Rotary Club of Pleasantville 

                New York, U.S.A., Inc.

                                                                                                                                                  (A New York Not-for-Profit Corporation)

History of Rotary

The first Rotary Club in the world was organized in Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer. In a spirit of friendship and understanding, he gathered a group of four men, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public. That basis of membership -- one individual for each business and profession in the community -- still exists in Rotary.

The objectives of that first Rotary club focused primarily on fellowship, and secondarily on the welfare of each other.

By 1911, Rotarians were using the unofficial slogans, "He Profits Most Who Serves Best" and "Service Above Self." They were eventually made official by convention action in 1950.

The second Rotary club was formed in 1908 in San Francisco, California, Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles, California, and New York City. By 1910, there were 16 clubs dotted across the United States

These clubs called the First Convention in August of that year, in Chicago, to organize "The National Association of Rotary Clubs."

A permanent headquarters for Rotary International was built in Evanston, Illinois, dedicated on May 16, 1954. This building, site of all official Rotary International business and headquarters for the Board of Directors and Rotary International President, is open for tours to all Rotarians.

"Rotary is still in its beginning. Its record to date would seem to indicate that eventually there will be tens of thousands of Rotary clubs helping their members and their communities to a more sympathetic understanding of their fellow men. God speed the day."

--Paul P. Harris. Founder of Rotary--1936

The extended Rotary "family" now includes both Rotaract and Interact organizations, which introduce younger members of the world population to the ideals of Rotary.

Rotaract is a worldwide, Rotary-sponsored organization for young adults (ages 18-29). Started in North Carolina in 1968, its purpose is to provide an opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist young men and women in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relationships between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service.

Similarly, Interact membership is open to students at the secondary school, or pre-university level, or ages 14-18. This program began in 1962 in Florida.

On the occasion of Rotary's Golden Anniversary in 1955, the United States Postal Service issued a special commemorative stamp featuring the Rotary emblem superimposed on the globe, the hand of Liberty reaching out to light the world, and the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self."