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 When
I became a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1949, Harry's ability
to lead a very large membership of Rotarians in song was unbelievable.
It was difficult to get to know him, except when I was able to join him
at the head table.
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(on the right) At a "Round Table" meeting in
1951, (left to right) Charles A. Schmitt, Ken Ruggles, Eldon
Gleason, Harry Ruggles, Herb Angster, and Henry Hughes. |
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Because of my regular attendance at
the Club's “Round Table”. I became better acquainted with Harry
Ruggles than it was possible at
the Tuesday Club meeting. The Round Table was held, on Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, at lunchtime in club member Toffenetti's
Restaurant in the Chicago loop.
This was the
place for enjoying fellowship and making friendships. The place where
Rotarians learned more about each other. This was where I learned that
Harry was a country boy ;who had lived on a farm in the lower peninsula of Michigan.
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(left) 1905 Pioneers at a speakers table in 1951, (left to
right) President Tom Sexton, Al Rivenes, Max Goldenberg, Harry Ruggles
and Bob Fletcher. |
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(far left) Harry
was the designer of the first Rotary emblem |
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He
attended Northwestern University and worked part time as a printing
salesman to pay his expenses. He became the owner of a printing
business. He married Josephine Garrison of Chicago.
It was at
the Round Table that I learned about the time when Paul Harris was faced with the possible
failure of the Rotary Club, and was considering disbanding it, Harry
said: “Come on fellows, let's sing,” and the magic worked.
He utilized
singing to break-up a heated discussion. He not only inaugurated club
singing in the Rotary Club of Chicago, but was responsible for its
acceptance in the early Rotary world. Harry
sponsored at least 60 of the club's first 100 members.
Norman F.
Kloker, ROTARY/One 1949-87, President 1985-86 District 6450 Governor
1989-90
Also read
"Norm Kloker Remembers" Room 711 and RHHIF
Further research by an Australian Rotarian in 2006
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