Room 711 in the old Unity Building at 127 North Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago was the birth-place of Rotary International. This was the office of engineer Gus Loehr and the location of the first meeting (February 23, 1905) when Paul Harris met with several friends to discuss his new idea of a club of professionals and business leaders. 
Paul P. Harris, a lawyer, was the founder of Rotary, the world's first and most international service club. He was born in Racine Wisconsin, on 19 April 1868. He was the second of six children of George N. Harris snd Cornelia Bryan Harris. At age three, he moved to Wallingford, Vermont where he grew up in the care of his paternal grandparents. He married Jean Thompson Harris (1881-1963), they had no children. He received his L.L.B. from the University of Iowa, and he received an honorary L.L.D. from the University of Vermont. Paul Harris worked as a newspaper reporter, a business teacher, stock company actor, cowboy, and traveled extensively in the U.S.A. and Europe selling marble and granite. In 1896, he went to Chicago to practice law. One evening Paul visited the suburban home of a professional friend. After dinner, as they strolled through the neighborhood, Paul's friend introduced him to various tradesmen in their stores. It was here Paul conceived the idea of a club that could recapture some of the friendly spirit among businessmen in small communities. Paul maintained his law office for most of his life. He spent much time traveling and was invited to speak to Rotarians at annual conventions, district and regional meetings, and other functions. When President emeritus Paul Harris passed away on 27 January 1947, his dream had grown from an informal meeting of four men to some 6000 clubs. In the past five decades, the organization has grown to more than 31,000 clubs with over 1.2 million members brought together through Paul Harris' vison of service and fellowship. Rotary will celebrate 100 years February 23, 2005. To learn more about the Celebration - Click "Here" | 
