The Bulloch County Historical Society has a ‘Legend Series’ to celebrate the influential people of Bulloch County, and this month's meeting highlighted Helen Rosengart, a Statesboro icon, trailblazer, trendsetter, wife, mother, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient (2008), and Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award recipient (2008). Rosengart, some might say, took the impossible to a new level.
The meeting had a full house of 90+ guests, enjoying a traditional southern lunch, catered and served by Touch of Class Catering by Annette. The menu included tossed salad with ranch dressing, fried chicken (with the pulley bone!), macaroni and cheese, green beans, yeast rolls, and banana pudding.
The stage was set, and BCHS Executive Director Virginia Anne Franklin Waters, with a welcoming introduction, started the video interview. She began her in-depth and ‘on point’ interview by highlighting the Rosengarts' family history, achievements, and "growing up influence on Statesboro, making so many valuable memories as neighbors.”
The members and guests anxiously watched, listened, and enjoyed the well-prepared questions to the honored guest and her answers on the rich contribution and impact that they, Helen and Harvey Rosengart, brought to Statesboro and Bulloch County.
Helen Rosengart has been described as a lively, energetic and dynamic lady with an ‘I can do’ attitude.
Born January 2, 1928, (96 years young), she shared her story of relocating to Statesboro from Brooklyn, New York in 1955, building their family (two sons born in Statesboro), giving an eloquent and reflective timeline of the life they developed for themselves and the community.
The Rosengarts opened a commercial sewing children's garment plant in Portal, trained their workers to sew, and created a prestigious line called ‘Cari Classics’ sold only to premium stores like Belk in Charlotte, Rich’s (later Macy’s), and other similar retailers.
She emphasized that it was “NOT a Walmart or Target brand!" They sold to top tier retailers and didn't just make underwear or socks like most plants in the area. Together, they brought retail to a different level.
Helen Rosengart’s achievements and contributions are immeasurable to Statesboro and surrounding areas. So just to mention a few:
- Donated land in Portal in the 1970s to build a baseball field and raised funds for bleachers and fences. The field is named after her and her husband.
- Brought a 24-hour radio station to Statesboro (local Disc Jockeys, news updates)
- Founded the Statesboro Hebrew Congregation in 1957 and helped early Pennsylvania Catholic families to purchase land for their 1st church in the 1950s
- Founding member and past president of Statesboro-Georgia Southern Symphony Guild, making Statesboro the smallest city in America to have its own Symphony
- Wrote a grant that helped start the music programs in local schools, allowing students to experience classical music and listen to the symphony at Hanner Fieldhouse. Stirred a violin interest in local schools’ music programs.
- Served as director, performer and benefactor at the Averitt Center for the Arts. (STARS Theater, ‘Anything Goes', Oklahoma, Miracle on 34th, Patsy Klein, Annie ”with a live dog, never heard of in Statesboro,” smiled Helen.) Sold out performances! The Rosengart Gallery is named for her family.
- Avid supporter of United Way, American Cancer Society, Statesboro Chamber of Commerce, and numerous Georgia Southern University causes
- Taught adult literacy at the Statesboro Regional Library and at 77 was named ‘Instructor of the Year’
- Co-Queen of the Red Hat Society and an active member who loves the friendships
Russell Rosengart (Helen's son) shared, “I'm proud of what my parents accomplished as a couple over 50 years together making significant contributions to Bulloch County through business and selfless charitable works. My mother was a businesswoman in the South in the 60s, and that was an accomplishment, just in itself. They have a strong love for Bulloch County and never look back after leaving New York City in the 1950s.’Doing the Right Thing' is always a risk!"
Franklin closed saying “friends are forever” -- in this case 65 years and counting -- followed by a strong round of guest applause.