History of Lincoln Rotary Club #14
A Charter Club of Rotary International

Rotary International

Rotary is the oldest of the service organizations.  The first Rotary club in the world was organized in Chicago, IL on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer, who gathered together in a spirit of friendship and understanding a group of men, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public.  That basis for membership — one person from each business and profession in the community — still exists in Rotary.  At first, the members of the new club met in rotation at their various places of business, and this suggested the name “Rotary.”  Rotary has been international since 1911.

Rotary is officially defined as an organization of business and professional people “united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build peace and goodwill in the world.”  The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.”  There are now more than 29,000 Rotary Clubs with more than 1,188,000 members in 527 districts and 160 countries and geographical regions.

The general objectives of Rotary clubs in every country are the same — the development of fellowship and understanding among the business and professional leaders in the community, the promotion of community betterment endeavors and of high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.  Rotary clubs everywhere have one basic ideal — the “Ideal of Service,” which is thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others.

Lincoln Rotary Club #14

Organization   Lincoln Rotary is Lincoln’s oldest service organization.  It was the 14th Rotary Club founded and has published a weekly newsletter, The Propeller, since 1916.  Lincoln Rotary came into being as a direct result of the efforts of the St. Louis Rotary Club.  The St. Louis club president, who had business relations with F. C. “Dad” Phillips, came to Lincoln in late May, 1910 and received a promise from “Dad” Phillips that a Rotary Club would be organized in Lincoln.

On June 6, 1910 the selected group met in the Phillips Plumbing Shop and Lincoln Rotary Club #14 was born with F. C. Phillips as President.  Charter members were:

Ray O. Castle, Castle, Roper & Matthews, undertakers, 1317-23 “N” St.
Harry Sidles, Manager, Nebraska Buick Auto Co., 144 No. 13th St.
Walt E. Shaffer, meats, 120 So. 11th St.
Thomas P. Harrison, contractor, 57 Brownell Block
Frank E. Gillen, Gillen & Boney, wholesale confections, 209-223 No. 8th St.
Francis W. Brown, Sr., Treasurer, F. W. Brown Lumber Co., 700 “O” St.
Samuel W. Shean, optometrist, 1123 “O” St.
Wm. H. Prescott, Prescott Music Co., 1210 “O” St.
Frank B. Kimball, Kimball Bros., monuments, 1700 “O” St.
Warren J. Byer, grocer, 1401 “O” St.
Alvin H. Armstrong, President & Treasurer, Armstrong Clothing Co., 1221 “O” St.
Frank C. Phillips, President & Treasurer, F. C. Phillips Co., plumbers, 1421 “P” Street
Burton A. George, George Bros., printers, 218 So. 13th St.

Club Extension   Lincoln Rotary was responsible for establishing most other early Rotary clubs in Nebraska.  Lincoln Rotary has sponsored eighteen (18) new Rotary clubs.  They are: Downtown Omaha Club #37, Kearney, York, Beatrice, Fremont, Hastings, Norfolk, Aurora, Falls City, Alliance, Chadron, Scottsbluff, Crete, Ashland, Humboldt, Lincoln Northeast, Lincoln South, and Lincoln Havelock.

District Governors   The club has furnished eleven District Governors beginning with O. J. Fee in 1916-17 and followed by Charles Strader, Verne Hedge, Charles Cadwallader, W. A. Robbins, Kenneth White, 1966-67; Robert W. Palme, 1970-71; John Wolter, 1985-86; Dan Drain, 1988-89; Charles Thone, 1996-97; and Arthur Knox, 1997-98.  Charles Cadwallader also served on the Board of Directors of Rotary International and in 1947 was nominated by Lincoln Rotary as a candidate for International President.

Renowned People   One of Lincoln Rotary’s best known members was William Jennings Bryan.  He became an honorary member when he moved his residence to Florida.

General John J. Pershing was an honorary member and attended meetings in his honor on Dec. 30, 1919 and Dec. 21, 1929.

Eight (8) chief executive officers of the University of Nebraska have been members or honorary members of Lincoln Rotary: Samuel Avery, C. S. Boucher, R. G. Gustafson, Clifford Hardin, Ronald Roskens, Martin Massengale, Graham Spanier and James C. Moeser.  All heads of Nebraska Wesleyan University since 1932 and all Presidents of Union College since 1957 have been members or honorary members of the club.

Eight (8) mayors of Lincoln have been honorary members: Dean Petersen, Alvin H. Armstrong, F. W. Brown, Verne Hedge, Frank Zehrung, Bill Harris, Mike Johanns and Don Wesely.

Over twenty club members have also served as chair of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.  Six (6) members or honorary members have served as Governor of the State of Nebraska:  Samuel R. McKelvie, Frank Morrison, Charles Thone, Kay Orr, Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns.  Members Carl T. Curtis and J. James Exon served as U. S. Senators and Charles Thone served in the U. S. House of Representatives.

Most Senior Members   Records indicate that current members with the longest continuous membership in Lincoln Rotary are Earl T. Luff, 1936; and Oliver Christensen, May 8, 1945.

Miscellaneous   Lincoln Rotary has had two sons follow their fathers as club presidents: Sam Van Pelt 1969-70, whose father was Robert Van Pelt 1935-36; and Robert Magee 1972-73, whose father was Elmer Magee 1954-55.  Three Rotary International Presidents have visited Club #14.  In 1985, Edward Cadman helped celebrate our 75th anniversary, and in 1990 Hugh Archer helped celebrate our 80th anniversary.  The most recent president to visit was Herbert Brown, helping the club celebrate its’ 85th anniversary in 1995.  President Brown awarded 20 Paul Harris Fellowships to members and friends and dedicated the Seniors Park as part of the occasion.

Club Service

Membership   By 1973, membership reached 225 strong and continued to grow in the following years.  In 1978, an innovative and successful internal program entitled “Blow your own Horn” developed new enthusiasm in Rotary membership.  That same year, fiscal controls were enacted and criteria were established for hiring a new executive secretary.  In 1982, new member orientation was improved, and daily wearing of the Rotary pin was encouraged.  By 1985, membership had fallen to 164, but during that year it was increased to 204.  In 1986, the club welcomed its first woman member when Governor Kay Orr became an honorary member.  In 1990-91, 53 new members were introduced and membership retention at the end of the year was 97%.  In the year 1991-92 membership reached 242 with new member recruitment being second highest in the district.  Emphasis was placed on the club’s fiscal condition and a successful plan was adopted to reestablish a positive cash flow.  In 1993-94, the goal was to introduce one new member at each meeting.  This goal was very nearly accomplished resulting in 256 members at year end.  In the 1996-97 year membership reached an all time high of 273 members.  Recent initiatives have targeted increased involvement by members in club activities and attendance.

Past Presidents Council   The council, to be composed of all Past Presidents, was established in 1990 to provide counsel and advice to the current president.

The Press Posse   The Press Posse was introduced in 1991 with members “in the news” being fined for their notoriety.  Contributions are added to the service fund.

NEOS Club   NEOS was established in 1992-93 to serve two main purposes.  First, this new members’ club serves as a social bridge between non-membership and immersion into the mass of the larger club.  The second goal is the transmission of Rotary information in multiple, small doses – rotating the curriculum every four months.  Thus delivered, this information is more likely to be remembered and become a base for understanding what is unique about Rotary and Rotarians.

Rotary Plan of Service   In July 1993, a Rotary Plan Booklet listing all committees, committee members, and committee goals for the year was published and distributed to each member.  With this written plan, the committees functioned extremely well.  In the 1995-96 year this Rotary Plan was combined with the Membership Roster book and a single “Membership Directory and Plan of Service” booklet was published.

Community Service

Lincoln General   Lincoln Rotary conceived the idea of Lincoln General Hospital and led a public campaign that raised $100,000 to match an equal amount of City of Lincoln funds.  In 1975, the hospital’s 50th anniversary, the Lincoln Journal-Star reprinted an article headlined “Here’s How it all Began.”  It included a photograph of nine Rotarians with four identified as “Cash Boy Tyler, Willing Walt, Full General Putney and Work Horse Allen.”

The Antelope Park Fountain   In 1978, the fountain which had been given to the city years earlier by the club, was “rediscovered.”  It’s refurbishing was a project completed over the next five (5) years.

Rotary Seniors Park   In 1990, a conceptual plan for Rotary Seniors Park was formed and developed.  In 1991, the design was finalized and fundraising began.  By 1993, fundraising had reached the half-way point and the plan was finalized.  On Sept. 24th, 1993 a groundbreaking ceremony was held.  Fundraising continued, and in December an open house entitled Holiday Showcase was held with proceeds going to the park fund.  Construction began in April, 1994 and was completed in 1995.  The project cost almost $80,000 and adequate funds were raised to pay for it.  Fundraising was completed and in August of 1995 the park was dedicated with Rotary International President Herbert Brown participating in the dedication.

Scholarship Program   In 1988, the club embarked upon a project known as “Auction for Scholarships.”  The vision was the creation of an endowment fund that would allow the awarding of four $1,000 (raised to $1,500 in 1997) scholarships per year to graduates of Lincoln high schools to pursue careers of their choice.  In 1989, the first club auction was held, raising about $12,000 to fund scholarships.  Annual fundraising auctions have been held since that time and the goal of $100,000 was reached in the 1994-95 year.  This will enable the club to give scholarship support for four years of college level schooling for each of four students.

Donald W. Miller Math Recognition Award   In 1991, Lincoln Rotary endowed the Donald W. Miller Math Recognition Award to recognize outstanding math educators in the Lincoln area.  This award was created in honor of a Lincoln Rotary member who has given sustained leadership in the field of mathematics and has been recognized as a Rotary leader.

Lincoln Rotary Club #14 Foundation   A record of success, combined with the dreams of members, led to the formation of the Rotary Club #14 Foundation.  The ambitious goal of this foundation is to have one million dollars in place by the year 2010, the 100^th anniversary of Club #14.  The funds will be used to aid worthy community projects.  The foundation was established in 1997 and has already been very successful in obtaining funds and pledges toward its’ goal.  The Foundation board is made up of current Rotarians, however is separate from the Rotary Club #14 Board of Directors.

A Commitment to Service   Our club helped establish the Lincoln Community Chest (now United Way), the Better Business Bureau, YMCA Camp Strader, Girl Scout Camp Catron and the West Lincoln Community Center.  The club led a fund drive for the paving of 17th Street from “R” Street to the State Fairgrounds and in 1958, provided the leadership and most of the volunteers for Lincoln’s centennial celebration.  In 1990, we “Made Lincoln a Glad City” by supplying each Lincoln 5th & 6th grade student with perennial gladiolus bulbs.  Lincoln Rotary annually supports Career Awareness Day, and the Salvation Army’s holiday bell ringing campaign.  In 1980, a relationship with Folsom Children’s Zoo was begun.  Over the years, funds have been contributed to refurbish and remodel the zoo, and club members participate in the annual Halloween Hullabaloo (now named “Boo at the Zoo”).  In addition, the club’s service fund has provided financial assistance to People’s City Mission, Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln Symphony, Girls and Boys State, Arthritis Center, Barkley Center, Fresh Start House, Junior Achievement, Capital Humane Society, and visiting Rotary Exchange Students.  Annually the Service Fund spends between five and ten thousand dollars on worthy projects.

International Service

The Rotary Foundation   Established in 1917, the Rotary Foundation is supported annually by Lincoln Rotary and its members.  It is the world’s largest international foundation.  The Foundation gives undergraduate and graduate scholarships for studies in other countries and funds group study exchanges and projects for health and humanitarian purposes.  The Rotary Foundation is funded by contributions from members and friends of Rotary.  On pages 78, 79 and 80 are listed the requirements and members or friends of Rotary who have completed them and are designated as Paul Harris Fellows, Multiple Fellows, Benefactors and Paul Harris Sustaining Members.

Group Study Exchange   Since 1969, our club has been involved in the Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange and has helped send U. S. Representatives to and has hosted visitors from Australia, Brazil, Chile, England, India, Japan, The Philippines, South Africa, South Korea and Uruguay.  In 1981, emphasis was placed on Group Study Exchange as a means of gaining increased knowledge of the worldwide benefits of the Rotary Foundation and contributions to the Foundation by members increased dramatically.

Ambassadorial Scholarships   The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries by providing an opportunity for scholars to study abroad for a period of one to three years.  Our club has sponsored applicants in the district competition for this program throughout our history.  In 1993 and in 1995, one of our applicants was selected as an ambassadorial scholar.

Polio Plus Campaign   In 1989 The Rotary Foundation’s drive to raise funds for global elimination of polio and other childhood diseases was completed with Lincoln Rotary raising more than $60,000; enough to inoculate 543,000 children.  Not only was this far above our goal, but the worldwide campaign far exceeded expectations.  The world will benefit for many years to come from this campaign.

World Service Projects   In 1973, the club purchased a windmill manufactured in Beatrice and paid for its transportation and installation in Haiti, where it provides water for a village.  In 1993, over $2500 was raised to help sponsor a symposium in Bangladesh and money was sent to Brazil which provided tools for a vocational training school.  In 1995 the Sunshine School, a vocational training center for the handicapped in Ocho Rios, Jamaica was adopted as an international project.  Contributions to this school were given in both the 1994-95 and 1995-96 years.

Vocational Service

Salute to Business   In 1992-93, in conjunction with the other Rotary clubs of Lincoln, a vocational service day was established to recognize an outstanding business in the community.  Honorees are listed elsewhere in this directory.

Fireside Chats   Fireside chats were established in 1993 and have continued annually to provide an opportunity for club members to become better acquainted on a personal as well as professional level.

Nebraskan of the Year   In 1988, the club established a program to recognize annually a Nebraskan of the Year, based on honesty, integrity and concern for others; service in charitable and civic causes; and leadership and accomplishment in a field of employment.  The recipients are listed elsewhere in this directory.

Rich Traditions

There is a rich tradition of District and Rotary International recognition of achievement in Lincoln Rotary.  Club #14 has been recognized often for major and prestigious awards at District Conference including Outstanding Large Club on several occasions.  Many club presidents have been honored by District 5650 as Outstanding Club President for their respective leadership years.  Club #14 has also had several past presidents lead the club to prestigious Rotary International Presidential Citations for balanced club achievement in all four avenues of service in their respective terms.  Dan Drain, Robert W. Palme, and David Livingston have received from the Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s second highest award, the Citation for Meritorious Service.  The Cadwallader Award, named after a Club #14 past president and presented to an outstanding Rotarian in the district has been awarded to several Club #14 Rotarians.  A list of all honorees appears elsewhere in this directory.

During its 89 years, the club has made a difference.  The City of Lincoln is a better place to live because of the men and women of Lincoln Rotary Club #14.