Timeline 1950s

The 1950s

1950 The Association sponsored a TV School and Clinic at Lord Tarleton Hotel in Miami Beach. William Wells served as the Association’s president.

1951 Robert Eastman became president and the Association had a license tag slogan contest with 4,000 entries. The winning slogan was "Land of Flowers." FPPRA initiated a membership survey. The Florida State Advertising Commission requested FPPRA to restrain such practices that may possibly mislead the public in false representation that the enterprise was a State agency. March Earl N. Brown, member and head of Florida National Exhibits was recognized for reminding the Association’s members of the impact that television would soon have on telling Florida’s story. October 27 Annual meeting was held in Gainesville and the Association’s name changed again, becoming what it is now: Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA).

1952 Allen O. Skaggs, Jr. served as the Association’s President. August 8 Membership exceeded 100 (membership had decreased from the earlier years due to the war and the spin off of the Florida Attractions Association).

1953 Lt. Col. John W. Dillin became president for a second time.* FPRA printed a Code of Ethics for PR professionals and Luke Fenegan became editor of “FPRATTLE.” The Association had 125 members and held its 4th Annual Short Course and Clinic and jointly sponsored the 15th Annual Convention with Stetson University. *Only person to ever serve as president twice.

1954 Walter J. Page became the Association’s president and the St. John's Valley Chapter formed. FPRA set a goal to “Find a $12,000 PR job for every deserving member.”

1955 Edward D. Whittlesey became president. Lt. Col. Dillin recruited the most new members and the Association added a second vice-president to the officers' slate. Registration to the annual meeting included a $5 football ticket to the Notre Dame vs. Miami game and a scholarship committee formed and sought to have college students participate in future FPRA meetings.

1956 William S. Chambers, Jr. became president and the past presidents formed an Advisory Council for the purpose of counseling on projects, aims and objectives. Standing committees included membership, research, legislative, auditing, publicity, public relations, awards, spring meeting, fall clinic, resolutions, constitutions and by-laws revision. May 13 The Gasparilla (Tampa Bay), Orange Blossom (Orlando Area) and Gator (Jacksonville) Chapters were formed. June 1 Membership surged to 239. August 25 The Biscayne (Greater Miami) Chapter was formed. October 17 The Hush Puppy (Capital Chapter) was formed.

1957 J. Blanford Taylor became president and the Public Relations Hall of Fame was established. Chapters became more active with meetings and elections of officers. FPRA held its first awards program, which eventually became known as the Association’s Golden Image Awards. October 31 The Miracle Strip (Pensacola) Chapter was formed.

1958 Al R. McFadyen served as the Association’s president. 50% of membership attended the annual meeting. First annual Awards ceremony; Lt. Col. John Dillin and Peter Schoal headed the awards program for “Top Individual” and “Top Public Relations Project.” Fall meeting registration included tickets to the first FSU/UF football game. FPRA adopted a Code of Ethics during its state conference in Cocoa Beach. Membership topped 200.

1959 Royce R. Powell served as the Association’s president. In FPRA’s newsletter, a position for assistant promotions manager at the Florida Development Commission was advertised for $440/month or $5,280/year. An FPRA Hall of Fame display was unveiled in the State Chamber of Commerce building. Insignia jewelry was ordered. Convention title: “Objectives for Public Relations in the Dynamic Sixties” Convention slogan: “When we work, we'll work hard; when we play, we'll play hard.”

The 1950s

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