 |
|||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
 |
Gladys and |
||||||||||
| Gladys and Howard Wyles are not only long-term residents of Berea, but, in the judgment of most of its citizens, have become part of its heritage. "Dynamic" is a word that most often comes to mind when thinking about the Wyles. This is with full recognition of the fact that, for some thirty years, Gladys has pursued her always-busy schedule from a wheelchair, which she does not regard as a handicap. And, despite some health problems, Howard has only slightly tapered off on a schedule that would daunt a man half his age. Both operating as a team and independently, Howard and Gladys Wyles have made a significant difference in Berea's quality of life. Gladys was born and raised in Berea, attending old Central School and Berea High School, She took nurses training and became a nurse at the old Community Hospital in Berea. Born and educated in Canton, Howard is one of a rare breed - a true, born-again entrepreneur. From the age of 16 he has been self-employed, and, to this day, has never drawn a paycheck. The gas drilling business brought him to Berea in 1934, where he met Gladys. They were married in 1935. Howard's talents and interest in budding and community development led to his building whole streets of homes in Berea, "Wyleswood," for example. He also built condominiums and apartments. Gladys was active in Fairwood School PTA, and, while serving as its president, introduced physical and dental exams for Berea's grade school children. Later she became involved in scouting and Berea High's Aquateens and Booster's Club. Gladys also has been active in the Berea Area Historical Society, the Historical Museum, Berea Little Theatre and Berea Summer Theatre. Howard has always been concerned with, and active in, civic affairs. He served on Berea's first Charter Commission and has lent his expertise to periodic changes in the city Charter. He has been a leader in promoting fair and just zoning laws and serves on the Zoning Board. Howard saw a need for more family recreation facilities and built Wyleswood Lake Park, now called Wildwood Lake Park. But Howard and Gladys Wyles are best known as a team. At all kinds of meetings and activities, from City Council to Mahler Museum, from Berea Summer Theatre to Summer Band concerts to Grindstone Festival parades and antique car meets (they are well-known antique car buffs), you will see both of them - enthusiastic, able and caring - lending their wisdom and support. Yes, dynamic is the right word for the 26th winners of the Grindstone Award as Berea's Outstanding Citizens. For over 50 years, all their married life, through their dynamism the Wyles have woven themselves into the very fabric of Berea life. And all Bereans are the better for it. |
|||||||||||
| Presented April 11, 1992 | Holiday Inn, Hopkins | ||||||||||