Editor's Note

FUN FACTS ABOUT ROTARY. In the February 16, 2023 issue of Balita, some interesting facts about Rotary were featured as Club members, especially the Star Rotarians, are surely interested to learn more about Rotary. Culled from various sources, here are additional helpful information about this amazing global network of volunteers called Rotary.

1. It was during the 1929 Rotary International Convention in Dallas, Texas, when the Rotary flag was officially adopted. It consists of a white field with the official wheel emblem emblazoned in gold in the center of the field The four depressed spaces on the rim of the Rotary wheel are colored royal blue. The words "Rotary" and "International' printed at the top and bottom depressions on the wheel rim are also gold.

2. Some Rotary clubs use the official Rotary flag as a banner at club meetings. In these instances, it is appropriate to print the words "Rotary Club" above the wheel symbol, and the name of the city, state, or nation below the emblem. The Rotary flag is always prominently displayed at the World Headquarters as well as at all conventions and official events of Rotary International.

3. A wheel has been the symbol of the Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement." Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. Thus, in 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the "Rotary International Association." A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a "keyway" in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added, and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.

4. The first women joined Rotary in 1987. Today, more than 196,000 women are members of Rotary International.

5. Today, we always start our Rotary year on the 1st day of July. But prior to 1913, Rotary's fiscal year began the day after its conventions.

6. In many Rotary Clubs throughout the world, wives of male members are affectionately called “Rotary Anns.” This designation was never one of disparagement but rather grew out of an interesting historical occasion. In 1914 San Francisco Rotarians boarded a special train to attend the Rotary convention being held in Houston. In those days few wives attended Rotary events, and until the train stopped in Los Angeles, the only woman aboard was the wife of Rotarian Bru Brunnier. As the train picked up additional convention-bound delegates, Mrs. Ann Brunnier was introduced as the Rotarian’s Ann. This title soon became “Rotary Ann.” Since the clubs of the West were inviting the Rotarians to hold their next convention in San Francisco, a number of songs and stunts were organized which would be performed in Houston. One of the Rotarians wrote a “Rotary Ann” chant. On the train’s arrival at the Houston depot, a delegation greeted the West Coast Rotarians. One of the greeters was Guy Gundaker of Philadelphia, whose wife was also named Ann. During the rousing demonstration, someone started the Rotary Ann chant. The two petite ladies, Ann Brunnier and Ann Gundaker were hoisted to the men’s shoulders and paraded about the hall. The group loved the title given to the two women named Ann. Immediately the same term of endearment was used for all of the wives in attendance, and the name “Rotary Ann” was here to stay. Guy Gundaker became President of Rotary International in 1923 and Bru Brunnier was elected President in 1952. Thus, each of the two original “Rotary Ann”s became the “First Lady of Rotary International.”

It is hoped that the foregoing fun facts about Rotary will help everyone imbibe and practice the 3 L’s – Learn Rotary, Love Rotary, Live Rotary.