About Us
Welcome to The Montgomery Rotary Club
Our History
Brief Overview and History of the Montgomery Rotary Club
Rotary International was started in Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1905 by a young attorney named Paul Harris ( Photo 2) who had moved from Des Moines, Iowa to find his fortune. It soon became apparent that he needed to make connections and friends to survive in the big City. Paul (we Rotarians always call each other by our first name) and a few of his friends gathered together regularly and met once a week rotating to each other’s office, thus the name Rotary.
A primary purpose of Rotary was to create a professional club where men of differing backgrounds focused on problems within their communities, like sanitation and helping the poor. The idea spread quickly, with new
clubs popping up on the West and East Coast, from San Francisco to New York in just a matter of a few years.
The National Association of Rotary Clubs was chartered in 1910 and in the same year Rotary International was created, which led to the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Canada, being chartered in 1912, Rotary International
expanded by the mid 1920s to include clubs on six continents with the seminal mission, as being “to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.”
This concept began to expand throughout the United States, making its way to Alabama. Harry B. Wheelock, an architect in Birmingham, had heard of the movement while visiting his brother in Colorado. Wheelock
encouraged a few of his friends to meet to discuss the possibility of starting a new Rotary Club in Birmingham. By February 6, 1913 the Birmingham Rotary Club was founded as the 56th Club in existence. The fledgling Rotary Club of Birmingham began to advocate for Rotary Clubs in other southern cities. The Birmingham Rotarians reached out to Montgomery, Alabama to start its own Montgomery Rotary Club (MRC).
Districts were created to accommodate the significant growth of the organization. Alabama, Georgia and Florida were identified as District 5. In an early convention, our Club President Ralph Quisenberry also served
as District Governor of all three states. The convention was unique because Ralph oversaw the inclusion of the first non English speaking country joining the ranks of Rotary international, that was the island of Cuba.
(The number of clubs in Cuba swelled to over 80 until the Castro revolution took place in 1962 and all clubs were disbanded by order of the new government) Our District designation changed to #256, then #680 and our current District designation of #6880. Our District has roughly 2,000 members. Our Club currently has 125 active and honorary members.
Two recently unearthed directories, Volume I (1919, copy) and II (1920, original) opened the doors to the MRC’s rich history of its members and the contributions they made to the City and Rotary. Twenty six community leaders (Photo 3) chartered the MRC on October 22, 1913, making it the 86th Rotary club formed out of what
now has 33,000 clubs in over 175 countries. The first president of the MRC was Thomas Hackett (Photo 4), who along with 50 or so other Rotarians traveled to Birmingham by train to party with the Birmingham Club where both clubs royally entertained, and severely roasted each other, all in good fun, with Hackett receiving a standing ovation for his performance. (Birmingham Post-Herald March 26, 1914) Shortly thereafter, MRC member and second Club President, Ralph Quisenberry, became the 5th District Governor of District 5 which included the three aforementioned states. (Photo # 5)
Programs were often lively as well as compelling. MRC Rotarians were riveted to their seats listening to stirring tales of the WWI battlefield as told by two Montgomerians in a long article in the Montgomery Advertiser of April 17, 1919. Lt. Montgomery Howe fought in the Argonne Battle while Mack Brassell had
been a former county sheriff before being drafted. His transport was torpedoed off the coast of Scotland and he was gassed in the Argonne forest for which he had not fully recovered.
In 1911, “He Profits Most Who Serves Best” (later amended in 1950 to simply, “Service Above Self” ) became Rotary’s motto with MRC early on embracing it by serving the community. For example, in 1921 MRC bought land near Wetumpka and built facilities for the benefit of young boys and girls (in 1922 ). It was named Camp Rotary and eventually the Club donated the property to the YMCA in partnership with the Boy Scouts. The Club published an illustrated guide in 1922 (Photo # 6,7,8 ) which covered the ancient and near history of the site along with identification of flora and fauna.
Many other projects geared toward youth have included over the years including Rotary scholarships, Group Study Exchanges (photo 9) with other Rotary clubs around the world, recognitions for student accomplishment such as the Service Above Self essay winners for third graders throughout the Montgomery area (Photo 10), and the Bubba Trotman “Service Above Self” Award for community service, demonstrated by student athletes invited to the Alabama vs Mississippi High School Football AllStar Bowl. (Photo 11)
Over its 120 plus year history, the MRC has had many famous people and dignitaries attend Rotary events. In June 1916 the Club hosted Rotary’s International President Allen Albert,( Photo 12) introduced by then club
president EJ Meyer. In 1920 Clara Kimball Young (Photo 13), the most beautiful and glamorous star on the silver screen at the time, attended the MRC with a Rotarian friend. Her presence somewhat upstaged Alabama's then Governor Kilby who was there to introduce the speaker for the day.
Maybe the most famous of our Club's members are those with the longest longevity. Back in 2003, Elizabeth Via Brown with the Advertiser, saluted those who had been Rotarians 50 years or more (Photo 14). Included were: Eugene Heilpern Jr. (1941); James T Upchurch Jr. (1951); Weldon Doe Jr. (1948); Leo Drum Jr. (1948); J. Allen Reynolds (1957); and John A. Garrett (1951). Even today we have a large distinguished group who have already reached their 40th anniversary: Don Ashworth (1974); Hal Bloom (1976); Mark Dierlam (1985); Horace Horn (1977); Knox Kershaw (1974); Pete Land (1983); Robert Siebels (1972) and Tom Upchurch (1980). The record for the Rotarian who currently has the longest perfect attendance record is held by member Danny Fordham (1987), with over 35 years without missing a meeting. (Photo 15)
In keeping with a long held custom, the MRC honoured wives and sweethearts of its members during the annual Valentine’s season. A colourful and entertaining Ladies’ Night program ( Photo 16) in the Blue Gray Room of the Whitley hotel included skits, songs and introduction of new members wearing a beanie cap.
An amusing motion picture showed Rotarians at work, at play and pursuing their hobbies.
In 1945, another Rotary International President visited Montgomery. Tom Warren from England. He spoke of many things but spoke on the bonds of Rotary, stressing that “much influence toward world peace can be affected through Rotary organizations”. Many Rotarians participated in both WWI (thirteen) and WWII (thirty). All served their country proudly and honourably. One such individual was HF “Jim” Levy who was an unheralded hero. Jim was a battalion commander and among the first to land at Omaha Beach on D Day 1944.
He participated in the liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge. Jim was the recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor, a Purple Heart and two Oak Leaf Clusters. In 2011, he was awarded the Order of St. Maurice by the
National Infantry Association. He passed away in 2014 after a very successful 60 year business career in Montgomery. (Photo 17)
In 1953 During its 40th anniversary, the MRC recognized : the only remaining charter member Lucien Loeb; its oldest member at 85, Andy Kilpatrick; and two past District Governors, Frank Grove and Jim Upchurch. A framed excerpt of a news article from 1915 was presented in which the year old club was given a high rank in the civic life of Montgomery. A historical sketch reflecting the past years from 1943 to 53 “showed the
growing years with brain power and energy on the rise to really accomplish something in the years to come”. At that time MRC had 175 members. Over 30 Rotarians had surpassed the silver anniversary mark of membership including Michael Jenkins, Stanhope Elmore, Theo Meyer Sr, William Patterson, Marion Rushton and Irvin Gassenheimer. In 1956 Rotarian Clarence M. Dannelly, 20 years as Superintendent for Montgomery Public Schools, received a plaque and citation in front of 150 Rotarians for meritorious public service from the MRC.
MRC has a long history of military cooperation with Maxwell AFB. Since 1990, the MRC has celebrated the participation of foreign officers in the International Officers School. Rotarians host these elite officers and their spouses who often wear their country's uniform or are garbed in ceremonial attire from the respective cultures. Often local cuisine from far off lands were on the menu as well as some good Southern dishes.
After 9/11 the event moved off base for security reasons, but it still plays an important role in Rotary’s International Service component. (Photo 18)
In April of 1957 a full page in the local paper was dedicated to the vision and planning and execution of the very successful Rotary Camp by the MRC members. Over the past 37 years it stated that many new facilities had been added like an admin building, amphitheatre, additional lodging, target ranges, trails and swimming options. The boys played and competed for prizes and fame almost every day. Men like Frank Grove, Will Patterson, Lawrence Bear and Fred Cramton were credited for making this 100 acre wilderness into a much sought after adventure for Montgomery youth in the summer.
Rotarians also love competition and challenging other civic clubs had been a point of pride and dominance for years. For example, the MRC won its third straight City wide Archery Tournament back in January of 1957 at Cramton Bowl. The Rotarians (266 points) eased by the Lions Club (261 points) while the other eight civic clubs lagged far behind. The sharpshooting team consisted of Dr. R. C. Cardinal (top archer), Jim Rouse Jr, Holman Head, and Dan Winn II. 17 MRC members competed in a city wide City Civic Club golf championship
in 1992 with Wesley Dunn, Louis Cardinal and Weldon Doe leading the way. (Photo 19)
The 1960s started with a bang as the MRC created a new and exciting part to its fundraising component for the Rotary Charity Foundation, In 1961, promoted as one of the biggest social events of the year, the Gala was staged on April 4 at Garrett Coliseum with the one and only Guy Lombardo Big Band performing. (Photo 20 ) The key to its success was club president Bill Teague III, Mrs Marshall DeShields, Mrs. William Bowman and Eugene Heilpern. This Charity Ball was the mainstay of MRC’s fundraising success. The Boys Club of Montgomery received the proceeds from this Gala to be used for a capital project to build a swimming pool at its West End facility. (Photo 21) The Ball had continued uninterrupted for 60 years raising large sums to support local charities around Montgomery. It was the genesis of the “1913 Club Foundation Endowment” to ensure such projects continue for years to come.
In 1970, a young lady from Australia came to visit Montgomery and the MRC under Rotary’s Group Study Exchange Program that had been flourishing for many years. Marie Flavel (Photo 22) of Melbourne, Australia is but one example of the many people from around the world that have had a chance, through Rotary, to see and experience the American life first hand. She had asked for a rural area in her application and thus she has been given the opportunity to travel throughout south Alabama during her six week stay. “I found the Southern children were more respectful than the Northern children”, Marie said. “This exchange program averages about 5,000 young people a year to experience the USA, all underwritten by the Members of Rotary“ then MRC president Frank Robison explained.
The MRC also helped charter many local and regional clubs. In the 1970s it helped bring the Montgomery Capital Rotary Club into existence as well as the Montgomery Sunrise Rotary Club in 1995. Both are still strong and vibrant to this day. MRC helped other clubs in the region secure a charter such as Troy, Eufaula, Prattville, Selma (1916) and Brundidge to name a few.
The 1980s and 90s saw significant and positive progress toward modernizing Rotary. The MRC joined the movement. In 1987, the MRC invited African Americans and women to join what once was a male white bastion of civic clubs. The motivation certainly was encouraged by a U.S. Supreme Court case out of California directing Rotary International to allow women to join. MRC past president Will Hill Tankersley believed women ought to be guaranteed equality of opportunity while then president, Charlie Higgins said at the time he would be happy to abide by the law. Subsequently in June 1988 Dr. Guin Nance (Photo 23A ), Chancellor of Auburn University, Montgomery became the first woman to join with many other women and minorities to follow. In February 1988, Jame Dupree (Photo 23B), then Director of Youth Services, joined the MRC and continues to be involved in club activities. Sarah Moore (Photo 23C), joined the MRC in April 1990 and
served as the MRCs first female president during the 2004-2006 period. Since then not only has our minority and women ranks increased but the Club's overall performance has been improved and enhanced. In 2021, current member Stacia Robinson (Photo 23D) became the first African American female to serve as the MRC president.
Another seminal event in Rotary history occurred when Rotary International took on the daunting task of eradicating polio. This dread disease hits primarily children and has irreversible and sometimes deadly consequences. The initial immunization effort took place in the Philippines. The Salk vaccine for the virus was so successful that, by 1985, Rotary Clubs around the world joined with other non profit organizations to create a worldwide effort to stop polio. At that time there were 175 countries with the wild polio virus. Today, because of Rotary and great teams around the world, only two countries remain having just a handful of cases,
(as of July 1, 2025 only 16 reported cases) found in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The MRC has been a long time supporter of the End Polio Now effort by donating thousands of dollars every year to this very important cause. The Club was instrumental in bringing the Purple Pinkie Campaign to our District which, because of generous
anonymous sources, every dollar contributed was matched initially 10 to 1! (Photo 24A) The proceeds go directly to combat polio by purchasing vaccines and covering the logistical and manpower it takes to cover
the globe. It is estimated that Rotary has donated over $2 Billion and will not rest until there are Zero cases reported. Why the name? When children receive the vaccine in developing countries, many of which have poor record keeping, the child’s pinkie finger is dipped in purple dye to let authorities know the child is safe from polio. (Photo 24B )In the latest campaign in 2024, District 6880 of which MRC is a member, raised in cash and matching funds, over $400,000 for this noble cause.
In 1993 the MRC hosted half a dozen visitors from District 3240 located in the northeast part of India with the largest landmass of all the Rotary districts around the world. These professionals, in fields like medicine,
engineering, telecommunications, anthropology and industrial materials management spent time with local Rotarians. They spent five days in Montgomery visiting the Shakespeare Festival, business tours geared toward each interest and even a river cruise hosted by the Club president Pat Dozier. MRC did many Group Study Exchanges over the years exchanging club banners and more importantly, building better understanding of other cultures and lasting friendships. (see Photo 9 above)
In 1999, the proceeds from the long running Charity Ball surpassed one million dollars. Larry Kloess served as president and Bob Nothcutt was the overall Chairman of the event. (Photo 25) Also in the 90’s the MRC participated in Old Newsboy Day, where civic and nonprofits spread across the city to deliver a feel good rendition of the news for the holiday period, with collections simply donations from would be good drivers stopped at strategic intersections. (Photo 26) The event was sponsored by the Montgomery Advertiser, whose publisher was Rotarian Dick Amberg who has since retired here . 100% of the proceeds went toward selected charities in the Montgomery area. Dick’s paper had recently won a Pulitzer Prize for a series titled, "A Death in the Family, Alabama's Infant Mortality Crisis." Investigation into the state's high infant-mortality rate led to
legislation to correct the situation.
In 2004, the MRC’s President Bob Ramsey relinquished the traditional ringing of the bell, to start the meeting, to the oldest living member of the President’s Club ,John Garret, age 94, in celebration of Rotary International’s 100 anniversary. Each of the first 100 Clubs to join Rotary International (MRC was the 86th club to be formed in 1913) received and rang the Centennial Bell and then it passed to the next Club in line finishing the tour in Chicago, Illinois where it is still displayed on the 17th floor of the Rotary Building in Evanston, its headquarters. (Photo 27)
In 2005, the MRC joined with other local Rotary Clubs to formally dedicate Rotary Park downtown at the corner of Madison and Bibb Streets. Over $100,000 in cash and in kind services was raised to modernize the Rotary Park including a state of the art fenced dog park. A beautiful mural of Rotary wheels cascade along the adjacent parking deck wall while food truck slots were specially built to encourage downtown residents and workers to take a break in the shade. (Photo 28A) An unusual statue of “Roto the Dog” today overlooks the Park and attracts many visitors and their pets. (Photo 28B)
In 2013, the MRC celebrated its 100th anniversary. This Centennial Celebration was held at the Montgomery Country Club on October 21, 2013. The program included a pledge of allegiance by Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey and the keynote address from International Rotary President Ron Burton, from Oklahoma. A special Centennial Brochure was prepared listing Charter members, past presidents, and current Paul Harris Fellows. A chronology of the one hundred years came from reports from Silver, Golden and 75th anniversary programs published by the Club. President Paul Miles and his able staff put on an absolutely stunning evening, worthy of the 100th. The 1913 Society of the Montgomery Rotary Foundation was also formed to provide a constant funding stream for the future. (Photo 29 complete brochure 8 photos)
Speaking of Kay, the MRC is arguably the only Rotary Club in the world with so many Rotarians serving as Constitutional offices. (statewide elected officers). The current group includes Governor Kay Ivey (1990); Treasurer Young Boozer, Jr. (1988); Commissioner of Industry and Agriculture Rick Pate (1987); Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey (2011); Chief Justice Tom Parker (1983); and Justice Will Sellers (1995).
One of the highest awards a Rotarian can achieve is the Paul Harris Fellow award. It recognises the generosity of the individual who contributes to the Rotary Foundation. In turn, the Rotary Foundation, through district and global grants provides assistance to those in need. The MRC was recognized in 2019 by Rotary International as a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club meaning all our Rotarians have, through their generosity
or by virtue of their public service, have received such an award. President Eric Mackey receives the historic PHF banner from past president and then current District Governor Sam Adams. (Photo 30)
In March of 2020, the MRC, like many other organizations facing the COVID 19 pandemic, decided to continue meeting by internet Zoom until such time it was safe for everyone to return. Once the all clear was sounded, the Club went to a hybrid approach having in person appropriately spaced meetings as well as using technology to share our meeting with those unable to attend. Rotarians did their part in the community by providing free masks to local facilities and other acts of kindness. Once the threat subsided, the Club returned
to their normal routine but with the Zoom hybrid feature retained for those unable to make it.
In 2022, Rotarian Danny Fordham’s good friend Bill Heilpern, asked Danny if the Club would like an old Rotary photograph that had been hanging in a safe for decades in his family’s business, Klien’s Jewelers. The 1920 photograph was of the entire MRC standing, crouching and sitting in a field, most with seersucker suits and straw boaters, posing for a group picture. It took about six months to attempt to identify all the members. A special presentation was made of the photograph (Photo 31 A,B) to the Club and a presentation of a PHF award
to Bill for his willingness to share this part of history with the existing members.
Rotary wheels began to turn and in 2023 a special group photograph was made of current members with Governor Kay in the center with Rotary District Governor Dell Godwin making multiple presentations. It was a powerful moment in the history of the Club and a charge to future generations to do the same, recognizing the fun, the fellowship and the service that only Rotary can provide.
In 2023 the MRC and District 6880 was featured in the Rotary International Magazine for its efforts to memorialize the doctors, nurses and researches at the Tuskegee Infantile Paralysis Center for treating young children with polio. The Institute played a crucial role in the research and contributed to Dr. Jonas Salk’s successful effort to find a vaccine against polio. Members of MRC and District 6880 donated a great deal of time and resources to reveal this hidden polio story. This monument recognizes the incredible contributions of all of the aforementioned African American heroes, who put Service Above Self. (Photo 33A and B)
The multi page article features Judge Myron Thompson who was a young patient at the facility. He gave special thanks to Rotary for bringing to light this valuable contribution to mankind. Links provided:
https://www.rotary.org/en/polios-hidden-figures-tuskegee
https://www.birminghamrotary.org/zoom-meeting-archive-1/judge-myron-thompson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpCWVnMzHMQ
All our meetings finish with the 24 word pledge of the things we think, say or do:
1) Is it the Truth;
2) Is it Fair to All Concerned;
3) Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships; and,
4) Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?
The Rotary 4-Way Test, created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor, is an ethical roadmap for business practices and personal success. Rotary International officially adopted the test in 1943. It has since been translated around the world. Herb Taylor’s grandson, Allen Mathis III of Sylacauga, Alabama speaks on this topic often to Clubs and businesses. He was a keynote speaker for the District 6880 Annual Conference in 2019.
The MRC looks forward to another successful, impactful and eventful 100 years, having fun, serving our community and aiding the world by adhering to its motto, Service Above Self.
MRC members are invited to add their own histories, memories and observations in the comment section. These will be edited and updated regularly to the overall history of the MRC.
