The 34th Convention was aptly described in the Convention's slogan - "Rotary Serving in War and Peace". It lasted for only 3 days due to travel restrictions placed on Rotarians in the USA.

The Convention was upbeat. Jean Harris also seemed full of 'evangelistic fervour' according to David Shelley Nicholl in The Golden Wheel. Jean offered words of comfort to the audience and asked God to treat them with mercy

Total registration for the convention numbered 3,878 of which the vast majority were from North America. European delegates found it (obviously) impossible to travel. Priorities had to be set and the Convention was known for its brisk manner. This was the 68 Hour Convention - a streamlined Convention that adapted itself to wartime conditions.

Delegates, however, were treated to the usual pre-convention entertainment with events such as an evening with the St Louis Municipal Opera. Unfortunately, the rains descended on St Louis almost relentlessly.

Many reminisced with the Convention of 1923. Some well known faces were present including Paul and Jean Harris, Arch Klumph and Herb Taylor who addressed the delegates as a member of the Finance Committee. New Secretary Philip Lovejoy seemed to slot effortlessly into the void left by his predecessor Ches Perry.

One great irony of the war years was that the number of clubs and members actually grew. In 1942/43,  6 new clubs were established in the USA, 13 in Canada and 14 in Mexico. Even in war  torn Britain, 3 new clubs were established.