The Source Vault

The Rotary Club of Chicago ‑ Club No. 1 ‑ was organized on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris and three Chicago businessmen. To Paul Harris belongs the credit for originating the "Rotary idea”. The first meetings were held alternately at different members' places of business. For the first few months, the growth in membership was slow. In the…

While working on the Ches Perry, RI general secretary 1910 to 1942, story for the Rotary Centennial, I found the 1905 Roster deficient by half and the 1906 Roster completely down the drain. By 1907, “Barney or Cupid” Arntzen, club secretary, had vastly improved the process. Using his records, I reconstructed the membership for the first two years…