I invite you to find me. After nearly a century, Rotarians think they know where I am. I'm the guy in the foundation medalion!
The Rotarians in Racine, Wisconsin, USA are fixing to tell more about my birth. I only lived in their city for the first 3 years of my life.
Born in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. A nice, peaceful place. So, why did I have to leave my brothers and sisters to live with Grandpa?
At just three years of age, due to his own father's lack of financial management, Paul and his older brother arrive at the Wallingford train station.
My dad's parents Howard and Pamela Harris and their parents too, lived in Wallingford, VT. The Rotarians there maintain my grandfathers' building.
Howard Harris' home in Wallingford, where Paul learn tolerance from his peace loving and generous grandfather. (See our section on Wallingford)
Wallingford, peaceful, rolling hills. This is where I grew up.
Grampa saw that I was enrolled in the U of VT. However, my freshman year, I organized a "club", a student group.
The major force in Paul's life. Grandfather Howard Harris dies. (see our section of Wallingford)
The authorities said it was an "underground" organization and I was expelled. Grampa said I was "nothing but an imature whipper-snapper."
Granmpa hired a tutor. That got me into Princeton, then Grampa died and things got tough. I left Princeton. Grandma encouraged me and I entered Iowa -
Just at the time of Paul's graduation from law school, in 1890, his grandmother dies. (see our section on Wallingford)
I got my law degree. But I was not ready to settle down. I wanted to experience the world. Was is a wild ride? I learned a lot about this country!
I was a reporter in SF where the 2nd club was to start. A cowboy in Colorado, hotel clerk in Florida, merchant marine. Finally.... Five years later -
I set up shop and often had dinner with my close friend Silvester Schiele at Madam Gali's. For five years, I talked to Silvester about an organization
This time I would not be expelled! This organization would provide us each a measure of respect, but there was something more. I was inspired.
It was Gus Loehr's office where, rather casually, still remembering the U of Vermont, I suggested we begin. I was the winter of `05. The 23rd of Feb.
Just the four of us, for that week at least.
By 1907 we were in high finance. I had been, for sometime, in deep thought, not about our group, but groups which could form elsewhere.
Then God Bless Homer Wood. In 1908, one of our members, Manuel Munoz, traveled to San Francisco and happened to meet this most forward man!
Homer took it upon himself to create Oakland, Seattle, Los Angeles, and of course, his own San Francisco. How grateful I was.
One year after Oakland #3, I was made an honorary member of New York City #6. In fact I held many "memberships."
Chesley Perry. How can you weigh the value of this man. He ran Rotary from it's true birth in 1910 until 1942.
This 1911 photo of me was on the cover of the first issue of the "National Rotarian" in 1911.
So, how do you find me?
I'm there in every meeting.
I'm the fellow who was invited to join.
I'm the fellow who loves what happens when we become Rotarians. I even had my own "Rotary Room" at home. Notice my table.
I'm the fellow who continues to serve without thought of self reward.
I'm the person who remembers to thank other Rotarians.
Oh, and please find my dear "Bonney Scot." Jean Thomson Harris. I understand the Edinburgh Rotarians are doing something about that.
My own fellows in Chicago were kind enough to build this lttle memorial.
A fine gesture on behalf of my fellow in Chicago.
Jean was here for 16 years after I died. They buried her next to her brother in Scotland.
The Chicago club put up a nice stone. It's across from the Schiele's.
Look for me! I'm in the dreams of our new century and the hopes for what we can do. That is if we are "Rotarians!"