Another reminder of our 100 year history.
Just as we’re facing a crisis today because of the coronavirus, so did our club and our nation face a similar crisis some 90 years ago because of the Great Depression. The November Rotary magazine describes in an article entitled, “A Table For 5000” and how the Rotary Club of South Bend, Indiana provided a massive soup kitchen for those in need.
Locally, while our two Rotary members, Norm Beal and Roy Smith reversed their rolls as Mayor of Kent, the Depression was being felt in our community as well as by our club. We once again experienced a membership drop from 63 to 58 (remember it had been 71) and dues were reduced from 25 to 20 dollars per year. It was 1931 to 1932, economic and labor conditions were serious. Past President John Salter suggested to Rotarians that they provide a garden plot where the unemployed could raise vegetables for their own use.
More on this and other projects in the weeks to come.
Locally, while our two Rotary members, Norm Beal and Roy Smith reversed their rolls as Mayor of Kent, the Depression was being felt in our community as well as by our club. We once again experienced a membership drop from 63 to 58 (remember it had been 71) and dues were reduced from 25 to 20 dollars per year. It was 1931 to 1932, economic and labor conditions were serious. Past President John Salter suggested to Rotarians that they provide a garden plot where the unemployed could raise vegetables for their own use.
More on this and other projects in the weeks to come.
Jim Myers
