The North Carolina Mason

salesperson at an Indianapolis firm, one of hundreds of firms in the United States competing for the award, earning himself a brand new car in 1958. Yet, it was his 1988 accolade as North Carolina's Small Businessperson of the Year that led him to the prestigious Rose Garden at the White House, where he was honored by President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush for his service and industry. Though the national award eluded him (taken that year by Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream!), Olson was chosen to represent all 18 million United States Small Businesses. Heralded as an everyman's man, he was further honored to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, and marked what he felt was the pinnacle of his business career. Parallel to his business ventures was Olson's 68-year commitment to Freemasonry. Born with a learning disability, he had a challenging journey through the degrees of Masonry. But he never quit as his mother's own embedded strengths set the tone for his successes. He was initiated at Franklin Lodge 107 in Franklin, Indiana, and later affiliated with J.J. Crowder Lodge 743 in Raleigh, North Carolina. With dedication that extends beyond ritual and social gathering, Olson lives his Freemasonry. He engaged deeply with the Scottish Rite, Valley of Raleigh, and Amran Shriners, and can mark over four decades of continuous service. All these episodes are not unlike degrees – gradual steps toward understanding what is most important in life. Perched as he was on success, it was a fateful day in the autumn of 2022 that changed Olson's perspective and purpose. "Have you written any of these stories down?" he was asked. Upon reflection he knew the answer was no. But, just telling a story was not enough for Chuck. The story, while meaningful, needed to make a physical impact – a philanthropic impact on the causes we hold dear to Masonry. At the venerable age of 93, Chuck Olson, a resident of Calabash, has unveiled a new facet of his intriguing life with the release of his memoir, From Basement to Rose Garden. Though he is known for his quiet demeanor, Olson's narrative (as abbreviated above) is anything but understated. His journey is a tapestry of dedication, resilience, and an unyielding spirit that propelled him from a basement home to rubbing shoulders with luminaries, titans of industry, business magnates, and even presidents in the Rose Garden of the White House. Despite the glamour and accomplishments, his memoir champions resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and the unwavering support of loved ones. Chuck's can-do and will-do spirit is a true testament of his mother's strengths and the blessings from our Great Architect. Olson's impact – his philan- thropic impact – is his hope that his story is inspirational to others. In as much, he hopes the salesman in him is wrong, in that the autobiography's proceeds are slated to support the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and Shriner's Children's Hospitals, where his own grandson and great-grandson received dramatic and life-changing care. Chuck's book From Basement to Rose Garden can be pur- chased through Amazon and Covenant Books. Buy the book, help a child! FA L L 2 0 2 3 | 25

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