The first Rotary club was organized in Chicago, Feb. 23, 1905; the name 'Rotary International' was adopted in 1922. The first Rotary club was founded to promote acquaintanceship, fellowship, and good will among business and professional men. As Rotary developed, however, its purpose was broadened, and today it bases the majority of its activities on four basic objectives, which are, in brief, the promotion of fellowship and good will in the club, as a basis of service; fostering and maintenance of high business ethics and standards and the regarding of one's vocation as a service rendered to the community; promotion of community-betterment endeavors; and the advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men united in the ideal of service. In 1939 there were about 5,000 clubs and 210,000 members in 65 countries. At the international convention held June 19-23 in Cleveland, Ohio, there were 9,200 persons present from 54 countries. Plans were made for the scheduling of Rotary Observance Week, Feb. 18-24, 1940. President, Walter D. Head, Montclair, N. J.; general secretary, Chesley R. Perry, 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Ill.
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