CHINA GROVE ó Carole Carlton Brooke, a local attorney, has been selected for the 2009 Ira Baker Service award.
Brooke was honored at the annual Historical Society of South Rowan Banquet held at Villa Franca on Patterson Road.
A charter member of the Historical Society of South Rowan, she has been a member for 20 years, serving as president, parliamentarian and board member.
Society officials said she has worked enthusiastically on many Historical Society projects and events. Currently, she works to promote the society by organizing monthly open houses at the historical China Grove Roller Mill.
She is also responsible for obtaining entertainment and speakers for many society events. Society President Barbara Doby said Brooke has used her creativity and her love of history to produce brochures, videos and a Web site for the Historical Society.
Doby presented an engraved silver tray to Brooke and and praised her dedication. “Carole is very reliable, willing to undertake any task, which most often exceeds our expectations,” Doby said. “Carole always comes through for us. A lady of integrity, Carole always does the right thing for the right reason. … She helps keep us in line and keeps us legal.”
Brooke is also active in her church, Mt. Zion Church of Christ, where she serves as pianist for the Children’s Choir. She worked on the first Farmers Day Festival and has contributed to the success of the festival for many years.
Brooke was also played a key role in the planning and development of the South Rowan YMCA and served on the South Rowan Library Board while the Tadlock South Rowan Regional Library was built.
Carole and her husband, Tom, came to China Grove in 1981 to start a law practice. They are the parents of twin sons: Richard, who attends UNC-Chapel Hill, and Max, who attends East Carolina University.
The award is given annually to a member of the Historical Society for their dedication and service to the Historical Society and the community.
The award, named for Dr. Ira Lee Baker, beloved and dedicated charter member of the society, is presented so someone who loves history and who works diligently to preserve the heritage of the community.