Black and white photographic portrait of "Harry L. Ruggles, 1905 'The man who put song in Rotary' ".

Ruggles is usually regarded as the 'Fifth Rotarian' when he filled the classification of 'Printer', joining the other four at their second meeting.  In his trade, he produced most of the stationery for the new club, including the first printed emblem. Since they called themselves "Rotary," Harry used a wagon wheel with 'Rotary Club' above it.  But Harry Ruggles' single great contribution had nothing to do with his trade.  The  story is told that little more than a year after Rotary had been formed, at an evening meeting in 1906, the guest speaker began a story. Having heard it before, Harry also had heard the off-color ending, and felt it was inappropriate for the club, so he jumped up in the middle of the joke and yelled, "Come on boys, let's sing!" He then led the club in the singing of 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart'. This was not only the first time that members had ever sung in Rotary, but apparently, also the first time that a group of businessmen ever sang at a business meeting, anywhere. From then on, many Rotary Clubs, especially in the United States, "started to sing!"

This ongoing project is the work of RGHF historian Basil Lewis, first posted 7 April 2006 This section is maintained by RGHF webmaster Paul D. McLain. If you can help identify or supply more information about anything on this page, please contact us at www.historycomment.org

After you see the museum office, meet his partners and office workers at Harris Dodds & Brown. (A page of photographs of the actual office in the early 2000's)

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