Vancouver History

FOREWORD 

 

When asked to undertake the task of preparing the historical text of the 75th Anniversary Booklet, I gladly accepted the challenge since I had dabbled a bit in the club history while preparing several programs for the Pioneers Committee. The enormity of the task I had undertaken was not apparent until I realized that the history of an active organization such as the Rotary Club of Vancouver is monumental as there are many thousands of bits of data that are woven into the fabric of the club, each in its own way important to the whole.

 

After some thought it was decided to treat the material like a walking journey through time. A journey comprised of a multitude of steps too numerous to consider individually, but a journey that frequently passed mileposts which were memorable and gave some sense of distance. The history of the Club is such a journey. The mileposts stand to mark off our progress and I have attempted to chronicle these posts. I leave it to the reader to decide whether or not I have succeeded to tell the story of a wonderful journey that is far from over.

 

The Rotary Club of Vancouver has reached its 75th year, three quarters of a century of experience and service to its credit. But you may ask why study history, it is in the past -- past and done with. Why not look only to the future where new challenges need new solutions. If we may draw upon biology for the answer, the reason for the study of our history is clear. History in all its elements is the "gene pool" of the organization. It determines the current shape and characteristics of the organization.

 

It is the history that provides the firm base for the future activities to be undertaken and in no small way can guide us in a manner so that we may not repeat our mistakes but might repeat our successes. What human being would argue that his own "gene pool" was not important. I think we all would resist the idea that we return to the state of the protozoa.

 

Let us read our history, be proud of it and be always mindful that "We stand on the shoulders of giants" and we are better for it.

 

 

 

E. D. McRae

 

PROLOGUE

 

 

In the first decade of this century there was no doubt that the concept of "Rotary" was an idea whose time had come. For it was embraced rapidly wherever it was introduced and many of those who experienced its unique opportunities for fellowship and service became "missionaries" to carry the spirit to acquaintances in cities across the breadth of North America.

Vancouver in the spring of 1913 was a young, vibrant city with a "Cinderella" quality to those who watched its dramatic growth. In the short space of 27 years it had risen from a fire ravaged wasteland in 1886 to a cosmopolitan urban complex with a population of 120,900. As Canada's gateway to the Orient, Vancouver was a modern city of the Twentieth Century. Telephones, telegraph and the new wireless telegraphy linked it to the world. Fast rail and sea links brought freight from the continent and the pacific rim. The marvel of electric power provided energy for lighting, industrial power and street transportation. All visible proof of Sir Wilfred Laurier's prophecy that "The 20th Century belongs to Canada" 

But what of the men who made up the business and professional community?  In the midst of this 20th Century progress the individual working diligently in his office became more and more isolated. The friendly face to face contact that had characterized the conduct of business for many centuries was fading, likewise, the opportunities to form plans for action to meet community problems was diminished. Progress was exacting its price.

Paul Harris who had founded Rotary in Chicago in 1905 felt this isolation and it was in part his "raison de'etre" for the idea that there was need for an association of business and professional men of like mind to enjoy each others fellowship, discuss matters of mutual interest, and provide services to the community at large.

Rotary met a universal need in North American cities and it was taken up city upon city until we come to the beginning of our story the founding of Club No. 61 in Vancouver in 1913.

THE FORMATIVE YEARS

1913 - 1917

 It was in the late fall of 1912 that Bela W. Smith, the President of the Minneapolis Rotary Club was holidaying in Vancouver and called on J. B. Giffen the manager of R. G. Dun  Company to introduce the idea of Rotary. Giffen immediately demonstrated an interest and contacted four colleagues, W. O. Webster, Geo. Harrison, John D. Kearns, and Daniel Hocking.

Bela Smith alerted the Seattle Club that "Vancouver was ready for Rotary" and L. F. Allen the secretary there, came to Vancouver to discuss Rotary with Giffen and his associates. As a result of this visit the Vancouver Club was organized on the evening of Saturday, March 8, 1913, when a Seattle delegation of eleven Rotarians led by Ernst Skeel gave a banquet at the Elysium Hotel for nineteen Vancouver men. A decision was reached to proceed.

On March 14th, the first solo meeting of the club was held with 32 members present. The first speaker being J. W. Pogue of London, England, who spoke on "Rotarianism". A Roster of members was prepared and soon an application was made to affiliate with the International Association of Rotary Clubs.

The Charter and the official recognition of the Rotary Club of Vancouver, was presented at a luncheon on April 22, 1913. The Roster of the day listed 94 members, a recruiting accomplishment unequalled in our history. There was little doubt that "Vancouver was ready for Rotary".

The "Spirit" of Rotary had taken hold and following the efforts of President Harrison, and J. B. Giffen, the Rotary Club of Victoria was launched on the evening of November l5, 1913.

The early meetings of the Vancouver Club followed the pattern set by the parent Club in Chicago and luncheons were held at the places of business of the members. This rotation of the luncheon venue gave the rise to the "Rotary" name of the Association. Early luncheons were held in a Greenhouse among the flowers, in a Fish Processing plant and at the new Birks building on the occasion of its opening. It was not long, however, before it was decided to hold the regular Tuesday luncheons at a suitable hotel.

By August of 1913, the membership had grown to 130 and a delegation attended the annual International Convention held in Buffalo, New York. It was at this convention that J. B. Giffen, was elected a Director of the International Association,  the first Canadian to be so honoured.

Thus began a period of great service rendered to the International Association by members of the Vancouver Club.

The first club historian characterized the year 1913 as "the year devoted to cementing the ties of friendship and laying well the foundation of the greater Rotary yet to be". He paid tribute to Rotarian Ernst Skeel, of Seattle as being "prophetic in vision, constructive and eloquent in work and deed, one who will always be deeply enshrined in the hearts of Vancouver members".

By June of 1914, the membership had grown to 209 and the club prospered under the guidance of President the Reverend Leslie Pidgeon. It was credited with being the largest club in the British Empire. The activities for the year have been summarized as a time "for philosophy and a close study of the ethics of Rotary". Not surprising for a club that had grown rapidly and embraced an International Movement that was busily attempting to define its basic objectives.

During this period Rotary recognized that the movement would have to seek more than personal satisfaction, fellowship and business success if it was to survive and prosper. The object of community service was the answer and to a great extent remains so today.

A Christmas Fund for needy children was raised and a Christmas tree was decorated on the property of one of the members.

The Great War, that was later to have a grave impact on the club and to change the fabric of the western world for all time, began just as the Club entered its second year. Before it was concluded four years later 38 members of the club were to serve the Allied cause, two of which were decorated in the field and one R. C. Bechol was killed in action.

The International Convention was held at Houston, Texas in 1915. It was here that Reverend Leslie Pidgeon, the President of the Club, earned the sobriquet of "The Abraham Lincoln of Rotary" for his eloquence as a speaker and his sincere promotion of Rotary ideals.

The year 1915-16 was a watershed year for the young Club since the rapid growth of the membership to over 209 led to what was described as a "re-action". The President of the day Alex R. McFarlane, a stern administrator, reviewed the membership with respect to classifications. As a result 40 members lost their standing and were dropped from the membership of the Club. It was a smaller and learner Club that faced the challenges of the war and the young community.

Early in 1916 the attention of the club was directed towards the plight of many "tubercular" families in the City. To provide adequate housing for some of these families a number of simple but clean houses were constructed on the southern slope of the City and the Club joined in helping to provide furniture, supplies and food.

The Club was now readying itself for a greater period of community service.

The International Convention in 1916 was held in San Francisco and here Past President Reverend Leslie Pidgeon was elected 3rd Vice President of The International Association. Districts were established at this Convention and Vancouver became a member of District 18, comprising clubs from Winnipeg to the coast.

The formative years of the Club were ones of striving to define and re-define the wonderful concept of Rotary. In retrospect we must give great credit to our early members who through discussion and attention to purpose have given us a structure that has not only withstood the ravages of one of the most tumultuous centuries in recorded history but provides a solid base for the management of changes which will characterize the future.

No litany of good works can define the intangibles that make up the "Spirit of Rotary". That "engine" which has carried Rotary to its current worldwide prominence and service and will guarantee its survival in a world of rapid change.

The following poem penned by Stanley McLeod and published in the Eleventh Anniversary Booklet of the Club expresses the temper of the formative years and exemplifies the "spirit" upon which the Rotary Club of Vancouver rests.

THE RECRUIT

 

                      He who enlists in Rotary

                         Must be prepared for the fight

                      To kill the tyrant-- Selfishness,

                         To stand foursquare for the right.

 

                      To fill his home with happiness,

                         To be a chum to his boy;

                      To be meek and humble in spirit,

                         His heart full of love and joy.

 

                           To willingly do the small tasks,

                                  To do what the fates disclose

                           With smiling face and singing lips,

                                  Titanic force in his blows.

 

                           He who enlists in Rotary

                                  Is treading on sacred sod.

                           "Service, not self", is not of earth;

                                  `Tis a precept high of God.

 ADVENTURES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

 1918 - 1938

"In six months they will all be gone - they will be dead", was the reply that President Oscar Olson received from Dr. Malcolm McEachern, Medical Director of the General Hospital when he enquired about the prognosis of twelve little girls who were in the Tuberculosis ward.

The shock of this reality launched Oscar Olson and the Club on an odyssey of community service that was to touch the economic, social, educational, health and political life of the city. It has no equal in the annals of our community.

Tuberculosis, the feared "White Death" that carried off countless young people, before the advent of antibiotics at mid-century, yielded only to three prescriptions, - early diagnosis, rest and improved housing and nutrition.

After consultation with physicians specializing in tuberculosis control and treatment a decision was reached in December 1917 to support the construction of a free health clinic to fight the dreaded disease. Almost at once $17,700. was pledged by club members and plans were made to raise an  additional $60,000. from the community. This objective was quickly achieved. On November 26, 1918, the cornerstone of the clinic was laid and construction was to be completed early in 1919.

The clinic featured facilities for Nose and Throat Treatment, Visiting Nursing Services, Diagnostic Services and a unique Open Air School which enabled children under treatment to continue their schooling under what, at that time, was considered ideal conditions. In the five years ending on December 31, 1923, 4,484 new patients were received,  11,247 consultations had been provided and the Nursing staff had carried out 11,640 visits.

The Club operated the clinic for its first year then turned the administration over to the City Health Department. At this time it was discovered that there was a surplus of $9,000. in the clinic funds. After consideration it was decided to use this money to establish a Fresh Air Camp for children at risk, and this was done. The camp located on the shore of West Point Grey, on property donated by the Provincial Government, was operated for many years by the Club and could accommodate up to 142 children in a season. The statistics proudly reveal that the children averaged a weight gain of 3 1/2 pounds during their holiday, an indication of the problems in their everyday life-style.

Throughout the life of the clinic and the camp the Club undertook to provide Christmas hampers of food, clothing etc. for needy families with Tuberculosis. This support was administered by the nurses on the staff of the clinic to preserve anonymity and dignity.

The "Clinic" as it was affectionately called gave birth to the "Women's Auxiliary to the Rotary Institute for Chest Diseases", the forerunner to the present Rotary Women's Auxiliary. More about the "Rotary Annes" in a later chapter.

The Clubs activities in Tuberculosis control did not end with the Clinic and Camp, however. In 1931 in partnership with the I.O.D.E. the Club took advantage of the building recently vacated by the Infectious Diseases unit of the General Hospital to establish the "Preventorium". A residential facility for children who had been exposed to TB and needed special care. This facility later became a hospital for severely handicapped children and is now known as "Sunny Hill Hospital for Children" and still receives some Rotary support for special needs.

The Reverend Leslie Pidgeon who played such an active part in the early days of the club had received a call to Winnipeg in 1916, and upon leaving was honoured with the first Honorary Membership. At the International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1918, Reverend Pidgeon was elected President of the International Association the first Canadian to be so honoured.

The aftermath of the Great War provided many opportunities for service. Help was given to Britannia after their disastrous flood, Halifax received help after the great explosion and returning veterans were assisted in rehabilitation.

An outstanding example of selfless service was the transportation assistance given to the Concentration Hospital set up in King Edward High School to care for victims of the great flu epidemic of 1918. The regular Rotary luncheons were cancelled for 5 weeks to reduce the chance of infection and during this time 40 to 50 automobiles owned and manned by members maintained a day and night service carrying nurses and volunteers to and from work.

Action was taken on several political matters in the post war period. Support was given the Mayor and the Citizens Protective League during a particularly serious period of labour unrest. And it is recorded that the Club's efforts greatly helped the maintenance of law and order. The city was also aided in a publicity campaign to popularize Vancouver,  $25,000 being raised by public subscription for this cause.

Vancouver was on the march in the decade of the twenties and with the post war development came problems. Drug addiction was rearing its ugly head, there was a need for programs for young boys and girls and child welfare needed attention. Literally a smorgasbord of social problems cried out for help.

The drug addiction matter was highlighted in 1921 and a program of community organization was undertaken. This culminated in a large public meeting in the Empress theatre and strong recommendations were transmitted to Ottawa.

A Boys Work Committee was established early in the decade and from this beginning sprung many outstanding programs. The Boy Scout movement received the Club's support and assistance was provided to the establishment of Camp Byng at Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast. The first Boys Club in Vancouver was built with Club support and the Hastings Community Center was launched with a grant of $4,500.

The Vancouver General Hospital received financial assistance in 1934 to provide a TB Research Laboratory, and the Club helped to fund a Childrens Research project which led to the establishment of the Children's Aid Society.

An indication of the advances made in communications technology was demonstrated in 1923 at the time of the visit of President Harding of the United States, to the north coast and Alaska. Harding, a Rotarian, was travelling aboard the U.S.S. Henderson which was scheduled for a layover at Alert Bay. Through the cooperation of the US Consul-General an arrangement was made for a message of greeting to the President to be broadcast over the facilities of the Vancouver Daily Province radio station. This was done. Every Rotary club in the United States and Canada was alerted to tune in and radio history was made.

The fledgling University of British Columbia, which was housed in the "Fairview Shacks", in reality, the old Vancouver General Hospital nurses home and new facilities were badly needed. Many in the community wished to see new facilities built on the present site in Point Grey, but the government was reluctant to spend money. The Club supported the University by resolution in 1921 and later in 1923 supported the famous "Great Trek" of university students, each carrying a stone, as they marched to Point Grey to pressure the reluctant government to provide badly needed financing.

A further education activity was undertaken in 1922 when in cooperation with high schools of the city members of the Club addressed students in high schools on the subject and importance of citizenship. Over 3,000 students were reached in this endeavour.

The motion picture exploded into prominence as a medium of entertainment in the early 1920's and as one may expect the quality of the films and particularly their "moral" content was a matter for public concern. It was in this period that the famous Hays office of film censorship was established by the industry. Vancouver was no exception to this public concern and the following resolution was passed by the club.

"Whereas in the opinion of the Rotary Club of Vancouver many films shown in the motion picture houses of this Province are harmful and frequently objectionable, particularly to children;  And whereas in the opinion of this Club these bloodcurdling, nerve racking and suggestive pictures have become a serious menace to the health and morals of the younger generation;  Therefore be it resolved that this Rotary Club do pray the  Honourable the Attorney General to cause to be made a more strict censorship of films before they are shown in the motion picture houses of British Columbia and in particular those films depicting scenes of murder, robbery, problem plays and other forms of crime."

Such outrage over the quality of the films of the day only serves to remind us of the old adage that "the more things change the more they remain the same". For film quality is currently still a matter for concern.

In 1921 The International Association of Rotary Clubs at the annual convention in Edinburgh, Scotland, took a landmark decision to strike a committee to develop a standard form of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association. Vancouver was represented on this committee by Alex R. McFarlane. The committee worked for a year on their appointed task and the completed document was presented to and passed by the convention of 1922 in Los Angeles. This basic Constitution and By-Law stands today as the foundation for the present day organization of the Clubs. The name of the organization was officially changed to "Rotary International" as this time.

Alex McFarlane brought further honour to the Club when he was elected a Director of Rotary International in 1924.

The happy days of the twenties, characterized by a buoyant economy and the quest to build a brave new world ended with the onset of the most severe depression the world had ever known. But in spite of economic hardship the fine community service record of the Club continued.

Tuberculosis services continued to receive financial support, particularly, those in support of needy families and children. At one point the city was unable to continue the visiting nursing services to tubercular families and the Club had to undertake support of this service until the city was able to find the finances to restart the program.

Health and welfare projects dominated the depression years but in spite of the need to sustain those programs already in place the Club was able to help launch new and valuable services.

In 1935 - 1936 a grant of $2,000 was made to assist in the establishment of the Cancer Foundation, and a grant of a further $2,000 provided for a tuberculosis research laboratory at the General Hospital.

It is a matter of record that the Club has throughout its history given support to projects that have been unique and have provided services that were on the "cutting edge" of technology and service. The support given the establishment of the Vancouver Occupational Industries program is one such pioneering effort.

Those persons who suffered from a chronic illness or a maiming injury often encountered serious problems upon leaving hospital, part time work to support a period of rehabilitation was rarely available, and retraining to compensate for an injury was not provided. Frequently the emotional and physical strains placed upon patients in the community caused breakdowns requiring further hospitalization. The Vancouver Occupational Industries workshop and retail outlet was built to prove that rehabilitation activities and retraining could lead to many benefits in the community. And it did.

In 1938 the Club concluded its first 25 years of life and when one considers that this 25 year period embraces two of the most cataclysmic social disaster to strike man in the past 500 years, the Great Ware and the Great Depression, Rotary had proved its mettle.

In this period the Club raised $281,770., $77,770. of which was invested in the TB Chest Clinic, $39,308. provided assistance to needy TB families, $49,698 supported the Fresh Air Camp,  $12,900 helped launch the Preventorium, and $21,590 was contributed directly to boys work. Fifty-one other donations were made to a wide range of community services.

Six members who served in this outstanding period of our history are still in the Roster and four of them still attend meetings on a regular basis. The six members are: Stanley J. Clarke. David C. Dawson, T.R. Jeffree, Maynard S. Joiner, Martin Shanahan, and Stanley C. Thorpe.

As this quarter century ended for the Club, in 1938 war clouds were once again gathering over Europe and great new challenges awaited the Club.

A FIRM HAND ON THE TILLER

1939 - 1963

The Club entered its second quarter century with a solid membership, a great track record of community service and with a program polish that can only be earned by hard work and close attention to the Rotary ideals.

The Club was reminded, however, by L. S. Klinck, a long time member and President of the University of British Columbia, who wrote a short note in the Silver Jubilee booklet, to look for younger members who have the energy and virility of youth. "Men beyond forty may supply the Club with experience, caution, and wisdom:  but imagination, aggressiveness and idealism, prompt decision and resolute action -- these things must come from those who have the gift of leadership combined with the energy and virility of youth. The University President did not place much faith in the adage that "life begins at forty".

Vancouver had more than doubled its population since the Club began, to a respectable 300,000 plus, and it was widely recognized as Canada's third largest city.

The new Hotel Vancouver was completed in 1939 and welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth as the first guests. They visited Vancouver on their famous Canadian tour and captured the hearts of the people. In honour of the Royal visit the Club sponsored a fireworks display.

The Club which had met for years in the old Hotel Vancouver located at the corner of Georgia and Granville moved to the new Hotel and the first luncheon was held there on May 30, 1939.

The outbreak of hostilities of the Second World War in September 1939 put the Club once again on a wartime footing and a resolution was promptly passed providing that any member who would be absent for wartime duties would be automatically listed as an honourary member during the period of active service.

War service dominated the Clubs activities until 1945. Canvassing for the Canadian War Services Fund, support of Victory Loan drives, assistance to the Queens Canadian Fund and many other lesser kinds of financial aid was supplied.

Two major projects dominated the war years, the founding and support of the Vancouver Air Cadet Squadron No. 59 and the operation of the United Serviceman's Centre located on Burrard Street. The Serviceman's center was financed from the proceeds of the raffle of a house that was donated by a member. A total of $71,018. was raised, a very sizeable amount at the time. The Women's Auxiliary largely staffed the center on a volunteer basis from early morning till late at night. The success of the centre which served 1,700,000 service men and women remains an outstanding example of selfless community service.

In spite of war conditions life in the growing city continued and many social needs were exacerbated by wartime instability. A grant of $5,000. was made to the Children's hospital, $2,935. was provided for underprivileged children and a grant of $2,000. was made to the Alexandra Community Action Association for special community services. Many other lesser grants were made in support of social welfare programs.

The cessation of hostilities in Europe in May 1945 and the termination of the war in the Pacific in August of the same year set the stage for a vital period of postwar recovery.

The first General Assembly of the United Nations held in London, England, in January 1946, was attended by three observers from Rotary International a find demonstration of the esteem in which the International organization was held. It was also in this year that our Club was honoured a second time to have Past President Dick Dowery Sr. serve as a Director of Rotary International.

In the Kings Civilian List of 1945 the following members were honoured for the wartime services: C.B.E. Frank Burd, W.C. Mainwaring, Dr. A.M. Hay, Lyman Trumbull. O.B.E. - A. P. Allison,  Alf Haywood, Lyall Hodgins, Stan McKeen. M.B.E. - Tom Braidwood, Roscoe Brown, Dick Dowery Sr.,  Fred Taylor.

The aftermath of war consistently gives rise to new human problems and ironically the experiences gained in the conflict often suggests solutions to these problems. Such was the case with the career selection problems faced by postwar youth.

The Club in cooperation with the YMCA developed the British Columbia Youth Counselling Service in 1945 with a grant of $4,000. The service was begun early in 1947 and the first Executive Director was a young University graduate by the name of Ken Weaver. Ken organized the service and later became a member of the Club rising to the Presidency in 1972-73. In the next decade the Club provided a total of $43,925. in support of this service. It was eventually financed without the help of the Club and continued to give a valuable community service for many years.

A grant of $5,000 provided a garden especially designed for the blind when the CNIB built their new residential center, Queen Elizabeth Hall on Main Street. The recreation facilities of the city received a boost when the Club granted $25,000 to the Point Grey Community Center Association to help construct the Kerrisdale Ice Rink which continues to render fine community service to the present.

Health Services, particularly those to children, have been of special interest to the Club. And in the early '50's a grant of $15,000 was made to the General Hospital to help build the Provincial Health Center for Children and later a sum of $15,450 was provided the Center for a special research laboratory. In the same period a grant of $5,000 was provided the Children's Hospital to help purchase new X-Ray equipment.

The legacy of the war and the revolution in transportation drew attention forcefully to the world as a global community and the International objectives of Rotary commanded the attention of the Club.

The Club combined its interest in Education and International affairs when in 1954 the members undertook to raise $150,000 to build an International House on the campus of the University of British Columbia. By late 1957 these funds had been raised,  $115,000 from Club funds and individual members and $35,000 from private donors.

There was a sod turning on November 20, 1957 and the cheque for $150,000 was presented by President Reg Rose to the University. The facility was completed late in 1958 and continues to the present as a jewel in our crown.

The official opening of the International Center on March 4, 1959, was a gala occasion. None other than Eleanor Roosevelt the United States Ambassador to the United Nations attended the opening ceremonies;  and she firmly supported the purposes and principles which had motivated our Rotary Club to invest in this project which has effectively demonstrated the Rotary concern for the development of International Understanding and Goodwill.

The Preventorium which the Club had helped to launch in 1932 had grown in size and scope over the years. Its focus now was not so much the prevention of tuberculosis as it was the care of children with special handicaps. To reflect this new look the hospital in 1954, adopted the name Princess Margaret Children's Village, and later it came to be known as Sunny Hill Hospital for children. The Club continued its interest in the hospital and in the early '50's provided $4,000 to build a wading pool for the children.

A new organization "The Childrens Foundation" to provide special treatment for emotionally disturbed children was developed in the late '50's and the Club provided a grant of $46,000. for dining room facilities.

The Salvation Army Camp "Camp Sunrise" at Hopkins Landing on the Sunshine Coast received a grant of $10,000 to purchase additional property and later as a Golden Anniversary project the Club provided a further $30,000 to the camp.

A landmark in the History of the Club occurred in March 1950 with the establishment of the Oscar A. Olson Foundation by Past President Oscar Olson, by the kind donation of a considerable sum of money. The Foundations purpose is to provide assistance to Charitable Organizations

and Community Enterprises in Vancouver. The Club now had the beginnings of a fund that would continue to make funds available to the community for many years to come. At the time of writing the assets of the foundation stand at $130,881.

The world entered the Space Age on October 4, 1957, when the Russian "Sputnik" was placed in an Earth Orbit and on April 12, 1961 the Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit the Earth. Man had finally broken the bounds of Earth as the Club approached its 50th birthday.

Leon Ladner a lawyer, and politician who had been a member of the Club since its formative years addressed a Tuesday luncheon in 1961 and his closing remarks are a fitting way to end the history of the first 50 years of the Club.

"I am convinced that we as citizens must do good  -- to achieve harmony in the world. And then you must ask "What is good?"  John O'Reilly's poem may hold the key."

What is Good?

Order, said the lawcourt:

Knowledge, said the school;

Truth, said the wiseman;

Pleasure, said the fool;

Love, said the maiden

Beauty, said the page;

 

Freedom, said the dreamer;

Home, said the sage;

Fame, said the soldier;

Equity, said the seer;

 

Spoke my heart full sadly  "The answer is not here"

Then within my bosom softly this I heard. "Each heart holds the secret -- Kindness is the word.

 

PEACE - NOT WAR,  BUT SOCIAL CHANGE

1964 - 1988

 

 

In this, the third quarter century of the life of the Club, there were no destructive wars nor severe depressions to dislocate society. There was, however, a decade of social discontent that characterized the period of the late sixties and the early seventies.

Large numbers of youth, the product of the baby boom years following the Second World War, took to the streets, many as itinerant mendicants to demonstrate their contempt for what they, disrespectfully called "The Establishment". The very threads of the fabric of our society were called into question. Any many of our institutions - Education, The Family, Marriage, Sexual Codes, the Economic System and Religion were relentlessly attacked.

In periods of such social turbulence the mettle of organizations such as Rotary is put to the acid test. It is to the credit of the Club that it emerged from this period unscathed and strong.

The decade of social change left many legacies for the future, some positive and many negative. To cope with the turmoil and its aftermath society created a host of new Health, Welfare and Service agencies.

This proliferation of community needs placed great pressures upon the resources of the Club. Fortunately, in spite of the social unrest the third quarter century was a time of economic strength in the country and many needs could be met.

The bulk of the financial resources that the Club provided for community services was administered by the Community Services Committee and it followed a policy of assisting many small agencies rather than opting for large grants to a few. A total of 185, health, welfare, hospital, education and arts agencies received $1,340,000. in this period. Further 41 International Projects were funded in cooperation with the Canadian International Development Agency.

A number of major projects were also undertaken by the Club and their nature provides an overview of the breadth and depth of its community interests. To qualify as a major project support in excess of $10,000. must have been provided.

In 1969 the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society an agency providing specialized services to people suffering from the crippling disease of arthritis constructed a new headquarters and clinic building. The Club granted the society $25,000.00 to install the elevator system.

In 1971 a grant of $10,000.00 was given to the Vancouver General Hospital to assist in the construction of a Stroke Rehabilitation facility. Later in 1979 the Club provided $60,000. to equip a Low Vision Clinic in the newly constructed VGH Eye Centre.

In 1976 a grant in the amount of $12,200.00, was made to St. Pauls Hospital to assist in the purchase of special equipment for the Heart Surgery.

In 1984 the largest project of this period was established at the University of British Columbia Health Sciences Centre Hospital. The hospital in cooperation with the Triumf Nuclear Accelerator Facility wished to install an experimental Positron Emission Scanner and a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Scanner. Both machines to be used in brain physiology research. The Club provided $125,000. to prepare the physical facilities for this sophisticated equipment.

The facility know as the "UBC IMAGING RESEARCH CENTRE" was officially opened in 1984 by Queen Elizabeth who visited Vancouver to launch the Worlds Fair Expo 86, and to invite the world to Vancouver.

Camping and Youth Work has long been an interest of the Club and several significant grants were given between 1963 and 1980. Camp Byng, the Boy Scout Camp at Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast,  received $37,000 for buildings and equipment. Thirteen other camps in the vicinity of Vancouver were assisted to a lesser extent.

The Children's Foundation an agency established to provide special services and residential care for emotionally disturbed children, had received Club help before when their main building was built, and now in 1965 the Club provided $15,000 for equipment in an additional residential facility.

In 1968 the Missions to Seamen, a very important service agency in a port city such as Vancouver received a grant of $10,000 to assist in the equipping of a new building.

This chapter began with comment upon the social discontent of this period and the changes which flowed from that experience. However, the most significant "revolution" of the period was really not a revolution at all but the introduction of new electronic technology particularly in the fields of telecommunications and data processing. The age of glass  fibres - transistors - micro chips - satellites, and sundry other electronic marvels has had a profound effect on our life style and indeed the structure and organization of how we do things.

In this accelerated world, for which we are often ill equipped, education directed to provide us with the ability to handle these rapidly changing times is of paramount importance. The Club has recognized this and has established bursaries at The University of British Columbia,  Simon Fraser University and the B.C Institute of Technology. Each year $7,000. is provided to help students in need for a total expenditure of $175,000. since 1963. Further bursaries have been provided through a grant of $27,000 to the Karen Magnusson Bursary Fund, in honour of the girl who brought fame to our city for Olympic and World Championship Figure Skating.

A total of 26 Educational Institutions have been assisted since 1963 and this help ranges from special programs for dyslexic children to day care facilities to enable young single mothers to complete their High School education.

International House, one of the crown jewels in our community service record, at the University of British Columbia continued to receive attention from the Club. Since 1963 a new sound system and equipment for a coffee shop have been added to this fine facility.

In May 1969 an outstanding move was made by our Club, one that will dominate our financial structure for many years to come. The Club  established the VANCOUVER ROTARY CLUB FOUNDATION, a charitable foundation that has the capacity to establish a capital fund which provides an annual amount to support Club activities. The initial money provided to the Foundation was in the order of $50,000. and each year since its inception a portion of the proceeds from fund raising efforts are deposited in the capital fund. This fund now stands at $582,000 and will continue to grow, as the years pass, for the benefit of our community. Thus the Rotary Club of Vancouver is unique in that it controls two charitable foundations, The Oscar Olson Foundation and the Vancouver Rotary Club Foundation. Sound financial planning for the future, indeed.

The International Service Committee is well known within the Club but it receives precious little recognition in the community at large because its work goes out to third world countries without local fanfare. Since 1963, almost $150,000. has been provided by the Club to projects in far off places in the Philippines, India,  Haiti, and Uganda to mention just a few. Through the cooperation of the Canadian International Development Agency the value of our aid is increased by a factor of three so that the real value of our aid exceeds on half million dollars. Vehicles, Tractors, Wells, Clinic Buildings, Mobile Clinic Vans, Books ad infinitum characterizes the nature of our International activities.

Marshal MacLuhans concept of the "Global Village" is rapidly becoming a reality and the Club has the structure and the will to do its part to bring justice and equality to all the world.

The generic term "Welfare Agency" covers a multitude of services that are designed to meet the needs of disadvantaged people. And these agencies proliferated between 1963 and the present. The Club received a plethora of requests for service during and after the decade of discontent and was able to assist 69 separate agencies, many on more than one occasion. Boys Work, Help for the Elderly and the Mental and Physically Handicapped and Neighbourhood Services and so on, received the Clubs attention.

One program receiving special attention was the Opportunity Rehabilitation Workshop, an agency which operated several projects, such as used clothing

Refurbishing and Printing to provide useful work experience and training to handicapped and disadvantaged persons. During the years that it operated many persons were either returned to the work force or received training that enabled them to take their place as productive citizens. The $43,000 spent on this endeavour paid handsome dividends.

The Salvation Army and their variety of programs was not forgotten and in 1971 funds in the amount of $20,000. was provided to construct a park at the Eventide Residence. Further funds were from time to time provided to help maintain the Salvation Army camp "Sunrise" at Hopkins Landing.

Community Service takes many forms and does not always involve the expenditure of money but can have substantial and lasting benefits for the community. The Pier B-C Community Action project undertaken by the Club in 1982 is one such effort that has earned the Club many accolades.

In the late 1970's a plan was devised, with Provincial Government support, to convert the obsolete CPR Pier B-C located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront into a modern Convention Center and Cruise Ship terminal. Federal Government financial participation was anticipated. Plans were prepared and work began under Provincial auspices. After the expenditure of many millions of dollars the negotiations for Federal participation were not brought to fruition and work on the project was stopped and the project mothballed.

The Cruise Ship facility was urgently needed and the City needed a first class convention facility. President Paul McCrea, a visionary and activist, proposed that the Club should mount a Community Action program to endeavour to rally support for the Pier B-C project and to help bring the possible participants back to the table.

The Club set up an Action office, and soon many members were engaged in the task of lobbying key persons and generally publicizing the urgent need for the project. It worked. It was not long before a solution to the negotiating impasse was found when McCrea conceived the idea of tying the project into Expo 86 by building the Trade and Convention Centre to serve as the "Canada Pavilion" for the period of the fair.

The Government of Canada agreed to complete the project, using the new convention facilities as their pavilion in the forthcoming Expo-86 Worlds Fair. The rest is History and now Vancouver boasts not only a Cruise Ship facility second to none but a Convention Centre and a World Class Hotel. The unique "ship: design of the building with soaring sails and public walkways to view the harbour provides a much photographed "Centre Piece" to our Harbour skyline. There is no doubt that concerned citizens can bring about change that leads to progress.

In 1987 the Rotary Clubs of the World of which there are 23,203 at the time of writing, undertook a program that would give real meaning to the name "Rotary International". Following a request from the World Health organization, after Rotary had demonstrated through a pilot project in the Philippines that Poliomyelitis could be eradicated through mass immunization, Rotary International mobilized each club to raise the funds necessary to virtually immunize every child in the free world against the dreaded and crippling disease of poliomyelitis. The new oral vaccines that can be administered quickly, cheaply, and safely have made such an objective possible.

The Rotary Club of Vancouver happily undertook to do its share in the Polio - Plus campaign. A committee was struck to guide the fund raising efforts and work was begun. With an objective of $75,000 the committee spread the word that Polio could be beaten and that many children would be spared the horror of life as a cripple in societies less compassionate than our own and many other victims would live to take their place in society.

The response of the Club members was greater than anticipated and the sum of $100,000 was contributed to this great cause.

Rotary International is committed to raise $126,000,000 for the Polio- Plus campaign and while Poliomyelitis is the principal target other diseases of children that can be prevented through early immunization will be targeted when time and money are available.

In its 75th year the Rotary Club of Vancouver is still a forward looking organization and as mark of its virility and faith in the future it has undertaken yet another project of major proportions. Typically, a health project on the cutting edge of technology and one that may lead to a breakthrough in mans quest to artificially stimulate the brain so that damaged sensory organs may be replaced.

In cooperation with the Pacific Otolaryngology Foundation the Club has undertaken to fund research in the development of cochlear implants at the University of British Columbia Medical School. To carry out this exciting program a new organization the "Rotary Hearing Foundation" has been incorporated to raise and administer funds for this research on a continuing basis.

The annual Bike-A-Thon, which is a bicycle event involving a 75 mile ride from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs in the Eastern Fraser Valley, will be the ongoing fund raising effort of the Hearing Foundation and it is proving to be an interesting and lucrative event.

Vancouver is now the hub of a metropolitan center of over 1,000,000 people and is the greatest port of the West Coast of North America. The problems of urban growth may change character but they will not diminish. And as the Club looks forward to the last decade of this century and the challenges of the 21st Century it is strong and enthusiastic. Secure in the knowledge that Rotary is always ready for "the time".

THE MONEY MACHINE

A hit song from the musical "Cabaret", "Money makes the world go 'round, Money makes the world go 'round" characterizes a simple truth of the 20th Century.

Anyone who loves and understands "Rotary" will know that the acquisition of money and its distribution is not the sum total of "raison d'etre" for a Clubs existence. It is however, a 20th Century reality that great community good can be done if monetary grants are available for agency support.

In the beginning the Rotary Club of Vancouver raised funds primarily from within the club membership. This changed -- we will let A. R. McFarlane, an early member of the Club tell the story while writing in 1938.

"A study of Rotary's principles and ideals developed the belief that by putting the members to work in worthwhile community enterprises, both the members and their fellow citizens would be greatly benefitted.

Clubs all over the continent began to participate in what we know as social service work, and both through participation in, and the raising of funds for, these activities helped to make practical and valuable many efforts which were falling down because of lack of proper organization.

The Rotary Club of Vancouver was no exception to the general rule, and early in its existence began to find its place in community life. Most of the projects attempted entailed the raising of money, which resulted in our members being  constantly solicited for funds. At first it appeared to be an easy and proper way of financing the Club's activities, but in due time the burden became greater than many members could bear.

A great deal of thought was given to devising means whereby the work of the Club could be participated in by the community---"

The Club members hit upon the idea of staging a Carnival and Yuletide Festival, the first being held in December 1923, in the Armories on Georgia Street. This first effort raised $6,500. but there was criticism because "gambling" was involved.

The next year the Carnival took the form of an "Ice Show", with great success and thus was launched the Clubs association with the "Ice Show" the longest running Winter show in the city.

The first Ice Shows featured local skaters and performers and this format continued until 1951 when an association was arranged with a professional show called the "Ice Cycles". In the 1960's the professional show changed its name to the "Ice Capades" and our long running Ice Show continues under this name.

The "Ice Capades" is certainly an outstanding success story for the Club and a great credit to many members who served willingly on the Committee responsible for the annual organization of the show. The show also provides a wonderful opportunity for the whole membership to participate in the ticket sales and ticket taking, program sales, and general officiating at the time of the show.

The Ice Show has been a consistent money earner for the Club and many of our community projects over the 75 years have been made possible from Ice Show "profits". The tenor of the show is a credit to Rotary for it provides spectacular family entertainment at a reasonable price. Many famous skating artists have been brought to the city, Karen Magnusson, Peggy Fleming, Toller Cranston, to mention just a few. The most recent feature skaters being the World famous dance team of "Torvill and Dean".

In recent years the Vancouver Sun newspaper has teamed with the Club to sponsor the "Ice Capades" and their share of the proceeds helps to fund their Childrens Fund.

Over the years the Club has engaged in other fund raising projects, possible one of the most successful being the raffle of a house in the days of the second World War to raise funds to establish the servicemen’s centre and canteen. More recently a very successful Bike-A-Thon project has been undertaken and the funds so raised will be used to fund a new responsibility that has been accepted to help finance research into hearing problems.

Club members continue to participate in fund raising for projects such as the Annual Spring Auction and most recently in the International Polio-Plus project. But the main fund raising program remains the "Ice Show".

THE ROTARY WOMEN'S AUXILIARY

1921 - 1988

The great "Service Above Self" ideal of Rotary was taken up by the wives of Rotarians when the new Rotary Institute For Chest Diseases opened in early 1919 and the need for clinic supplies and warm clothing for the families of tubercular patients in the community became apparent. The Ladies, established a sewing centre at the clinic and began on a volunteer basis to provide these badly needed supplies.

In September, 1921, the sewing centre was formally organized into the Women's Auxiliary to the Rotary Institute For Chest Diseases. Thus began the "Rotary-Anns" of the Vancouver Club, the quiet efficient organization that is the parallel to the main club.

The derivation of the term "Rotary Ann" to designate the wife of a Rotarian has almost been lost in antiquity. But the history of the Women's Auxiliary includes a note on how the name was chosen.

In 1910, when Rotary was very young, a well know Rotarian in California by the name of Gundaker always spoke very highly of the support he received from "his Ann" in reference to his wife. His constant reference to his wife by name "Ann" was picked up by the members of the day and so was born the term of endearment "Rotary Ann" to designate the wife of a Rotarian.

The members of the Auxiliary have undertaken to raise their own funds over the years and through the medium of Spring Garden Parties,  Fashion Shows,  Rummage Sales and Fall Bazaars, have provided the funds necessary to maintain their social services.

A thumbnail case of history of a family ravaged by tuberculosis which appears in the 25th Anniversary Booklet on Club activities, succinctly gives an insight into the assistance rendered by the Auxiliary.

 

"Man dying of tuberculosis - wife away all day charring - man absolutely alone in house - no one to care. District Nurse hears of case, visits house and finds dying man has been alone since early morning - promises help but where can she get it?  These people not eligible for relief - no bed available in hospital - phones Auxiliary President in great distress. A few calls and a cheque is sent which enables the wife to stay home for two weeks to give her dying husband the attention he needs."

In time, the Provincial Government and Civic Health and Welfare agencies accepted responsibility for many of the services provided by the Auxiliary but there are always it seems new needs to be met.

When war broke out in 1939 a Red Cross Unit was established by the Auxiliary and an extra day a week was added to the sewing room schedule to provide material for the war effort. This unit operated until it was no longer required in 1945.

The Auxiliary has not functioned as an entity to itself but has always rendered invaluable service to the Rotary Club. The first Christmas Carnival in 1924 received a great deal of assistance from the ladies and the moral support freely given to Club members over the years defies an attempt to estimate its value.

The development and manning of the United Services Centre sponsored by the Rotary Club for men and women of the Armed Forces in 1943, is an outstanding example of the synergy between the Club and the Womens Auxiliary. The Women undertook to provide the canteen staff and supervise the hostess program. They worked in four hour shifts from 9:00 a.m. to midnight serving up to 1,000 meals a day. In all 1,700,000 service personnel enjoyed the hospitality and recreation facilities of the centre.

In 1932, the great depression was raging and the work of the Auxiliary expanded beyond the care of those suffering from TB. General "Social Service" was the greater need. It was at this time that the Auxiliary changed its name to the Rotary Women's Auxiliary which it has kept to the present.

The Auxiliary, like the Club, has kept pace with the times and in recent years financial support has been given to such agencies as the Crisis Centre and the Emily Murphy Home for Battered Wives and Children.

Since the Auxiliary began its work in 1921 the sum of $318,040.00 has been provided to the community to say nothing of the countless articles of Clothing, Food Hampers, Layettes, and Homemaking essentials provided to Vancouver's underprivileged children and adults.

In 1938, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Rotary Club, a tribute was penned in honour of the work done by the Auxiliary and it is a fitting conclusion to these few words about the Club's great support organization.

Just a faithful women working day by day,

                                                   Helping out the needy in a friendly way,

                                                   "Service" for her motto -- doing what she can --

Following the Master,  that is Rotary Ann.

                                             - Elva McPherson.

" EPILOGUE " 

We have come to end of our swift and, all to often, sketchy review of the History of the Rotary Club of Vancouver over its 75 year life. And the writer is left with deep feelings of inadequacy for even having attempted to put in a few words the monumental efforts that have gone into the annals of the Club. Just imagine - 3,900 regular weekly luncheon meetings -- 900 meetings of the Board of Directors and countless thousands of committee meetings, all of which have woven the fabric of the Club and should be recognized.

The Club Roster at this time lists 33 active committees that span the administrative needs, the fund raising activities, International activities and the fellowship and recreation programs of the club. There is no doubt that the real work of the Club and the principal efforts of the members are happily carried out within the committee structure. Many of the standing committees such as Fellowship, Ice Show,  Community Service,  Membership,  Classification,  International Service,  Bridge, Curling and on and on, require hours of work per year. All gladly given in the spirit of "Service above Self".

The "Spirit" of Rotary is just as evident in 1988 as it was that April day in 1913 when Rotary came to Vancouver, the First service club of its kind to serve the new and bustling West Coast City. And the tenacity which Rotary has survived and grown tells us a great deal about the basic tenets of Rotary, its ideals and organization structure.

The Rotary Club of Vancouver has weathered the storms of one of the most tumultuous centuries the world has known - Two Disastrous Wars -- A Terrible Depression - A decade of Social Discontent and the Current Quiet Electronic Revolution that is with great speed, changing the face of the world. The way we conduct our business, social affairs, and instant voice and visual communications that will not let us escape the trials and tribulations of people we had scarcely heard of a decade or so ago, will present new and exciting challenges. 

The "Spirit" of Rotary has proved to be universal and its adoption in 161 countries of the world whose cultures are often diverse in the extreme is proof that mankind has many common goals,  needs and desires which can be fulfilled by Rotary. The Rotary Club of Vancouver is Number 61, and now there are 23,203 such clubs on this planet at the time of writing. 

Rotary is more than luncheons, community service and fellowship, it is a "Spirit" which satisfied the hearts of all men and leads to universal service for mankind.