I've just returned from a training session for Rotary District 7750, and so I've got Rotary on the brain even more than usual! Today is the birthday of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary. He was born on April 19th, 1868, the very same year that 15-year-old George Watt Park founded Park Seed Company.
As it turns out, like George Watt Park, Paul Harris was comparitively young--only 37--when he had the idea that grew into Rotary International. He was only 44 when his two-year term as President of the International Association of Rotary Clubs ended in 1912 (later in 1922 renamed Rotary International).
After 1912, Paul Harris had no formal position in Rotary. However, he was the Founder of Rotary and continued to influence and inspire Rotary for the rest of his life, until he passed away in 1947. Clearly, Paul Harris's vision and leadership created the spirit in Rotary as we know it today. Here are some examples of Paul Harris's wisdom:
"A well-ordered mind is a possession more valuable than unlimited riches."
"It is just as easy to acquire the habit of speaking kindly as it is to acquire the habit of speaking unkindly."
"Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true."
A while back, I mentioned on this blog about how he planted friendship trees around the world. I'd love to start a tradition of planting trees in honor of Paul Harris's birthday...maybe something like that Dogwood (above left) or the Red Horse Chestnut (above right) from Wayside Gardens.
Happy 140th Birthday to Paul Harris! His spirit lives on and I believe that it will continue to influence Rotarians for many years to come.
