7

Charles J. Wolfram

To His Memory

The span of Charles J. Wolfram's twenty-five years as president of the Cultural Garden Federation was not merely a period of duties faithfully and loyally performed. It was far more. As president he gave of his strength to the extent of immeasurable sacrifice, for a cause that was near and dear.

Through the early, promotional stage of the Cultural Gardens, he was an inspirational force, participating whole heartedly in the individual gatherings of the constituent organizations of the Federation, not only as officer, but as friend and guide.

The family background of Charles Wolfram is identified with a long line of musicians, teachers and educators. His father and uncle were musicians and stamped upon his lineage as well as upon his own personality there seemed more than a trace of the early Wolfram, the famed poet and Minnesinger of Medieval days, Wolfram von Eschenbach, whose name will be forever linked, because of Wagner's opera, with the Tannhauser name and tradition.

Of artistic taste, the Cultural Garden Federation leader, in his early years learned wood engraving. In his youth, the family resided in Akron, later moving to Cleveland where he gained a vast circle of friends, many of whom eagerly joined with him in the establishment and development of the Cultural Gardens.

In Cleveland's civic, political and cultural life, he readily gained the confidence of those, who were privileged to be close to him through his active years. He was a charter member of Gilmour Council, Knights of Columbus and his service as president of the American Equality League, a forerunner of the Cultural Garden Federation, as a founder and president, is also noteworthy.

Charles Wolfram was a man of deep spiritual purpose, devoted to every movement in aid of the cause of human brotherhood. To him, "brotherhood" was not a term for glib usage or phrasing, but an aim that guided his way of life and caused him to be a successful leader in the Cultural Garden enterprise.

In a tribute to Charles Wolfram, delivered at the One World Day gathering, following his death, Judge Louis Petrash said: "The life of Charles J. Wolfram was one of service�service to others. He as built for himself his own monument�the affection and the respect of all who knew him and his influence on the people who worked with him."

To his memory this book, dealing with the creation and development of a cultural and civic institution which he loved, is dedicated by his friends and co-workers of the Cultural Garden Federation.

May it aid in spreading the doctrine of human understanding and kinship for which his career was an eloquent and moving spokesman.