The Rotary Club of Roselle–Roselle Park (link) will hold its 90th Anniversary Dinner Celebration on Friday, March 8th at the Roselle Golf Club in Roselle.
Chartered on February 23, 1923, the “Club of the Twin Boroughs” has endured over the years through fellowship of business and professional people, the implementation of service projects in its local community, and through its work with other Rotarians to provide humanitarian services worldwide.
The history of the Rotary Club of Roselle and Roselle Park began in 1922 when Reverend Clarence Wood – the Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Roselle – started to think of what benefits a Rotary Club might bring to the boroughs of Roselle and Roselle Park. After visiting several Rotary Clubs while traveling in Georgia and being impressed with what he saw, Rev. Wood returned and contacted the President of the Rotary Club of Westfield – Robert Harden – about starting a Rotary Club in Roselle and Roselle Park.
Clarence and Bob were able to spark the interest of 16 men and the first meeting was held at the Van Court Inn, located on the corner of First Avenue and Chestnut Street in Roselle, on February 23, 1923. Those 16 men accepted the idea of formally organizing a Rotary Club and a second meeting was held on March 2, 1923. At this meeting, Jay W. Rewalt was elected President and the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted as were the organization plans to charter the Club.
The first Executive Board was organized on April 6, 1923 and on April 27, 1923 the first slate of officers for the 1923-1924 Rotary Year were elected. Those officers being Jay W. Rewalt (President), Elmer Smith (Vice President), Charles Applegate (Secretary), and Arthur Churchill (Treasurer).
Charter night was held on June 7, 1923 in St. Joseph’s Hall. District Governor Lion Woodward presented the charter to President Rewalt. The Rotary Club of Roselle-Roselle Park was born and was officially affiliated with Rotary International as Club Number 1420 in Rotary District 36.
90 years later, Anne Beeman – a member of the club since 1988 – and the Club’s first female member, now serves as its President. For a personal invitation, please contact Dinner Committee Chair Bob Zeglarski (link). The cost is $65 per person for the event.