Rotary Club of Amite

Our History

The friendly Choctaw Indians inhabited the area we now know as Amite City in Tangipahoa Parish, LA on the west bank of the Tangipahoa River.  While it is generally understood that the word "Tangipahoa" is of Native American origin, authorities disagree on the exact meaning.  Most often suggested are "White Corn", "Parched Corn", "Corn Cob", or "Corn Stalk Gatherers".  It is generally considered that the word "Amite" is of Native American origin as well.  Some contend that the word meant "Busy Ants".  The other, and perhaps the prevailing view, is that the word means "Friendship".

Early history of the area indicates that the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroads were built through this country and, in about 1854, a store and hotel were erected.  A survey of the area was made by Major J.M. Wentz, and in 1861, the Town of Amite was incorporated.

The Amite Rotary Club was organized on March 23, 1928, under the sponsorship fo the Hammond Rotary Club, and was admitted to membership in Rotary International on April 9, 1928. The District Governor at the time was Hugh L. White.  The special representative was Chum Anderson. 

 OFFICERS

President	D. D. Morgan
Vice President	M. E. Nettles
Secretary	H. S. Weigel, Jr.
Treasurer	A. S. Cartwright
Sergeant-At-Arms	W. W. Andrews

CHARTER MEMBERS

(members in bold were also Directors)

W W Andrews	George Harpole
Carroll Buck	A. O. Joiner
A. S. Cartwright	Lee Lanier
Tom Cefalu	E. J. LeTard
E. W. Dees	Dr. A. L. Lewis
Tom Dyer	E. R. McClendon
Joe Foulks	D. D. Morgan
George Futch	M. E. Nettles
Wade Garnier	Herbert Sanders
J. H. Goldsby	M. W. Stewart
Rev. S.R. Gordon	H. S. Weigel, Jr.