Rotary Club of Reno

Club Officers

Marlene Olsen,
President

Dick Gammick,
President Elect

Bill Creekbaum,
President Designee

Dave Stark
Treasurer

Caryl Larva
Secretary

Strategic Plans

History of the Rotary Club of Reno

The Reno Rotary Club was founded in late 1916 by 43 local business and professional men who represented a cross-section of community leaders. Unlike modern rotary clubs which are all sponsored by other existing clubs, the Reno group organized itself and was accepted by Rotary International “as is”. It is believed to be the only Club in Rotary organized in this manner. It was also one of the earliest Rotary Clubs to organize in the far west. The Club proved to be a huge success from the very start.

The Reno Rotary Club has always been involved in local goodwill. When the US entered World War I in 1917, the Club was very involved in Liberty Bond and Red Cross drives. In 1919, the Club joined a movement to try to stop pollution of the Truckee River by the Floriston paper mill – a movement that went on for a generation until the mill eventually closed. In 1927, gravel ruts through the sagebrush which had served for years as “the road to Salt Lake City” were finally replaced with narrow pavement and entitled “The Victory Highway”. When World War II broke out in 1941, the Club again served on local communities to aid the war effort.

The history of the Rotary club of Reno down through the years is a continuing series of digging into the club treasury for money to support countless community activities. The Club financed the start of the Reno Junior Ski Program, one of the most impressive youth programs in the entire nation. Generations of local skiers were produced, and a surprising number have served on Olympic teams and participated in competitive national ski events. The Club also got behind the Scout movement with strong support for Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers. Reno playgrounds received funds for equipment, and Reno Rotary has always been a supporter of Junior Achievement. Little League and Pop Warner Football have had financial support from Reno Rotary, as well as the foreign exchange student program.

During the war years and local emergencies such as the Lake Street explosion, the two great floods, the Sierra Street fire, and others, the members of the Reno Rotary Club served on committees, piled sandbags, rescued victims, provided first aid, drove vehicles, and manned radios and telephones – as well as supporting causes with money and manpower.

As the Club continues to grow, the original commitment has evolved, but stayed the same.

The Original Rotary Club of Reno – 1916

Miles E. North, New York Life  ...................... President

Silas E. Ross, Mortician  ................................. Vice President

Arthur B. Kent, Reno Commercial Club  ........ Secretary

George W. Lewis, Gents’ Clothing  ................ Treasurer

Dr. Parker A. Lewis, Surgeon  ........................ Director

Phil Gillson, Cadillac Dealer  .......................... Director

George R. Bowers, Druggist  .......................... Director

Dale D. Hurst, Theatre Manager  .................. Director

Members

Rev. Brewster Adams, Baptist Minister

W.F. Burroughs, Threshing Machines Salesman

Speed Barnes, Groceryman

C.C. Bridgeman, Lumber Company Manager

B.D. Billinghurst, School Superintendent

Fred DeLongchamps, Architect

R.A. Daniels, Music Store Manager

Herman Davis, Mining Engineer

John Ferris, Auto Tire Dealer

August Frolich, Soap Manufacturer

R.I. Falor, Wholesale Grocer

L.A. Gibbins, Attorney

A.B. Graham, Stationer

Dr. Charles Gasho, Optometrist

J.W. German, Hardware

Harry F. Holmshaw, Auto Accessories

W.H. Johnston, Shoes Retail

Rev. W.E. Lowther, Methodist Minister

W.S. Lake, Printer

H.A. Lemmon, Reno Power & Light

C.J. Miller, Real Estate

A.J. Mergen, Insurance

Robert B. Parker, Bakery

Dr. C.H. Rhodes, Dentist

George A. Raymer, Reno Commercial Club

Harry E. Saviers, Wall Paper and Paint

Harry Skerry, Office Supplies

John S. Sinai, Nevada Credit Rating

G.A. Seaware, Auto Accessories

L.A. Todd, Cigar Manufacturer

J.R. Van Nagell, Flour Manufacturing

William Wagner, Plumbing and Heating

N.E. Wilson, Druggist

Forrest Whiting, Music Retailing

David Williamson, Managing Editor of Reno Gazette

(information taken from History of The Rotary Club of Reno, January 1980)