I was perusing our district’s (that is District 7790 in case anyone needs a refresher) when I came upon a link entitled “Rotary History Timeline.” Being the sometimes curious fellow that I am, and secretly searching for something to write about, I clicked upon this link. I began reading through the timeline and read so very much about Paul Harris, that frankly, I got tired of seeing the man’s name. No disrespect meant by any means, because, without Mr. Harris, there would probably be no Rotary International. However, there have been many, many men and women since Mr. Harris who have been just as instrumental in the fantastic growth and worldwide contributions of the organization, at least as much as you can be with being the actual creator.

Take for instance, Arch C. Klumph, who in 1917 proposed what would become the Rotary Foundation, or in more simple terms, an endowment to keep Rotary in the means to serve humanity. We all know that without Klumph’s ideas, Rotary would be nothing compared to what is today and its accomplishments would probably pale in comparison.

Or, you can ponder Sylvia Whitlock, who became the first Rotary Club President on July 1, 1987. What!? Yes, you heard me correctly, the first woman club president was inducted in 1987! That was after a battle with Rotary International that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court in 1986. This court battle only occurred because one club, the Duarte (CA) Rotary Club, inducted three woman members in 1976. Knowing the history of similar attempts, the club members, wisely, decided to list the women by their first initials only on the R.I. membership roster. A few months later the club held its 25thanniversary celebration and introduced the women, publicly, as members. In response, Rotary International revoked the Duarte Club’s charter.

To make a long story short, the Duarte Rotary Club filed suit in California (They are always the trend setters, those Californians!) and a long court battle ensued, lasting until the U.S. Supreme Court made its opinion known on May 4th, 1987. The Duarte Rotary Club was assisted, both in spirit and in court,by the Seattle-International District Club which admitted 15 women members on September 4th, 1986 and filed an injunction against R.I. while simultaneously announcing to R.I. that it had 15 new members, all women! By the way, when Sylvia Whitlock became the first Rotary Club President in 1987, she was president of the Duarte Club, of course.

I could write a novella detailing the trials, tribulations, contributions and accomplishments of women Rotary members since 1976 and those who tried prior, but it would be easier if you simply clicked on this link https://www.rghfhome.org/first100/women/timeline/index.htm.

So, when you go to Wednesday’s meeting, I ask that while you are socializing, eating or whatever you do when I am not speaking (or even when I am for some of you) take a moment to look around and realize all that the women of our club do for us and the world. Heck, if you are truly thankful and appreciative, go ahead and tell some of them so and thank them for their service!

Shaun