The Rotary Club of Jacksonville, often referred to as “Downtown Rotary,” is continuing its celebration of the club’s 100th year.
Founded Feb. 13, 1912, at the Windsor Hotel at Hemming Park, the club has more than 300 members and meets weekly for lunch at the Omni Hotel.
Club President Howard Dale said even though the anniversary date has passed, the club will continue to mark its centennial year with projects and activities.
He said a ceremony is planned to commemorate the club’s contribution of the statue in Memorial Park in Riverside and there are plans for a centennial time capsule.
“This has been a special year,” he said.
“We still have plenty of time to tell our story.”
The club published a book detailing its first 100 years which is available to Rotarians throughout District 6970. Dale said the story of the club’s first 50 years was researched and written by the club’s president in 1962, Prim Fisher. His son, Michael, is a member of the club. On Monday, Dale presented Fisher his father’s Rotary record file.
Fisher said his father was the 39th CPA in Florida and became a member of Rotary in 1926.
He read an excerpt from the club’s history from its 50th year and its golden anniversary gala in February 1962.
Fisher said the club had the celebration at the George Washington Hotel, with entertainment provided by the Woody Herman Orchestra and the “Harmonicats” harmonica quartet. The proceeds from the evening, $10,500, were donated to a local charity, Fisher said.
“This club is about service above self and about fellowship. We want to be the best at both,” said Dale.
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