Rotary Global History Fellowship

The first 50 years

Date

1955

Type

reference

Era

Founding · 1905

The “First Fifty” years, celebrated at Chicago, February 23, 1955

*Fifty Years of Service, copyright Rotary International. The book, long out of print, may be read by visiting the archives at Rotary International. Rotary Global History and several of our research members have purchased copies from dealers around the world. The texts posted above are most interesting and pose a valid challenge for today.

Commemorative Rotary cover naming founders Gustavus E. Loehr, Silvester Schiele, Hiram E. Shorey, and Paul P. Harris

1955 Rotary International commemorative airmail cover with an 8-cent stamp and “First Day of Issue” cancellation

Map of Rotary's global expansion, showing 16 U.S. clubs in 1910 and founding years for clubs worldwide

Map showing the worldwide spread of Rotary clubs and the year each club was established, from 1911 to 1953

Cover of Rotary’s Fifty years of service, 1905–1955

Cover of Rotary International’s Fifty Years of Service, titled “Tomorrow’s Challenge,” with figures reaching toward the future

Scanned page 131 from Fifty Years of Service, discussing Rotary’s growth, service, and leadership

Scanned book page about Rotary’s 50 years of service, international fellowship, and pursuit of peace

Scanned book page outlining Rotary’s service responsibilities and challenge to build international understanding, peace, and goodwill

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The first 50 years

The “First Fifty” years, celebrated at Chicago, February 23, 1955

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Rotary Global History Fellowship