Harry Gardner Memorial Gallery established at the Bank Board

Harry Gardner Memorial Gallery Established at the Bank Board

In an expression of appreciation for an employee's contribution to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and its mission, Chairman Edwin J. Gray on December 1, 1983, established the Harry Garnder Memorial Gallery in the west lobby of the Bank Board. Mr. Gardner was artist-in-residence at the Bank Board from January 5, 1964 until his death on August 4, 1982.

The gallery contains a number of Mr. Gardner's pen and ink drawing reproductions of such structures as the Capitol, the old Bank Board building, Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois, the Dolley Madison house, and the governor's palace at Williamsburg.

The gallery was officially opened when Mr. Gardner's widow, Mary Frances, cut the ribbon to the gallery entrance.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, dedicatory addresses were made by several Bank Board officials in the amphitheater.

Richard Petrocci, director of the Administration Office, was master of ceremonies. In his remarks, Mr. Petrocci said that Mr. Gardner "was a valued employee, whose 16-year tenure at the Bank Board is worth emulating.'

Francis M. Dorer, deputy director of the Office of Examinations and Supervision for field operations, said, "Harry Gardner was the kind of person who did his work--and did it well--and always came through when he was asked to do something, even on short notice. He was the kind of person you do not take for granted.'

Francis Passarelli, associate director of the Office of Examinations and Supervision for policy, said that Mr. Gardner "personified dedication.' He was, Mr. Passarelli stated, "a person you did not see often because he was busy doing his work. He was a quiet man who was outstanding in his profession and in his contacts with others. Harry was always willing to do something for others even though he might be quite busy. His art and his dedication to the Bank Board will always be remembered.'

Chairman Edwin J. Gray stated that Mr. Gardner "was obviously a man who left a legacy at the Bank Board.' Mr. Gray said he first become acquainted with Mr. Gardner's art work when he, Mr. Gary, first came to the Bank Board and noticed Mr. Gardner's pen and ink drawing reproductions and other art work displayed in the Chairman's conference room, which was named the Harry Gardner Room in 1979.

"I am delighted that we can honor him, and his 16 years of work at this agency,' Chairman Gray said.

Chairman Gray stated that Mr. Gardner was a prolific and excellent artist, and mentioned Mr. Gardner's having hand-lettered thousands of award certificates, painted commemorative cartoons for departing Chairmen, Board Members, and other employees. The Chairman also mentioned that Mr. Gardner had drawn the art work for the Bank Board Journal from 1968, when it was first established, until 1972. Chairman Gary said, "Harry Gardner's presence is felt now, and will continue to be in the years ahead.'

Chairman Gray read to the assembled Gardner family and friends Board Resolution No. 83-659, dated November 29, 1983, which commemorated Mr. Gardner's service "to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, the Federal Home Loan Bank System, and the thrift industry in the United States. . . .'

The following members of Mr. Gardner's family attended the ceremonies: Mrs. Mary Frances Gardner, his widow; sons Harry A., Jr., Charles, and Stephen; daughter Meg; daughter-in-law Mary Ann; his sister, Marie, and her husband, Max Meredity; and his five-month old granddaughter Jamie.

One of Mr. Gardner's pen and ink drawing reproductions of the Capitol dome is featured as this month's Journal cover.

Photo: Chairman Gray hands Mrs. Gardner a plaque during dedication of memorial gallery in memory of her husband Harry.

Photo: Below: Mrs. Gardner and Chairman Gray inspect Harry Gardner's works.

Photo: Mrs. Gardner cuts ribbon which officially opens gallery as Chairman Gray (middle) and Board Member Hovde (right) look on.

Photo: The Gardner family in the memorial gallery with top Bank Board officials: from left to right are Board Member Hovde, Charles, Meg, Harry A., Jr., Richard Petrocci, Mrs. Gardner, Steve holding Jamie, Mary Ann, and Chairman Gray.

COPYRIGHT 1984 U.S. Government Printing Office
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