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Home SECTION HOME Conventions of Rotary International THEMES
HOST CLUBS 50TH ANN. CENTENNIAL 1ST CONVENTION COMPLETE LIST DISCUSSION
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The  24th Convention, Boston June26-30 with 8,430 in attendance

Clinton Anderson, Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

    In the July, 1932 issue of the Rotarian, RIP Clinton E. Anderson ends his think-piece on the new Rotary year with the line, “A new world is in the cradle. Rotary must stride on.”
    A highlighted piece of text explains, “A new economic order is arising which calls for vision and courage. Rotary’s task has just begun–the greater goal is still to be achieved.”
 
Boston Convention Scrapbook
 
Photo provided by Rotary Global History Fellowship senior historian Cal Thompson
The 1933 Boston Convention is best known today for the famous Paul Harris Radio address that you can listen to by following the link.

8,456 registered at the Mechanics Hall, Boston between June 25th and 30th with no less than 57 countries represented. 107 Clubs had joined the international Rotary movement in the previous 12 months. Everyone enjoyed Tuesday's concert featuring the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. One hour of the concert also went out on the radio waves.

Paul Harris, who was introduced by Ches Perry, spoke on Monday afternoon. Harris was probably not referring to Hitler's January takeover of the Reichstag when he said: "The year of 1933 is one of transcendent interest: events of vast importance are taking place." 		In a personal and nostalgic address, Harris talked of his life and "looking back at the lengthening shadows". But there was a new life - the Rotary life of Service above self. (The entire speech... here)
Earlier in the year, - on February 23rd - Harris, Perry and RI President Anderson had been invited to, and participated in, an anniversary broadcast released on a network of stations by the National Broadcasting Company in the USA - a 38 station network. The broadcast ran for about 15 minutes.

Radio was a new medium for Rotary as radio presentations were arranged for Boys Week to be broadcast in California.

There was also a continued growth of the Rotary Foundation - a fund raising committee was established in 1932-33.

Calum Thomson

In 1933, 28 years after Rotary's birth, Paul Harris made a radio broadcast during the convention. Listen, now, to the 1933 Boston Radio Broadcast by Paul Harris. Just click on the radio.  The broadcast is from Boston.  He mentions Rotarians from around the world listening to this broadcast, including China.

 Paul Harris states the Rotary philosophy. Harris speaks for about 6 minutes and tells the audience that if they have "Love for fellow 'man' in their hearts" they are potential Rotarians.  (Paul Harris recording courtesy of History Project honorary member Art McCullough)
 

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