Charles W. Preston

1953-1957

Following in the footsteps of Warren Conrad, Charles W. Preston, a retired Los Angeles principal, made his mark in CRTA history. He was determined to stir the fires in the local divisions and promote good fellowship in a statewide group. He encouraged all groups to attend state board meetings. Charles Preston advised divisions to make directories of their members, with addresses and phone numbers   for better communication. He promoted attendance at state board meetings by division presidents, each of whom gave a two-minute report at the general meeting. He had division by laws written to agree with the state bylaws. He visited divisions all over the state, and was active in forming new divisions near members’ homes. He continued Warren Conrad’s plan for holding state board meeting in various geographic areas of the state.

In May 1954 the first $500 Laura Settle loan deposit was presented to Humboldt State College by Chairman Mary Nichols.

At the April 1956 State Board Meeting in Sacramento it was voted to give financial assistance to the rehabilitation of old Columbia School in Tuolumne County. Chairman George Ingram of San Francisco succeeded in raising over $1000 for this project.

AB 1445 was signed by Governor Knight and became effective July 1, 1956. This legislation increased the retirement allowances of 95% of our retirees, contained disability benefits, and provided a $400 death benefit.

In June 1957 it was decided to establish life Memberships for members 65 or over.

Both Charles Preston, CalRTA President and Katherine Carr, Editor of the California Pioneer Teacher completed their terms in June 1957. Katherine Carr had held the editor’s position for 12 years, under Lutie Gray, Conrad, and Charles Preston, Myrtle Force became her efficient successor.