meal, Club President W. J. Topka, a bank president, paced the program. Past President Joseph J. Turek explained to the visitors what Rotary is–and also commended it to the attention of the visitors at home.

By the time the two groups hopped aboard their air-conditioned buses to resume their tour, all the Russians had a better idea about the free institution called Rotary.new.prague

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