Albert J. Rathbone

1965-67

Albert J. Rathbone, known to all as “Al”, was not only well known for his work among teachers, active as well as retired, but was possessed of qualities to make him a man for his time. During his term as Administrative Vice-President, he made careful survey of the needs of the divisions and even visited most of them. Among Al’s various jobs he had been financial executive of a large church and had seen that and organization like CalRTA could not continue to function on voluntary help with frequent changes and no real headquarters. With a clear objective, balanced judgment, and a good choice of personnel, he started on what was to be a turning point in the history of CalRTA. Since it meant so much to growth and smooth operation of the organization, which now had a membership of 15,000, we list the steps that accomplished change over, as it is real history. (See Business Office History.)

Moving rapidly, Business Administrator Walter Hemmerling, working with President Al Rathbone and J. A. Thomason, succeeded in obtaining form the State Teachers Retirement Board, the names of 32,000 living retirees. A letter was sent to each one who was not yet a member of CalRTA asking them to join and to donate a dollar or more to aid the legislative program. This brought in more than $23,000. Together with the allotted 10 percent of the regular budget for legislative purposes, the Legislative Committee would be able to use this special fund to help get legislation passed.

In February 1968, authorization was given to establish the office downtown in Napa at 1716 Jefferson Street, a brand new office, which would be ready by March 1, 1968. President Al visited Napa and was very pleased with the selection. The Business Administrator was also authorized to employ a full time secretary and to purchase the equipment a modern office required. The CalRTA desk, and chairs, previously stored in the CTA office in Los Angeles, were sent for. For the first time it membership receipts were stored in protective files instead of in open wooden boxes. There are files for the membership cards of the current year and for the three previous years. Frequent reference is made to the latter.

The various bank savings accounts were reviewed. Some in checking accounts were put into saving accounts and saving and loan associations. No money was left idle. As dues came in, they were deposited into interest bearing savings accounts and transfers are made to the checking account only as money was needed to carry on the current business.

 In 1968 legislative activity resulted in the increase of the CalSTRS death benefit from $400 to $500.

There was considerable change in the major committee assignments: Dr. Robert Gillingham became chairman of legislation; Myrtle Force asked to be relieved as editor of the California Pioneer Teacher after serving 8 ½ years, and was succeeded by Abigail Dunn.

Al Died on March 16, 1968, but his part in the growth of CalRTA will never be forgotten.