ROTARY CLUB

The Rotary Club had its first local meeting at Culbertson’s on April 1, 1947 with 20 men. Rudy Ruedlinger was elected President and C.L. Hurd Vice President. Harry D. Harper served as Secretary/Treasurer, and L.T. Bjorklund was chosen Sergeant-at-Arms. Hurd later served as District Governor in 1952-53, and became known as "Mr. Rotary."

Rotary was started in Chicago in 1905, the “world’s first service club.” The word Rotary referred to the early practice of meeting at rotating locations in members’ homes. In 1947 there were Rotary Clubs in 6,000 cities in 72 countries. The club was exclusively for men until 1989. Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to some 31,000 Rotary clubs in 166 countries.

In the 1950's, Rotary held an annual "Career and Community Improvement Days."

In 1986, the Rotary Club gave the City a Showmobile, which cost $60,000.
 

At one time, Hurd Park had the name Rotary attached to it, but in 1990 the club's focus changed to Northside Park, which was later renamed Rotary Northside Park, and the name Rotary was dropped from Hurd Park.  Also in 1990, the Club agreed to make five payments of $3,000 for equipment for the park. 

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.