Day 2

Day Two of the 1912 Convention

by Rachael E. Martin, Club #25 Historian

On Thursday, August 8, 1912, the 3^rd day of the Duluth 1912 Rotary convention, delegates and their wives had a relaxing morning. At 2:00 pm Rotary delegates began a business meeting, while their wives took a boat trip up the St. Louis River to Fond du Lac.
 

In the 1^st order of business at the meeting, Secretary Chesley R. Perry announced the formation of the "Old Guard" society, which included all the delegates at this 1^st International Rotary Convention of 1912, plus delegates from the 2 previous conventions in Portland and Chicago. The 1^st officers of the "Old Guard" were Paul P. Harris of Chicago - president, Charles Elliot of San Francisco - vice president, Mac Martin of Minneapolis - secretary, and Werner Henke of St. Louis - sergeant at arms.
 

The purpose of the Thursday morning meeting was to elect 4 new Directors & to revise the constitution. The Directors elected were E. J. Filiatrault of Duluth, Harry L. Ruggles of Chicago, M. Louis Woolley of San Francisco, and Mack Olson of Des Moines.
 

In revising the constitution the Director's terms were changed from 3 years to 1 year. Also, a clause was added providing for the election of Vice Presidents from all foreign countries represented by clubs. And thirdly, the US was divided into 5 districts, each one with a Vice President.
 

The Vice Presidents would be elected at the Friday business meeting. Also on the agenda for Friday was the election of a new Rotary International President and the selection of a site for the 1913 convention.
 

Thursday Paul P. Harris, the retiring President of Rotary, was surprised when he arrived at the Duluth auditorium, where he thought he would be attending a dancing party. Instead, he was serenaded by the Duluth band when he entered and found that he was the guest of honor. Numerous talks by prominent Rotarians praised Mr. Harris & the work he accomplished in Rotary. Finally, Mr. Harris was presented with a gold watch as a token of esteem in which he was held.