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.
From a small nucleus of nineteen loyal members in 1905, Rotary has grown to over 1,200,000 members worldwide,
Today marks the 115th birthday of Rotary. For more than a century we have invested our time in improving communities and creating lasting connections. We come to Rotary to do good for others; but over time, we all realize the good that Rotary does for each of us. Happy Birthday today and many more years of friendship and service in Rotary.
