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There is no question when you meet Harry C. Rhodes of Queenstown that you have met a compassionate man who cares deeply about his community – particularly those members of his community who may be underserved or without a voice. He has spent his lifetime making sure that others have had opportunities for learning.
While Rhodes was born on a farm in Queenstown, MD, he spent his years after graduating from Washington College in Montgomery County at Poolesville High School, where he taught mathematics, chemistry, general science, physics, physical education and coached the boys soccer, basketball and baseball teams. Rhodes later served as principal of Poolesville High School prior to coming back to Queen Anne’s County as its Superintendent of Schools in 1952. It was at Poolesville High School that Rhodes learned the needs of 95 displaced children from poor agricultural families in this area. His school became known for its fair treatment of these children in offering them opportunities to learn in a stable environment. For Rhodes, this was the beginning of a lifetime of service to those in need.
While serving as Superintendent of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Rhodes learned that many children with developmental disabilities were living in the county hidden away and receiving no educational training. After setting up a program in the hall of the Episcopal Church in Centreville, Rhodes was determined to create a place for these children to learn. As these children grew into adults, there was a new need for accommodating them in the community. In the 1960s, the land was donated in Grasonville to create the Chesterwye Center, a facility for developmentally disabled adults. Harry and his wife Creighton remain involved in the Center today. The Rhodes contributions to the Chesterwye Center, which they founded, were recognized in 2001 when one of the Center’s group homes was named after the Rhodes for their many years of support. The community raised the funds for the house which was built in their honor.
Rhodes comments, “As a Superintendent of Schools in Queen Anne’s County for 15 years, I saw many needs among families that weren’t being fulfilled. The Chesterwye Center has exceeded my expectations in meeting the needs of developmentally disabled adults in our community. Being involved with the Chesterwye Foundation is one of the few civic activities I still am active in at almost 92 years of age.”
Other significant accomplishments in Rhodes life have included being involved in the founding of Chesapeake College in Wye Mills; creating a centralized high school in Queen Anne’s county to enrich the educational program for county students; and leaving a civic legacy, serving on the boards of Memorial Hospital, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Queenstown Bank and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.
He recalls, “While serving on the Memorial Hospital Board, I was involved with raising funds for the new Shore Health System Birthing Center. While visiting the Center one day, I got to see a baby being born. That was one of the most thrilling experiences in my life.” He adds, “There hasn’t been much I haven’t been involved in that hasn’t offered learning opportunities for me.”
Rhodes, who holds master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Maryland, retired from Anne Arundel Community College where he was Dean of Faculty. He says, “I never expected to go to college. My parents made it happen for me and I have appreciated that opportunity all of my life.”
Harry and his wife Creighton recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. In reflecting on their years together, Harry comments, “We’ve been very fortunate in our lives. We’ve had good health and have no regrets. Because of that, we’ve always felt we wanted to give something back to the community – carrying forward our giving spirit for the next generation.”
Since the Rhodes have no children of their own, they wanted to be sure their civic legacy continued long after they were gone. To facilitate this, in 2004 they established a donor advised fund, the Harry C. and Creighton J. Rhodes Fund with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, where Harry currently serves on the Board of Directors. He recalls, “We established the Fund through the Mid-Shore Community Foundation because it offers tremendous opportunities for individuals with philanthropic intentions and for the organizations they wish to support. The Fund will allow us to continue supporting the local organizations we have always supported after we are gone.” The Mid-Shore Community Foundation connects private resources with public needs to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, Maryland.
Harry Rhodes writes in his recent book, Country Boy Grows Up, “What a century it has been to live and grow. It was a time that brought deep significant changes and problems and constantly challenged me to adjust and grow. I am sure most of us, as we age, have not been afraid of change. It is a means of growing beyond the individual you thought you were into one who might become more tolerant, thoughtful and considerate of others.”
Harry Rhodes certainly grew into the type of person whose contributions enriched the lives of many in our community.
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