|
Brief
histories of Rotary's First 100 Clubs
Rotary
Club of Grand Rapids 77
Rotary
International District 6290
 Click
to enlarge
 During
the winter of 1913, three Grand Rapids men became interested in the idea of
Rotary. Attracted by both the business and social aspects of the organization,
they began to talk of forming a Grand Rapids club and they invited two members
from the Detroit Rotary (the first club in Michigan) to meet with them and guide
their organization. Joined by four new recruits, the group of seven agreed to
form a local Rotary club and elected a slate of officers. Hugh Wilson, a
banker, was elected president. By April 13, membership had grown to 16 and
their newly elected secretary, William Ames, an insurance salesman, wrote to
Rotary International requesting a charter for the Grand Rapids group. On May 3,
a response was received, noted that 25 members were required before a charter
could be granted. (1913 photo copyright Grand Rapids Public Library)
Read the Complete History
|
