The world's first
service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA, was formed on
23 February 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to recapture
in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small
towns of his youth. The name "Rotary" derived from the early practice of
rotating meetings among members' offices.
Rotary's popularity
spread throughout the United States in the decade that followed; clubs
were chartered from San Francisco to New York. By 1921, Rotary clubs had
been formed on six continents, and the organization adopted the name
Rotary International a year later.
Thiensville-Mequon Rotary
Club's Honorary Paul Harris Fellows
During most years, $1000
is contributed to the Rotary International Foundation in honor of one of
our club members. This award is granted to a club member for his/her
outstanding record of selfless service to others. The funds of the
Rotary International Foundation are used worldwide for worthy
international service projects.