Brief histories of the "First 100" Clubs

Rotary Club of San Antonio 52

Rotary International District 5840

Home Club of Rotary International President Harry L. Rogers 1926-27

Host Club of the 2001 Rotary International Convention

Also see Rotary Comes to Texas - 1912

On June 28, 1912, a group of San Antonio’s young businessmen, having heard of the Rotary Clubs of Chicago and Portland, decided to form their own Rotary Club.  Herbert J. Hayes, who had developed most of the information about Rotary, was elected President and the club began its long history.

On November 1, 1912, the club received its Charter as Club 52.  By that time, Rotary had become international. This was the first service club in San Antonio. 

Today the Rotary Club of San Antonio has over 700 members.  In looking back to these beginnings, the spirit, enthusiasm and principles of these men are recognized. Club 52 continues those same traditions.

The first issue of THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE was published on October 11, 1912, the first weekly publication in all Rotary. The WHEEL has since been faithfully released each week.

The Rotary Club of San Antonio, which is known as the downtown club and Grandfather club to District 5840, has given territory to form 13 other clubs. They are:  Alamo Heights, Highlands,  San Antonio Northwest, San Antonio Northeast, Randolph Area, San Antonio West, San Antonio Oak Hills, San Antonio Mission Trail, San Antonio Airport, San Antonio Leon Valley, San Antonio Sunrise, North Central and Canyon Lake. 

From the beginning these San Antonio Rotarians were known as “live wires.”    Through the years San Antonio Rotarians have vigorously advanced the ideals of Rotary.

One of its past presidents, Harry Rogers, served as one of the most illustrious Presidents of Rotary International in 1926-27.  He later served as the dynamic Chairman of the “Fellowship Foundation” program. Four Directors and ten District Governors of R.I. have come from the club. In March of 1927, the Rotary Club of San Antonio (then called the Downtown Rotary Club) was privileged to have as the guest speaker the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris.

The Rotary Club of San Antonio has always advanced good work in the community, foreign countries, and Rotary International.  Some of these deeds found in its community projects include work for crippled and underprivileged children, establishment of recreational facilities for boys and girls, and assistance to aid “at risk” students through scholarships, loans and incentive plans to help young people stay in school. Members also formed a foundation to work with college students hoping to study abroad. The club has assisted with numerous programs for underprivileged children in neighboring Mexico. These programs involve sending ambulances and medical supplies, helping construct a school for the blind and building a medical clinic for children.

Rotarians will enter the future with purpose, building on their great background dedicated to the fulfillment of service to mankind, near and far.

Photographs and memories of the 2001

Rotary International Convention in San Antonio

Texas "100 Clubs"

The Most of the First 100

Austin 63

Beaumont 72

Galveston 73

Waco 74

Fort Worth 75

Dallas 39

San Antonio 52

Houston 53