Our History.......

Rotary came to Eganville in the autumn of 1946.  Citizens had long been conscious of the need of a unifying force to coordinate the various groups in a sustained and united effort for the welfare of the community at large.

Thus, when representatives of the Pembroke Rotary Club sought to sponsor a new club in our town, the proposals were gladly received and considered.  The idea was broached more or less officially at a dinner meeting on October 3rd, 1946, at which representative Eganville citizens were guests of a group of Pembroke Rotarians at the Eganville Hotel.  After a dinner meeting on the same date, the Eganville group discussed the proposal presented and considered the desrability of Rotary as compared to other service clubs.  It is recorded that, at this meeting, a motion of Dr. M.J. Maloney, seconded by R.P. Mills was duely passed, by virtue of which it was decided to accept the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Pembroke in the formation of a similar club in Eganville.

After canvassing the community for prospective Rotarians, a meeting of interested citizens was held in the [town] council chambers October 10th, 1946, where it became evident that a membership of 26 was assured..

This information was conveyed to the sponsoring club at a meeting on October 17th, 1946.  The Pembroke club put forth the proposal to the district governor.

Meanwhile (Oct.10th) the first board of directors was selected and was made up of: J.H. Lortie, L.M.Deagle, Geo. Shane, H. Hartwig, J.J. Foran and E.E. Bimm.
Immediately afterwards, they elected E.E. Bimm as the first President of the Eganville Rotary Club to be.

The club began to function immediately and received its Charter, No 6413, Dec.11th 1946 from the hands of District Governor Harry Yoder, of District 10 Watertown, New York.
 
Footnote:  A piece of Rotay History slipped away on January 26th 2012 when E.E Bimm passed away at age 97 years.  Rest in Peace, Ernie.

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