In 1924 on this day, the Barre Rotary Club was chartered. Members were following the lead of Chicago businessmen, spearheaded by a native Vermonter, Paul Harris, who began Rotary 19 years earlier.

The idea was to invoke the local business community with friendship and charity. The name Rotary was derived from luncheon meetings in Chicago that rotated among the members’ offices.

Towns and cities throughout the United States, including Barre, gravitated to these ideals. The Barre Rotary’s activities include sponsorship of the annual home show, and a summer music series in the park.

Vermont Book Of Days photo.