Herman G. Stuempfle
The Gettysburg Rotary organization presented Stuempfle with its fourth 2006 Eisenhower Humanitarian Award, the first going to Eisenhower himself.

Ernie Simpson receives Dwight D. Eisenhower Humanitarian Award
October 18, 2005

Gettysburg resident Ernie Simpson was recognized for his many years of service to humanity Monday afternoon.

The Rotary Club of Gettysburg presented its third Dwight D. Eisenhower Award to Simpson, whose numerous acts of service have provided a better quality of life for people locally and around the world.

"We send 700- 800 bicycles a year, along with about 85 sewing machines," said Simpson, naming his work with the bike recycling program as one of the most memorable parts of his service.

"Ernie's alliance with Pedals for Progress and his global impact on humanity is really the result of an evolution of effort which derived from humble beginnings in the minds and spirit of a man who experienced the poverty and despair of the Great Depression," said Christina Simpson, president of Survivors and Ernie's granddaughter, who introduced him by recounting some of his life story and accomplishments.

Simpson's work in recycling bicycles started in the 1950's , his granddaughter said, and "he is the only one of Pedals for Progress' support networks in the United States who forward the bikes already repaired and refurbished... this year alone he has shipped over 600 bikes, he most recent shipment having gone to Africa about two weeks ago." The bikes provide transportation and even self-employment opportunities, she said.

Simpson has also worked with students at Paradise School for Boys and Hoffman Homes, teaching machinist skills. He established a rehabilitation program for juvenile offenders during the 1960's and 1970's, teaching lawn mover maintenance and landscaping skills at his own Gettysburg shop, Simpson Machine and Welding Co. The machine shop at Paradise School is named for him, and he received an award from the Adams County Bar Association for his work.

As for the future, "I would like someone to continue (reparing and sending the bikes)." said Simpson, now 85 who still repairs bikes at his home on Good Intent Road.

When asked how it felt to receive the award, Simpson had "one word: wonderful. I never thought I'd receive this," he said.

In addition to the Eisenhower award, Simpson was named a Paul Harris Fellow and received citations sponsored by Sen. Terry Punt and Rep. Steve Maitland, along with a person letter of congratulation from Susan Eisenhower.

I believe that Dwight Eisenhower would be smiling as Ernie Simpson is the recipient of this award," said Michael Birkner, former Gettysburg Rotary president.

Gettysburg Times, October 18th, 2005
By Ashley Andyshak
Times Staff Writer