CLUB HISTORY
The Rotary Club of Orlando is the largest and the oldest Rotary Club in the Central Florida District, chartered on May 12, 1920.
We have included a detailed history of our first 100 years, which outlines many highlights of our rich history.
In 1920, a small group of business and professional men led by John A. Turner of Tampa, representing District Governor Truman McGill of Selma, Alabama traveled the narrow winding red brick road to Orlando for the charter night banquet of the Rotary Club of Orlando.
In its first year, the Rotary Club of Orlando made a significant contribution not only of money but of individual time to support its community. Some of these accomplishments in 1920 included:
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Petitioned the State Legislature to increase the appropriation for the University of Florida
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Initiated action to resolve the water and light utility problem that resulted in municipal ownership of the Orlando Utilities in 1922.
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“Big Brother” idea adopted by Orlando Rotary
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Proposed permanent City Planning Commission
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Orange General Hospital
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Orlando Country Club
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Petitioned State Legislature to secure better salaries for public school teachers
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Red Cross Christmas Seal Drive
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Orlando Public Playground Activities
Rotary Club of Orlando Founding Members
May 12, 1920 — 18 of Orlando’s Prominent Business and Professional Leaders Formed the Rotary Cub of Orlando.
Bottom Row (L to R):
C.G. Brown, W.L. Tilden, H.S. Wilson, J.P. Holbrook, J. Dean Adcock, Eugene G. Duckworth, Nixon Butt, Wm. M. Glenn
Top Row (L to R):
C. DeWitt Miller, S. Walter Howe, Carey Hand, Mayor Vernon W. Estes, F.G. Rush, John S. McEwan, Sam Y. Way, Moses O Overstreet, Don A. Cheney, S. Kendrick Guernsey
Our club charter issued by The International Association of Rotary Clubs on May 1 1920
Rotary founder, Paul Harris, spent many months in Clermont. In March, 1937, Mr. Harris planted a tree at what is now Lake Eola Park
The Club’s first gavel, present to J.P. Holbrook, the club’s first president.
City of Orlando recognizes the club’s 100 years of service with an Official Proclamation
