Just recently I have started re-reading A Century of Service, the Story of Rotary International. I thought I was pretty well versed in Rotary lore but was amazed at what I had forgotten or might never have known. While our Rotary magazine keeps us informed of what is going on now, how we got to where we are in the world takes a little digging. What I intend to do is send you a monthly Rotary message. I hope it can be informative for newer members and a refresher for older members.
My purpose in reviewing our history is to deepen our understanding of how our beginnings as an organization have shaped what we are today and likely to become in the future. We don't just gather for a meal and talk to each other; we are an impressive and powerful service organization.
Sarah Bishop, Assistant Governor District 5470, 2025-26
Most of us know that Paul Harris, a lawyer in Chicago, is the founding father of Rotary. In 1905, "Chicago was a maelstrom of commercial exploitation, social unrest, political corruption, and religious fundamentalism. . ." At the age of 35, lawyer Harris found himself wanting for personal friends to form a club of businessmen, who would be a trusted group to enjoy fellowship and to exchange trade with one another. He, Silvester Schiele, Hiram Shorey and Gustavus Loehr met on February 23, 1905, to get the ball rolling. One month late, Silvester was elected president of the group, which now numbered 15. While Paul was the obvious choice, he declined in order to concentrate on attracting new members.
Some Rotary tidbits:
Many names for the club were suggested. Because the initial meetings rotated among the offices of the members, how about the Rotation Club. While not quite right, "how about Rotary Club then?" suggested Paul. Approved!
Starting in the beginning and for many years thereafter, membership in an individual Rotary club was limited to one person per profession.
After Paul Harris received his law degree, and before landing in Chicago, he set off to discover the world. He was a newspaper reporter, day laborer, teacher, actor, cowboy, night clerk, deck hand, salesman, and took any other job available to complete a 5-year adventure.
Next month: How Rotary became a service organization.