|
|
|
ROOM 711
is now a
Rotary SHRINE
(This page and the domain
www.room711.org are
provided by RGHF)
Where Rotary was born – February 23, 1905 |
| The rain beat down on 127 N.
Dearborn Street on November 15, 1983, as 100 Rotarians and wives
crowded the 7th floor hallway of Chicago’s Unity Building.
Before them was the office of mining engineer Gus Loehr: Room
711. Here on February 23, 1905, lawyer Paul Harris met with
Gustave Loehr, coal dealer Sylvester Schiele, and merchant
tailor Hiram Shorey to create the world’s first Rotary club.
ROOM 711 is now a
Rotary SHRINE
Twenty-two Chicago Rotarians had formed an Illinois
corporation to save Room 711 as a Rotary shrine. Illinois
Governor James Thompson sent a proclamation of good wishes, and
Rotarian Max Bloom scissored the ceremonial ribbon. Guests
marveled at the room decorated with antiques and office equipment from the turn of the
century: a roll-top desk, an early Dictaphone and check writer,
a spittoon, and a Chicago Tribune dated February 23, 1905. One
founding member observed that “the Paul Harris 711 Club is not a
Rotary Club, but a group of Rotarians interested in preserving
the cradle of Rotary. The landmark will be maintained by
Rotarian support around the world.” “This room lives,” the
Rotarian Magazine stated. “It’s more than wood and plaster. One
can feel the presence of Rotary founders. Here, Rotarians can
stand, think about our rich heritage, and say, ‘This is where it
all began.’ ” In 2014, the
"room" was moved to RI's first floor museum. |
|
Rotarians past and
present, spouses, and others committed to the concept, ideals,
and history of Rotary International who join
the Paul
Harris 711 Club
understand that they are not
joining a Rotary Club, but a corporation devoted to preserving and
maintaining the place where Rotary and the entire worldwide
service club movement was born on February 23, 1905. The Paul
Harris 711 Club also supports the Rotary International Archives
where historic Rotary artifacts, photographs, and documents are
preserved.
|
|
Paul Harris 711
Club
–
Mission Statement
The mission of
the Paul Harris 711 Club is to assist in preserving the Room
which is the birthplace of Rotary International and the cradle
of the worldwide movement of service clubs comprised of business
and professional leaders.
–
Objectives
1. Foster
research to keep alive the fellowship and mutual friendships
created by those men who first met in Room 711 of Chicago’s
Unity Building on February 23, 1905;
2. Encourage
Rotarians, other service club members, and the general public to
recognize and honor Rotary International and other service clubs
as pioneers of community volunteerism and global
humanitarianism; and
3. Advocate and
promote the collection and conservation of Rotary’s history,
heritage, and artifacts; and encourage similar activity by
others devoted to the preservation, growth, and appreciation of
the service club movement.
|
|
