Paul P. Harris is founder of the world's first and foremost international service club. His inspiration led to an organization of business and professional leaders, united to provide humanitarian service, promote high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build good will and peace in the world.

Harris was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on April 19, 1868. He worked as a newspaper reporter, business teacher, stock company actor, cowboy, and traveled extensively in the U. S. and Europe selling marble and granite, before eventually turning to the practice of law in Chicago in 1896

One evening Paul went with a professional friend to his suburban home. After dinner Paul's friend introduced him to various tradesmen in his neighborhood. During the visits it occurred to Paul, "Why not have a fellowship composed of businessmen from different occupations, without restrictions of politics or religion?"

Thus, on February 23, 1905, Harris formed the first Rotary club with three other businessmen. A second club was founded in San Francisco in 1908 and by August 1910, there were 16 clubs, and the National associations of Rotary Clubs was organized. The organization became international with the formation of clubs in Canada and Great Britain in 1912.

Today there are: 1,220, 500 + Rotarians 31,314 Clubs, in 165 Countries provide humanitarian service, promote high humanitarian service, promote high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build good will and peace in the world.

172,086 Rotaractors, 7482 Clubs, in 155 Countries.

State Of Illinois

Rock Island County

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE:

     WE THE UNDERSIGNED, Richard S. Hosford, William H, Schulzke, Frank L. Haynes, A. K. McCurdy, John Sundine, Herman W. Nelson and Carl F. Lundberg, citizens of the United States, propose to form a corporation under an act of the general assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled, "An Act Concerning Corporations", approved April 18 th 1872, and all acts amendatory thereof, and for the purpose of such organization we hereby state as follows, to-wit:

1. The name of such corporation is, "ROTARY CLUB OF MOLINE".

2. The object for which it is formed is:

(a) To promote the recognition of the worthiness of all legitimate occupations, and to dignify each member's occupation as affording him an opportunity to serve society

(b) To encourage high ethical standards in business and professions.

(c) To increase the efficiency of each member by the exchange of ideas and business methods.

(d) To promote the scientizing of acquaintance as an opportunity for service and an aid to success.

(e) To quicken the interest of each member in the public welfare and to co-operate with others in civic development.

3. The management of aforesaid "Rotary club of Moline , Illinois ", shall be invested in a Board of Seven Directors, who are to be elected annually, such election to take place on the second Wednesday in June.

4. The following persons are hereby selected as the Directors to control and manage said corporation until the second Wednesday in June, A. D. 1915, viz: Richard S. Hosford, William H. Schulzke, Frank L. Haynes, A. K. Mccurdy, John Sundine, Herman W. Nelson and Carl F. Lundberg.

5. The location is in the City of Moline , in the County of Rock Island in the State of Illinois , and the Post Office address of its business office is 010 Peoples Savings Bank and Trust Company Building, in the City of Moline .

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