History-John Michaels

John Michaels joined The Rotary Club of Edmonton in 1919 and doubtless had much to do with the frequent appearance at Rotary meetings of guests who played for baseball, hockey and football teams. His lifelong concern in  keeping boys off the street was expressed through his work in Rotary as well as the Boy's Club, and above all his creation of the Newsboys Band. It played across Canada and in the United States and in 1924 was a success at the Wembley Exposition in England. A good number of members of this band became professional musicians or prominent in other callings.

Mr. Michael's benefaction took many forms. He would give comic books and candy to many youngsters coming into the store and for many years he gave a Christmas dinner for war veterans. He served the meal, just as at Rotary picnics he served corn on the cob. These acts came from the genuine friendliness and complete absence of pretension. Over the years he became involved in various business enterprises and took a great interest in the development of the north. Success never affected him and he never lost his Brooklyn accent.

After World War II, by way of acknowledgment of his services during that conflict, he was made a member of the Order of the British Empire, and the American Order of Freedom. John Michaels' was a member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton for more than fourty years and died in 1961. At his funeral, First Presbyterian Church was crowded with people from every walk of life.