Rotary Club of Louisville
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Rotary Club of Louisville. First Rotary club in Ky. and 45th in the world. First met on July 26, 1912 and then weekly at the Henry Watterson Hotel from 1912-1924. The Rotary’s service theme led to creation of Ky. Soc. for Crippled Children. At club’s 100th anniv. the Rotary Promise Scholarships were created to provide college tuition for needy students. (Revese) Henry Watterson Hotel- Opened April 29, 1912 on Walnut Street. With 10 floors and 250 rooms, hotel was popular meeting location for civic events, state and national conventions. Named for long-time Courier-Journal editor, Henry Watterson. Designed by Brinton B. Davis, who designed Louisville Gardens and Ky. Hotel. Demolished in 1981.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Founded in 1912 as the first Rotary club in Kentucky and the 45th in the world, the Rotary Club of Louisville met weekly at the Henry Watterson Hotel through the 1920s. Its commitment to service helped launch the Kentucky Society for Crippled Children and, a century later, scholarships for students in need. The hotel that hosted its early meetings—named for the famed Courier-Journal editor Henry Watterson—was a hub of civic life until its demolition in 1981.
Why it matters
The club reflects the Progressive-era rise of civic service organizations, through which business leaders channeled local pride into lasting works of charity and public good.
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Related people
- · Henry Watterson
Themes & tags
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