The Rotarian History 

In the beginning

The first issue of The National Rotarian was published in January 1911. This 12-page tabloid was considered the best way to distribute an essay written by Rotary founder Paul Harris. (The photo on the right was used in that first issue) The essay was titled, "Rational Rotarianism." There was also club news and advertisements. About 2,000 copies were produced by printer Harry Ruggles, one of the first members of the Rotary Club of Chicago. Soon the issue went back to press for another 2,000 copies. 

Paul Harris' articles in The Rotarian

The Faith of Rotary

Second issue

The second issue appeared in July 1911. It contained a "President's Corner," news from the clubs, and more than 20 advertisements. Soon after, the magazine started its monthly publication schedule. (In February 1995, the magazine published its 1,000th issue.) Name change: In 1912, by action of the R.I. Convention, the name of the magazine was changed to The Rotarian.

PH, President’s Corner, The National Rotarian, July 1911>>>

"One of the most powerful influences in the civilization of this day is the press, and yet many American journals whose tremendous circulations constitute indubitable proof of their influence and power, wield such influence and power with about the same degree of tender regard to principle and truth as would a bar room full of drunken sailors. It is to be hoped that The National Rotarian may possess an influence and the power to spread the principles of Rotary throughout the land and that its publishers may never become unmindful of the fact that the acquisition of influence and power means the assumption of great responsibility." Paul Harris (located by Wolfgang Ziegler)

Purpose of The National Rotarian.

The primary purpose of The National Rotarian is to provide a means for the exchange of ideas between Rotarians throughout the world, not to give the national officers an opportunity to express their views. These messages are not written merely to fill space; nevertheless we look forward to the day when they will be literally crowded out by surging mobs of virile Rotarian ideas struggling to be heard." Paul P. Harris, in The Rotarian, January 1912

Don't try this at home - Pryse Duerfeldt, PDG of D1270, England prepared this Excel file from a Google search of all past "The Rotarian" issues.

The file shows all Rotary Clubs chartered between 1912 and January 1928 with charter committee members and, in some cases, charter numbers and dates. You will still need to Google the copies of the monthly Rotarian to get the details but here, 90% of the work is done provided you know the month and year that your club was chartered.

acknowledgement to PDG Pryse Duerfeldt. Posted by RGHF Webmaster, Greg Barlow, October 2009.