Hall of Fame

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to beekeeping in Ohio:

Hall of Fame – Donald Cooke – 2011

Donald was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

He was Chairman of the Ohio Honey Festival in Lebanon, OH from 1976 through 1985 where is was known as “The Man with the Bee Beard.”  He was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the total number of bee beards demonstrated in 1980.  Don was Ohio State Beekeeper of the Year in 1973, sharing the honor with his wife, Marge.  He published the OSBA New DIgest from 1962 to 1972 and served as OSBA President in 1959 and 1960.

Hall of Fame – Hobart Fulton – 2011

Hobart is known best for his efforts to see the Rothenbhler Bee Laboratory at Ohio State University completed.  Hobart has been described as a hard-working beekeeper spending many hours talking to elected officials and those in authority at OSU on behalf of the beekeeping program. Hobart was Ohio Beekeeper of the Year in 1979 and served on the OSBA Legislative Committee from 1979 to 1992.

Hall of Fame – Charles Reese – 2011

Charles A Reese was Ohio State Apiarist from 1923 to 1947 and continued as an Ohio State Extension Apiarist until 1951.  He attracted national attention for his program of disease eradication in Ohio.  He wrote “Beekeeping for West Virginia” which was published in 1967.

Hall of Fame – Wendell P. Smith – 2011

Wendell P. Smith was from Sunbury, Ohio.  He started inspecting bees in 1937 as the Delaware County Apiary Inspector, then became a State Apiary Inspector in 1952.  He served as the Honey Queen Sponsor from 1931-1975 and helped in the development of the Ohio Honey Festival in Lebanon, Ohio.  He also served the Ohio State Beekeepers Association as their Secretary-Treasurer from 1964 to 1969.  In 1969, he was instrumental in completing the articles of Incorporation for the OSBA.