Old Montreal in Montréal, Québec — Central Canada (French-Canadian)
La première réunion du Rotary Club de Montréal
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The first meeting of the Rotary Club of Montreal
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2024
1. La première réunion du Rotary Club de Montréal / The first meeting of the Rotary Club of Montreal Marker
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 October 2, 1913.
Location. 45° 30.178′ N, 73° 33.54′ W. Marker is in Montréal, Québec. It is in Old Montreal. It is on Rue Saint-Jacques just south of Rue Saint-Jean, on the left when traveling south. The marker is mounted at eye-level on the west/front facade of the Insurance Exchange Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 276 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal QC H2Y 1N3, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Molson (within shouting distance of this marker); Début de l'enseignement vétérinaire au Québec / Start of Veterinary Education in Québec (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); First Young Men's Christian Association on the American Continent (about 180 meters away); Bank of Montreal / Banque de Montréal (about 210 meters away); Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve (about 210 meters away); Édifice Wilson Chambers / Wilson Chambers (about 240 meters away); Commémoration de la Nation Mohawk / Mohawk Nation Commemoration (about 240 meters away); La Basilique Notre-Dame / Notre-Dame Basilica (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montréal.
Also see . . . Montreal Rotary Club History.
Excerpt: The real beginnings take off when H LeRoy Shaw began to communicate with W A Peace, the first President(Submitted on April 22, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)of The Toronto Rotary Club. From such correspondence, an initial, informal meeting was held on 18th September 1913 and then a week later (25th September) at the Freeman's Hotel where Shaw was elected first President and Herbert R Swenerton secretary. The first general meeting took place on October 2nd at the Freeman's Hotel where 13 members were present. Entrance fees were set at $10 (Canadian) per head.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 20242. La première réunion du Rotary Club de Montréal / The first meeting of the Rotary Club of Montreal MarkerIt is mounted on a column on the west/front facade of the Insurance Exchange Building.The club grew from a charter membership of 14 to 30 within a year and by 1920 there were 136 members rising to over 400 by the 1960s. The club soon moved to Cooper's Restaurant on Notre Dame Street before in September 1915, they settled in the Engineer's Club before returning to Freeman's Hotel.
The first projects of the Club focused on Youth and Social Service. The first main project saw the erection of a cottage in 1917 at the Boys Farm and Training School, Shawbridge - a school for problem boys - cost $15,000. For over 20 years, Montreal Rotary Club overwrote the cost and Rotarians served on the Board of Directors. The Club were also involved with the Boys Home of Montreal inspired by Rotarian Owen Dawson who worked in the Juvenile Courts.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2024
3. Insurance Exchange Building (west/front elevation)
The marker is mounted on the first column in from the left side.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
