Our History and Our Centennial, 2016

On Nov. 30, 2011, we kicked off our 2016 Centennial Year. Watch this site for stories, plans, photos and events.  

Fifteen charter members founded our club in 1916, only 11 years after the first Rotary Club was organized in Chicago. Led by Dr. Theron S. Langford, members included Rev. Lloyd C. Douglas, pastor of the First Congregational Church, Harlan H. Johnson, editor of the Ann Arbor Times News Company, Charles A. Sink, Secretary of the School of Music, and Shirley W. Smith, Secretary of the University of Michigan. The regular weekly luncheon meetings were held at the Catalpa Inn (corner of Ann Street and Fourth Avenue); the club left the Catalpa Inn when the Michigan Union opened.

Through the years, membership has grown. At year-end 2011 (June 30), our club membership stood at over 310.  We are one of 33,000 Rotary clubs worldwide,  49th largest in the world and the largest in Michigan. 

Left: Ray Aaron Dolph, one of our club's earliest members.