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Orrville Rotary Club
A History of Orrville Rotary:
As a result of the meetings between former Orrville-ite Joseph Markley (then a long-time secretary of the Rotary Club of Canton) and the late W.J.S. Herbert of Orrville, the Orrville Rotary Club was organized on April 30, 1923. On May 26, 1923 with 15 members, our club was assigned Rotary Charger #1488. The orginal enthusiasm for the ideals and principles of Rotary prompted not only a larger and stronger group in Orrville, but also spread to neighboring communities. By 1930, Orrville rotary Club had sponsored Rotary clubs in Rittman, Dalton and New London, as well as co-sponsoring the organization of clubs in Barberton, Dennison, Wadsworth, Lodi, Sugar Creek, and Lorain. In early years, Orrville Rotarians participated in so many projects of notice to the District that in 1938, Orrville Rotarian Fr. Charles Hoot was Governor for our District 665.
In the early years, the Orrville schools was a main area of concern for local Rotarians, from the first band uniforms, many athletic and recreational facilities, support of national speech contests, musical instruments, and the entertainment of new teachers, to the landscaping of the inner court at the "new" high school, the growth and development of an annual scholarship grant and a substantial student loan program.
Orr Park had much attention also. Orrville Rotary sponsored the original Park Board and, later the first Recreational Commission. Local Rotarians provided the fireplace in Heller Hall, a restroom building in the lower park, and a picnic shelter. Rotary built the original Scout cabin at the park and, later, in participation with the Orrville Exchange Club, founded a new Scout cabin.
The local club, spanning decades, has initiated and supported numerous civic and charitable endeavors, including the Wayne County Crippled Children & Adults Committee, which we still support. For many years, local athletes anticipated participating in the Girl's Invitational Track Meet, which attracted athletes from schools throughout our district. The initiation and current sponsorship of Orrville's annual Halloween Party remains a tradition in the continuity of Rotarians who preceded us in this worthy organization.
For many years, the Orrville Rotary Club met in the catering establishment of Mrs. M.J. Leickheim, and subsequently at the Homestead Restaurant. Meetings then were held at the Good Times Restaurant, the Wayne County National Bank meeting room (catered by Celebrations & Parties) and, subsequently, by D&L Catering. In 1997, the club moved to the Starboard Side Cafe and in 2004, settled in at the Orrville Public Library with catering by Celebrations & Parties.
In 1970, our club began its ongoing involvement with the Rotary Youth Exchange program, and over the years, has supported numerous inbound students and outbound students, as well. The club has hosted international visitors as part of Rotary International's Study Exchange Program.
In 1988, one of the most far reaching events in Rotary International's history took place. Membership in R.I. was made open to women, and Orrville Rotary Club was the first club in Wayne County to admit women into membership. These were Karen Shultz, Debbie Hinkle, Helen Meyers, Darlene Croskey and Wilma Eyster. According to past historian Dr. Maurice Kropf, "They have fitted into our group and have taken their assigned responsibilities with enthusiasm and talent. What seemed strange is now accepted and we all appreciate our new Rotarians."
Social activities have always been an integral part of the membership throughout the years. Though Rotary spouses are no longer referred to as "Rotary Anns", we appreciate the contributions and sacrifices made by Rotary "partners". Without their continued assistance at fund-raisers over the years, our worthy projects would not have been nearly as successful as we have proven these many decades. The term "Pancake Day" in Orrville seems to be synonymous with Orrville Rotary Club and this, our major fund-raiser, is successful because of the help of Rotary partners.
Orrville Rotary Club has taken the "international" in Rotary International to heart. We have adopted Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO) as a worthy channel of our endeavors. IN 1998, CAMO founder (and Orrville Rotarian) Kathy Tschiegg, gave us the opportunity to be the guiding force behind the Honduran Laundry Project. We pledged our support, and enlisted the support of District 6650 Rotary Clubs, to raise funds to build a laundry at the Hospital Regional de Occidente in Santa Rosa de Copan in Honduras.
We reflect on the rich history and tradition that has continued and flourished over the years, we trust that our service will continue through the years as we live the Rotary motto "Service Above Self", and maintain programs of real worth through the four Avenues of Service.
As a result of the meetings between former Orrville-ite Joseph Markley (then a long-time secretary of the Rotary Club of Canton) and the late W.J.S. Herbert of Orrville, the Orrville Rotary Club was organized on April 30, 1923. On May 26, 1923 with 15 members, our club was assigned Rotary Charger #1488. The orginal enthusiasm for the ideals and principles of Rotary prompted not only a larger and stronger group in Orrville, but also spread to neighboring communities. By 1930, Orrville rotary Club had sponsored Rotary clubs in Rittman, Dalton and New London, as well as co-sponsoring the organization of clubs in Barberton, Dennison, Wadsworth, Lodi, Sugar Creek, and Lorain. In early years, Orrville Rotarians participated in so many projects of notice to the District that in 1938, Orrville Rotarian Fr. Charles Hoot was Governor for our District 665.
In the early years, the Orrville schools was a main area of concern for local Rotarians, from the first band uniforms, many athletic and recreational facilities, support of national speech contests, musical instruments, and the entertainment of new teachers, to the landscaping of the inner court at the "new" high school, the growth and development of an annual scholarship grant and a substantial student loan program.
Orr Park had much attention also. Orrville Rotary sponsored the original Park Board and, later the first Recreational Commission. Local Rotarians provided the fireplace in Heller Hall, a restroom building in the lower park, and a picnic shelter. Rotary built the original Scout cabin at the park and, later, in participation with the Orrville Exchange Club, founded a new Scout cabin.
The local club, spanning decades, has initiated and supported numerous civic and charitable endeavors, including the Wayne County Crippled Children & Adults Committee, which we still support. For many years, local athletes anticipated participating in the Girl's Invitational Track Meet, which attracted athletes from schools throughout our district. The initiation and current sponsorship of Orrville's annual Halloween Party remains a tradition in the continuity of Rotarians who preceded us in this worthy organization.
For many years, the Orrville Rotary Club met in the catering establishment of Mrs. M.J. Leickheim, and subsequently at the Homestead Restaurant. Meetings then were held at the Good Times Restaurant, the Wayne County National Bank meeting room (catered by Celebrations & Parties) and, subsequently, by D&L Catering. In 1997, the club moved to the Starboard Side Cafe and in 2004, settled in at the Orrville Public Library with catering by Celebrations & Parties.
In 1970, our club began its ongoing involvement with the Rotary Youth Exchange program, and over the years, has supported numerous inbound students and outbound students, as well. The club has hosted international visitors as part of Rotary International's Study Exchange Program.
In 1988, one of the most far reaching events in Rotary International's history took place. Membership in R.I. was made open to women, and Orrville Rotary Club was the first club in Wayne County to admit women into membership. These were Karen Shultz, Debbie Hinkle, Helen Meyers, Darlene Croskey and Wilma Eyster. According to past historian Dr. Maurice Kropf, "They have fitted into our group and have taken their assigned responsibilities with enthusiasm and talent. What seemed strange is now accepted and we all appreciate our new Rotarians."
Social activities have always been an integral part of the membership throughout the years. Though Rotary spouses are no longer referred to as "Rotary Anns", we appreciate the contributions and sacrifices made by Rotary "partners". Without their continued assistance at fund-raisers over the years, our worthy projects would not have been nearly as successful as we have proven these many decades. The term "Pancake Day" in Orrville seems to be synonymous with Orrville Rotary Club and this, our major fund-raiser, is successful because of the help of Rotary partners.
Orrville Rotary Club has taken the "international" in Rotary International to heart. We have adopted Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO) as a worthy channel of our endeavors. IN 1998, CAMO founder (and Orrville Rotarian) Kathy Tschiegg, gave us the opportunity to be the guiding force behind the Honduran Laundry Project. We pledged our support, and enlisted the support of District 6650 Rotary Clubs, to raise funds to build a laundry at the Hospital Regional de Occidente in Santa Rosa de Copan in Honduras.
We reflect on the rich history and tradition that has continued and flourished over the years, we trust that our service will continue through the years as we live the Rotary motto "Service Above Self", and maintain programs of real worth through the four Avenues of Service.