History :

Rushville Rotary Club was organized as Club No 4182 within Rotary International on March 9, 1937 and had its first charter night on April 1 when Thursday became its official meeting day and The Virginia its official meeting place. There were 22 charter members, and the first president was Edwin A. Dyson. Springfield was the sponsoring club and joined with many other clubs at this organizational dinner. Over the years Rushville club membership has varied from the original 22 to a high of 55 and service to the community has been a primary goal throughout the years. Members have worked in Rotary's four avenues of service -club, community, vocational and international.

In the club service department, all members of the club are active. Outstanding programs are scheduled weekly from a wide area of resources. Spouse nights are held at least three times a year, including Christmas and Charter Night. Membership is always of concern and regular attendance is encouraged with several members wearing perfect attendance pins. Club bulletins have been issued regularly throughout the years. Singing at every meeting also is regular practice and has given the Rushville club the label as the best singing club in the district. Fund raising projects have been varied and included such events as a travelogue series, a vaudeville show and white elephant auction sales. In the late 1940's the club opened a food stand at the Schuyler Fair and this proved to be a major source of monies for several year. It was replaced in the late 1960's with the harness racing matinee. In 2005 a Rotary golf tournament was established to replace the harness racing matinee. A birthday cake project has been in effect for a number of years, providing some revenue plus a little fun.

Community service has been one of the strong points of club activities throughout the years. Boy Scout Troop 35 got its start with Rotary as it sponsor and for many years Rotary provided the total leadership and sponsorship. In 1940's Rotary was a leader in the move for lighting the football field and establishing a Youth Center. In their early years the Angus and Hereford heifer program helped boys and girls to start a herd of their own. Rotary has actively supported the Culbertson Hospital building programs and money to the 1986 medical center. Rushville Rotary has a vocation scholarship program (2-$1000) for Rushville-Industry High School seniors. Also the top students in all classes are recognized by a special banquet each spring to honor students that makes all A's.

Vocational service has also been an integral part of the Rushville club. The vocation of farming was recognized for many years by having a special "Farmer's Night". The club arranges special vocational talks at their weekly meeting.

International service has expanded our rural club to the outside world. The club has hosted several exchange teams from such areas as Australia, Sweden, Japan, Norway and others. The club has also been host to several exchange students. Rushville has recognized several members as Paul Harris Fellows, with the monies obtained through them going to the work of Rotary International Foundation.

We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Rushville Moose lodge 506, excluding holidays.