Vallejo Rotary

History of the Rotary Club of Vallejo

The following article first appeared in the Vallejo Evening Chronicle on Thursday July 28, 1921.

With 19 active business men as charter members the Rotary Club was organized for this city at a meeting held in the Commercial Bank last night. The organization which is only temporary will be affected and the permanent organization will take place on August 17. J. E. Godley and Dr. J. J. Hogan were instigators of the movement which brings to this city one of the liveliest organizations in the United States.

The local club will be in the Sacramento district, and will be under the supervision of Governor Bill of that city. It will include in its membership representatives from each branch of business in the city. J. E. Godley has been named temporary chairman of the local club James B. O'Hara, secretary. The members at last nights meeting included Lewis F. Bauer, Dan Brosnahan, Robert H. Brown, T. V. Collins, W. O. Crosby, L. S. Denius, J. E. Godley, F. Hatch, Harry Handlery, Dr. J. J. O'Hara, Russell F. O'Hara, Chas. E. Perry Jr., Carlos B. Rockwood, Thomas Smith, Wm. Widenmann.

The Rotary platform which is the basis of the organization in the United States and those who have been formed in American colonies in foreign countries follows: Recognizing the commercial basis of modern life as a necessary incident in human evolution. The Rotary Club is organized to express the proper relation between private interests and the fusion of private interests which constitutes society. "To accomplish this purpose more effectively the principle of limited membership has been adopted. The Rotary Club consisting of one representative from each distinct line of business or profession. Each member is benefitted by contact with representative men engaged in different occupations and is enabled there-by to meet more intelligently the responsibilities of civic and business life.

"The basis of club membership insures the representation of all interests and the domination of none in the consideration of public questions relating to business. On account of its limited membership the Rotary Club does not constitute itself the voice of the entire community on questions of general importance, but its action on such questions is of great influence in advancing the civic and business welfare of the community."

"The Rotary Club demands fair dealings, honest methods, and high standards in business. No obligation, actual or implied, to influence business exists in Rotary. Election to membership therein is an expression of confidence of the club in the member elected, and of its good will toward him. As his business is an expression of himself, he is expected to represent it."

"Membership in the Rotary Club is a privilege and an opportunity and its responsibility demands honest and efficient service and thoughtfulness for one's fellows.

"Service is the basis of all business."

"He profits most who serves best."