Brief histories of the "First 100" Clubs

Rotary Club of Cincinnati 17

Rotary International District 6670

Convention Host Club 1916

RGHF History Day award October 2010

Rotary Club of Cincinnati
On September 15, 1910, three men gathered to organize the Rotary Club of Cincinnati. Today, with nearly 400 members, we are the preeminent service organization in the Greater Cincinnati Area. We refer to our club as "Club 17" because we were the 17th Rotary Club to be formed. The first club, founded by Paul Harris in Chicago, was formed in 1905. There are over 33,000 Rotary Clubs throughout the world with 1.2 million members, reflecting many nationalities, and religions.


Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Because of Rotary International's leadership, Polio has virtually been eradicated around the globe.

Our club's commitment to Rotary International's motto of "Service Above Self" is demonstrated by our many diverse humanitarian efforts and service projects. Our primary goal is to support children, particularly those whose futre development is impaired by physical, cultural, emotional and financial and social obstacles. We are recognized for our commitment to making our local and world communities a better place for all.

Since 1921, we have operated Camp Allyn, a special place for persons with disabilities. We were also instrumental in the formation of Condon School, originally a school for children with disabilities in our community. We also played a major role in raising funds for Rotary International's Polio Plus Program. More recent projects have included "Everybody's Treehouse" in Mt. Airy Forest - the first universally accessible treehouse in Ohio; and fundraising for a Miracle League Baseball Diamond at Oskamp Field.

Membership in Rotary is by invitation. However, we invite business and professional persons to contact us about membership opportunities and to consider joining us in making our world a better place.

In 1916 Cincinnati hosted the 7th convention of the International Association of Rotary Clubs with 3,591 in attendance.

Ohio with 6 First 100 Clubs

D6670 Cincinnati 17 1910

D6630 Cleveland 18 1911

D6690 Columbus 38 1912

D6600 Toledo 44 1912

D6670 Dayton 47 1912

D6670 Springfield 98 1914