The Founding of Rotary

The original Rotary club was started in Chicago on February 23, 1905, by a lawyer, Mr. Paul Harris, who found himself a stranger in this large city. He yearned to recapture the camaraderie and feeling of fellowship that he felt growing up in the small towns of his youth. He decided to start an association of professionals wherein the members might not only become acquainted with one another, but would become a network that could support one another professionally.

To accomplish this goal, Mr. Harris surrounded himself with individuals engaged in different vocations of service ranging from doctors to business leaders. This basis of membership still exists in Rotary but has expanded to include every occupational category. In the beginning, Mr. Harris' new club met in rotation at the offices or places of business of the various members. This method of meeting suggested the name Rotary Club.

Paul Harris' idea touched a nerve among businessmen has his concept grew, first taking root in San Francisco three years after the original Chicago club form. A short while later Oakland, Seattle, New York City, St. Louis and Kansas City formed clubs along with many others. These first clubs proudly mark their longevity with the number that corresponds with when they became Rotary Clubs, relative to one another. Kansas City was the 13th Rotary Club chartered, therefore we proudly call ourselves "Club 13".

In 1912, the first Rotary Club outside the United States was chartered in Winnipeg, Canada. In 1910 the association of Rotary Clubs now known as "Rotary International" was formed to reflect the explosive growth Paul Harris' concept had achieved. It truly was international within a decade as Rotary Clubs had appeared on six continents.

Today Rotary is a word that stands for better business practices and loftier ideals in business and professional intercourse., It also stands for service to one's city, state or province, nation, society in general, and for the development of international understanding and peace. At this time there are more than 31,603 Rotary Clubs with over 1,211,723 members in 166 countries or geographical areas. Annual conventions of the associated clubs have been held in the United States, Scotland, Canada, Belgium, Austria, France, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and Cuba.