First Posted: 3/3/2015
The original Rotary Club was started in Chicago on Feb. 23, 1905, by Paul Harris. At that time, Harris found himself a stranger in a large city and took it upon himself to found a club where members not only would become acquainted with each other, but also would provide helpfulness to others.
He sought out men who were engaged in a different types of businesses (this basis of membership still exists in Rotary today, although the club welcomes both women and men). The first members of the club would hold their meetings on a rotation basis at each others place of business.
Three years after the Chicago club was formed another began in San Francisco. Clubs would soon follow along the Pacific Coast and in New York, Boston, Canada, England and Ireland. In 1910, Rotary International was formed. By 1949, there were 6,677 Rotary Clubs worldwide with nearly 325,00 members.
Lima boasts 265 Paul Harris Fellows — members who have donated at least $1,000 to Rotary. The club has two major donors who have donated at least $10,000 — Bob Ruehl and Dr. and Mrs. David Steiner, and one major donor who has donated at least $50,000 — Harrold W. Goodnight.
