Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the 2009 annual report
by Nancy McAlpin
Foundation Secretary Nancy McAlpin sat down to interview Gordon Honeyman for this feature. In typical Gordon fashion, he chose to shine the light on the work done by others and not on his own significant contributions. But the sentiment of the Foundations’ members is unanimous: Gordon made a great organization even greater through his involvement. Here is what Nancy learned:
Gordon had interest in finding a spot on a local Board in 1994. As he looked around the Tipp City community, the Tipp City Area Community Foundations became a natural choice for his service. He was strongly attracted to the organization because of the people in charge and the people who had been the stewards of the organization over the years. Ruth Hawley and Jim Kyle were among those leaders, along with Mr. Orville F. Whitmer, an active member and organizer of the Foundations. Each of them had made a difference to Gordon in the past and to our community, so he threw his hat into the ring.
At that time, there was not a large endowment, but it wasn’t long before Miss Helen Timmer left the Foundations a substantial sum of money through her estate. With that generous gift, the Foundations had money to begin a history of worthwhile projects and support of the community.
Through his membership, Gordon began an acquaintance with Lucille and Bill Milner. Lucille served on the board of the Foundations, was very active in the community, and extremely involved with the Eastern Stars. She had a love of nature and had a home built at 10 Parkwood Drive, which is now Gordon’s beautiful home. The 33 trees in that yard became a steppingstone for the many trees that have since been planted throughout Tipp City funded by grants from the Lucille Milner Trees for Tipp Fund.
Gordon recalls some of the early grant requests. One, involving welcome signs at either end of the Tipp City limits, stands out in his mind. He also remembers working closely with the Tipp City Lion’s Club to find a way to assure that Anne Kepple, a beloved retired Tipp City Schools music teacher, received a much-needed Opticon reading machine, an adaptive device for the blind.
Gordon, appointed by the school board to the Foundations, has always loved the concept of supporting our local schools. This has been a clear focus of his attention. The Foundations has ensured that many students have access to items and activities that might not otherwise have been possible. The technical demands, the field trips, and the teacher support make the Foundation a “feather in the school’s cap.” Gordon’s pride and enthusiasm for our local schools brings a generous smile to his face.
Gordon sees a strong future for the Tipp City Area Community Foundations. The recent economic recession has been hard, but as the economy returns to a more normal footing, great growth is to be expected. The Tipp City community will see the impact of the Foundations’ new Funds (such as the as the Warren G. Miltenberger Parkland Fund and the Urban Stewardship Fund) and want to follow this path of generosity for generations to come.
It was a cloudy day when I talked with Gordon but that did not matter; his clear focus and love of our town generated enough light for all of us that day. Thank you, Gordon, for a job well done and a continued passion for being the Foundation’s friend and supporter.
MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION
“In the spring of 2009, Gordon Honeyman ended his long years of service to the Foundations. Joining Ruth Hawley and Jim Kyle, he is now an emeritus member of the organization.
During his years of service, Gordon worked tirelessly to support and promote not only the Tipp City Area Community Foundations but also his beloved hometown, Tippecanoe. In 1994, he became a member of Tipp City Area Community Foundations’ Distribution Committee.
His steady hand, calm nature and the confidence that he inspires in others lent credibility to the work of the Foundations. Since joining the board, thirteen new, named funds were added to the Foundation’s roster.
As the Tipp City Exempted Village School Board’s named representative to the Foundations, it was natural that he would also serve as a founding member of the Tippecanoe Educational Endowment, a fund of the Foundations. He took on that community leadership role beginning in 1999.
Therefore, we name Gordon Honeyman an Emeritus member of the Tipp City Area Community Foundations and a treasure of his hometown.“ -Mayor Tim Evans
Fun Facts about Gordon
Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Gordon
What year did your ancestors settle in this area? 1790s in Monroe Township
What were your parents’ names? Paul and Gladys Honeyman
Tell us about your folks. Dad had Honeyman Electric; he was in the Main Street building that burned in 2009, next to what is now Benkin’s Antiques. Mom stayed home and looked after the Honeyman children.
How many brothers and sisters do you have? There are 6 siblings – I am #4
Where was the Honeyman home? 513 West Dow Street
What year did you graduate from Tipp High School? Class of 1957, and I have made it to every class reunion since then.
What Tipp teacher inspired you and why? Mary Kyle Michael, who taught English grammar and literature – she was wonderful.
Tell us what you did after graduating from THS. I attended THE Ohio State University, where I earned a BA in Spanish. That was 1961. After that I joined the army, and from there I went to New York City, where I joined Merrill Lynch. In 1969 I returned to Tipp City.
Tell us more about Merrill Lynch: I’m a Vice President there and just celebrated my 44th anniversary.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a summer weekend? Hang around our great little town.
What’s your favorite Tipp City restaurant of long ago? Easily Paddy’s Tippecanoe Inn (corner of Main and 2nd Streets)
Where do you like to hang out these days? Harrison’s, Coldwater Café and of course the American Legion.
What volunteer organization is keeping you busy now that you have retired from the Foundations board? Tipp City United Way
Do you have a church affiliation? Lifelong member of the Tipp City United Methodist Church.
What are your favorite buildings in Historical Tipp City: The Monroe Township Building and the Old City
Building. (The Monroe Township building is on the Southeast corner of 3rd and Main Streets. The Old City Building is on the Northeast corner of 3rd and Main Streets; it was originally built as a fire engine house and currently houses Tipp Monroe Community Services.)
What Tipp City person did you know as a youngster who inspired you and why? Ann Ingerman, who lived in the Opera House – she taught me a lot about history and antiques.
Your favorite saying? Good Gosh!
What is the next thing that Tipp City should do to continue its trend of being a hip place to live? Make the historical buildings look like they did when they were built. And definitely change the name back to the original: Tippecanoe!