The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Rotary Club of Chicago
"Service above self"
"He profits most who serves best"
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 1, 2023
1. The Rotary Club of Chicago Marker
Erected 2005 by The Rotary Club of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 23, 1905.
Location. 41° 53.016′ N, 87° 37.76′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. Marker is at the intersection of North Dearborn Street and West Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on North Dearborn Street. The marker is embedded in the sidewalk, in front of “Block 37” building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 N Dearborn St, Chicago IL 60602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eternal Flame Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Daley Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reliance Building (about 400 feet away); Augustus Garrett (about 400 feet away); Oliver Building (about 400 feet away);
this page online
Also see . . . Club History (Rotary Club of Chicago).
In the beginning: Paul Harris and five business friends discussed creating a business networking group off and on in 1904. Then on February 23, 1905, Paul Harris had dinner with his closest friend, Chicago coal dealer Silvester Schiele. Afterwards they walked up to Room 711 of the Unity Building where they met their host, Gustavus Loehr, a mining engineer; and another friend, Hiram Shorey, a merchant tailor. Harris proposed that they form a club. No name was chosen for the group. But they agreed to meet next at the offices of Silvester Schiele. The second meeting was March 9th. Three other men, Harry Ruggles, William Jenson, and A. L. White joined them. Ruggles was a printer, and created the “name badge” version of the Rotary “wheel” and also started singing in Rotary. In fact his singing kept the group from disbanding more than once. It was also decided that “rotating” the meetings made “Rotary” the(Submitted on May 29, 2023.)most logical name. Two weeks later the group gathered at the office of Silvester Schiele, in his coal yard at Twelfth and State Streets. Six of the previous seven were present along with Charles Newton and Arthur B. Irwin.Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 1, 20232. The Rotary Club of Chicago Marker
Courtesy of The Herman Blizzard Rotary Archive, Randall Library Special Collections
3. Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois Banner
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2023, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2023, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 3. submitted on May 29, 2023. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
