About Rotary International

February 23, 1905: A Chicago lawyer, Paul P. Harris, called three friends to a meeting. What he had in mind was a club that would kindle fellowship among members of the business community. It was an idea that grew from his desire to find within the large city the kind of friendly spirit he knew in the villages where he had grown up. The four businessmen didn't decide then and there to call themselves a Rotary club, but their get-together was, in fact, the first meeting of the world's first Rotary club.

As they continued to meet, adding others to the group, they rotated their meetings among the members places of business, hence the name Rotary. By the end of 1905, the club had 30 members. The second club was formed in 1908 in San Francisco. Others followed in Oakland, Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles and New York City.

Rotary became international in 1910 when a club formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. By 1921, the organization was represented on every continent, and the name Rotary International was adopted in 1922.


Rotary Club of Sharon

Rotary International chartered the Rotary Club of Sharon in December of 1941. Charter Night was held on March 18, 1942 at the Sharon High School gymnasium. Rotary is the oldest service organization in the Town of Sharon. Our membership has spent the past 64 years providing services to the town as well as state, national and worldwide needs. And, we have actively supported Rotary International in the efforts to eradicate polio on a worldwide basis.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Sharon,
contact President Rosie Walisever at rosie@sharonrotary.org