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A Century
of Service
Bluffton Rotary Club
Chartered June 6, 1919
Bliss Hotel, Bluffton, Indiana
A Century
of Service
A compilation of the history of the
Bluffton, Ind., Rotary Club
on the occasion of the club’s
100th anniversary,
Celebrated June 6, 2019.
Introduction
Sometime in 2018, as the 100th anniversary of Bluffton artifacts, all of which became gold mines of information. It
Rotary Club’s first meeting came within sight, I felt it would has also been very helpful that I have had access to the News-
be appropriate to gather what information I could about the Banner’s archives, which produced photos of past presidents
club’s history. I didn’t feel it would produce much, since we and news clippings about them and the club itself. Thanks
had assumed that all of our club’s archives and old photos had would be expressed to the late Gene McCord for his meticu-
been lost in the Dutch Mill fire Dec. 27, 1997. The club had lous archiving and to technology that allowed me to find
been meeting there every Tuesday since 1963 where we had digital copies of articles and photos in the more recent past.
been granted a cabinet which held our badges, songbooks, As Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis said at our 100th celebration
club flags and club records. June 6, 2019, our club and our members have made a signifi-
I had, over the years, seen a few old pictures, and knew cant impact on our community.
there were a few scrapbooks in the club’s container that we Our members have served in virtually every single leader-
have carried with us at our weekly meeting locations the past ship position — governmental, philanthropic, business, etc.
several years. I also had a copy of the history Keith Huffman — that you can imagine. They have been industrial, retail and
wrote in 1994 for our 75th anniversary. technology pioneers.
The big break came one day when I went into It is impossible to measure the total of dona-
the News-Banner office (I still have a desk tions made by the club to innumerable efforts.
there at this writing) and found an old loose- Early on, I found notes indicating that the
leaf notebook filled with musty, typewrit- club “was instrumental in assisting and
ten pages about the club’s first 50 years. A raising funds to build the Rotary wing for
part-time employee, Bruce W. Miller (not crippled children at the James Whitcomb
to be confused with the other Bruce W. Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.” From
Miller who has been a club member and notes found from 1991-92: “the club has
leader, and is profiled in this history) had provided financial assistance for, among
found the book in the attic of his father-in- others, the Boy Scouts, scholarships and
law as they were helping them to “down-size.” educational meetings for students.”
It turns out that Bruce’s wife’s grandmother’s I asked current club treasurer Phil Swain how
second husband was Francis McFarren, our 29th far back he could go in the club’s financial records to
president in 1946-1947. get an idea of how much we’ve raised and donated in recent
I felt like I’d found the Holy Grail! The history had been years. Print-outs from year-end reports from 2006 to so far in
compiled by J. Edwin Reynolds (a charter member and 1934- 2019 total up to $294,480 and some odd cents.
35 club president) and commissioned by club president Bill Some mysteries remain. For instance, as you may read in
Cline as the 50th anniversary of Rotary International ap- the original newspaper coverage of our inaugural meeting
proached in 1955. on June 6, 1919, a Mr. Charles Creece was elected as our first
As I read through this history, it occurred to me that any president. Yet, his name is barely mentioned elsewhere with
historian worth his salt would have provided a copy to the all credit to Mr. W.A. Patton as our first president. Mr. Creece
library. Sure enough, a visit to the Indiana Room at the Wells came to Bluffton in 1914 and left town in 1920 to be district
County Public Library found “A Short History of the Bluffton superintendent for Bell Telephone in South Bend. He had
Rotary Club.” been general manager of United Telephone here and was also
He continued to write biographies up until his death July the engineer for Citizens Telephone of Kokomo and of Port-
4, 1961, after having been “in failing health (for) several land (all separate organizations, I believe). So we can surmise
months,” according to his obituary. Thus, his booklet includes that very shortly after June 6, 1919, his work caused him to
biographies of club presidents up through the 1960-61 year step down from what would prove to be a historic position as
and members at that time. Those biographies provide us with his career took him away from Bluffton.
information about our club presidents through the 1968-1969 Other questions I found vexing are less important, such
Rotary year. Hence, my efforts picked up where Mr. Reynolds as what year we moved our meeting place from East Chi-
had left off. In addition to gathering the profiles of all our cago Pizza in the Dutch Mill Plaza to the Timber Ridge Golf
past-presidents beginning in 1969-1970, we include in this Course event center.
booklet other historical articles I’ve found to which I have At any rate, it is the hope that this history will be found of
added a series of articles I hope catches the essence of the interest 50 years from now and that it might shed light on our
club’s more recent history. community’s rich heritage just as Mr. Reynolds’ work contin-
Those articles and photos were greatly aided by other ues to do after more than 50 years.
boxes of archives that were subsequently found by some Mark Miller
older members and former members, which produced other July, 2019
Page 1
An image of the original story taken from old microfilms exists in the club’s archives.
The Evening News
Saturday, June 7, 1919
ROTARY CLUB WAS LAUNCHED IN BLUFFTON
BANQUET AT THE BLISS FOR 25 CHARTER MEMBERS AND VISITING ROTARIANS
The Bluffton Rotary Club was instituted and took its place dinner, and also between some of the numbers, while George
among the city’s live-wire organizations, at a banquet held Fri- Panos and Carl Shinkle gave much appreciated vocal solos.
day evening at 7 o’clock at the Hotel Bliss. It was arranged that a luncheon will be held next Friday night
The club was launched with twenty-five members the maxi- at the Bliss House.
mum charter membership permissable, and the meeting fea- The Bluffton Rotary charter members are: J.R. Spivey, W.W.
tured with the excellent five-course banquet Friday evening saw Weisell, R.S. Todd, W. B. Gutelius, W.R. Barr, W.A. Kunkel,
the charter members organized with the selection of officers for Dr. Chas. E. Caylor, Abram Simmons, George L. Arnold, Dr.
the first year, as follows: J.C. Blackman, C.A Breece, Geo. S. Morris, Geo. L. Saunders,
President — C.A. Breece W.A Patton, Dr. Lew W. Dailey, David Meyer, Fred L. Londgen,
Vice-president — W.A. Kunkel Wm. H. Berling, J.O. Cottingham, Alfred G. Saurer, Dr. Louis
Secretary — J.O. Cottingham Severin, Earl R. McFarren, J. Edwin Reynolds, John W. Carnall,
Treasurer — R.S. Todd Homer R. Gettle.
Nearly one hundred men including visiting Rotarians were
gathered around the banquet tables when Geo. L. Arnold, act- The Rotary Club
ing as temporary toastmaster, introduced E.W. Puckett of Fort Pamphelts explanatory of the Rotary Club furnish the points
Wayne, who was in active charge of promoting and installing set out below:
the club here. Mr. Puckett after a few words acted in the capac- — Meets once each week for luncheon or dinner.
ity of toast-master for the remainder of the evening. — Memberships formed on the unique plan of one active and
Speeches were made by presidents of the clubs represented at representative man from each line of business and profession in
the banquet, explaining the more practical uses of Rotary and the community.
the benefits to be derived from its practice, all speakers seem-
ing to dwell especially on the fact that modern business must Benefits
grow through service, and that instead of the old slogan, “Let — Making the acquaintance of men you ought to know.
the buyer beware,” was the new one, by which Rotary obtains its — Genuine, wholesome good fellowship.
growth, “Let the seller beware, urging each business man to give — Developing true and helpful friends.
the service in selling, that will not only make more “satisfied — Enlightenment as to other men’s work, problems and suc-
customers” but the kind of service that will create a wealth of cesses.
good feeling between the customer and the business or profes- — Education in methods that increase efficiency.
sional man which every time will be a great boon to the com- — Stimulation of your desire to be of service to your fellow-
munity. Visiting Rotarians who spoke were T.J. Potts, President men and society in general.
of the Huntington Club; Will Kramer, president the Decatur — Business returns that come from enlarging your acquain-
Club; Chas. Watkins, of Muncie, District Governor of Rotary, tance and inspiring confidence in you and your business.
and E.W. Puckett, of the Fort Wayne Club.
In behalf of the local organization, W.R. Barr of the Leader Obligations
Company, responded, pledging for this club, their allegiance to — To attend meetings regularly.
the Rotary movement, stating that it would be earnest endeavor — To pay your dues promptly.
of every Bluffton Rotarian to follow the established precepts — To do your part when called upon.
of Rotary, and be of as great a help to their fellow men as it lay — To be a big-hearted, broad-minded man — a man of en-
upon their power. ergy and action — a real man — a Rotarian.
Plans for Expansion Here. Objects of the Rotary Club
The local organization plans to expand, but not in any rush 1. To promote the recognition of the worthiness of all le-
manner, as that was one of the cautions urged by the visi- gitimate occupation(s), and to dignify the occupation of each
tors last night, their reason being that every charter member member as affording him an opportunity to serve society.
should be thoroughly familiar with all the teaching of Rotary 2. To encourage high ethical standards in business and pro-
before accepting any new members, for two reasons: that the fession.
charter members would be better able to select the right men 3. To increase the efficiency of each member to the exchange
after knowing Rotary principles better, also, that they should be of ideas and business methods.
perfectly familiar with it in order that they might be better able 4. To stimulate the desire of each member to be of service to
to instruct the new members. his fellow men and society in general.
The Gaiety orchestra furnished excellent music during the 5. To promote the scientizing of acquaintance as an opportu-
Page 2
nity for service and an aid to success. standard of business discussion at club meetings. A heavy
6. To quicken the interest of each member in the public wel- responsibility rests upon a man who is the only exponent of
fare of his community, and to co-operate with others in its civic, his business in a club, to show a mastery and knowledge of his
social, commercial, and industrial development. business in presenting it to his fellow members. He cannot af-
ford to offer an inexpert or slovenly exposition of that business
Why is the membership of a Rotary Club restricted to one in which he is accredited with leadership and of which he is the
representative from each trade or professional calling? It re- sole spokesman in the club. The result follow that the business
quires but a moment’s thought and reflection to grasp the real talks given every week at Rotary club meetings are as valuable
reasons for this form of organization: and scientific as lectures at a university, and this phase of Rotary
First.—Since the Rotary club is a commercial organization, club life has been very appropriately named a post graduate
it could not include every business proprietor or manager in a coarsen business.
large city, without being unwieldy and cumbersome. Fifth.— The (c)all of the Rotary club to enlarge the horizon of
Second.—The Rotary club is a carefully selected body of the business man, sharpen his power of observation and bring
business and professional men, chosen with regard to character, new information to his assistance is further attained by visits
efficiency, financial rating, ability, energy, integrity and high of inspection to the great variety of plants, factories, offices,
business standing — the cream if you will of the business com- studios and stores of club members; this is the invaluable field
munity. You cannot obtain an organization of such high grade work of business science, supplementing and varying the more
membership without great care in selection; picking one lead- frequent discussions.
ing man from each line of business is a very satisfactory and Sixth.— A Rotary club of 200 members contains the repre-
scientific method of making choice. sentatives of two hundred different and distinct lines or depart-
Third.— Experience has shown that commercial organiza- ments of business. Manifestly this plan of club organization
tions with a large membership are conducted by a very few of tends to create breadth of views and sympathies in business,
the members, a small liner circles, while the general member- lifitn men out of the narrow rut of signal (single?) business rou-
ship is quiescent and inactive. The Rotary club endeavors to tine, giving them suggestions, viewpoints and special informa-
obtain strength and usefulness by stimulating constant activity tion obtainable in no other way and no other club.
on the part of every member. Such a condition of general inter- Seventh.— A Rotary club is the most representative commer-
est throughout the club is a club of leaders. The members are cial organization and business club the world has ever known;
all leaders in heir lines of business, and leaders are “live wires” it is a parliament of business where every business constituency
and not laggers. Therefore they attend the club meetings, do has its representative, and may be heard on a basis of absolute
the work, and make their organization a favor in the club and equality. Likewise the voice of the Rotary club on general ques-
progress of the community. tions of business policy may travel down the connecting lines to
Fourth.—The limitation of membership establishes a high every business group or association.
The Four Original Rotarians:
Sylvester Schiele
Paul Harris
Hiram E. Shorey
Gustavus E. Loehr
Page 3
Charter Members
A list of the charter membership and their occupations gives a fair idea of how many phases
of community interests and activities were represented in the club.
— J. Edwin Reynolds
William A. Patton Furniture Manufacturing
William A. Kunkel Sr. Oil Producer and Broker
George L. Saunders Editor and Publisher, Evening Banner
James R. Spivey Druggist Retailing
William R. Barr Dry Goods retailing
William W. Weisell Clothing Retailing
George L. Arnold Grain, Seeds, Wholesale and Retail
William B. Gutileus* Banking and Bonds
Charles A. Breece Telephone Service
John O. Cottingham Foundry Management
Dr. Louis Severin Physician
Alfred G. Saurer Furniture Retailing
Dr. Charles J. Blackman Osteopath Physician
Abram Simmons Attorney, General Practice of LAw
David Meyer Harness Mfg. and Retail
William G. Berling Eggs, Poultry Wholesale
Ralph S. Todd Banking
Dr. Charles S. Caylor Surgeon
George S. Morris Five and Ten Stores
Dr. Lewis W. Dailey Dental Surgeon
Dr. Homer Gettle Optometrist
Fred J. Longdon Jeweler Supplies
Earl R. McFarren Shoes Retailing
John W. Carnall Abstracts
J. Edwin Reynolds Books, Stationery Retailing
* You will find this name spelled differently in the club’s history. For example, the newspaper accounts about the club’s first
meeting lists “William Gutelius” as a charter member. Another spelling is “Gutilius.” For the record, the club’s original histo-
rian, Mr. Reynolds, is consistent in spelling the name as he did in this list.
Page 4
Where Rotary has met
Bliss Hotel: 1919 - 1961
Rotary initially met each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.
Meetings were switched to Tuesday evenings in July 1934.
American Legion Home: 1961-1963
Snug Restaurant: 1963
Dutch Mill: 1964 - December, 1997
Meetings were moved to Tuesday noon in early 1980
The Rittenhouse: Jan., 1998 - ????
East of Chicago Pizza: ???? - 2008
Timber Ridge Golf Course: 2008 - 2010
River Terrace Estates: 2011 - 2016
Arts, Commerce and Visitors Centre: 2016 - 2019
Wells County Public Library: March 2019 -
Page 5
25 Years of Bluffton Rotary (Author Unknown)
It is late May, 1919. Wes Puckett of the Fort Wayne Rotary trip to Ostend, Belgium, to attend the International Confer-
Club, aided by George Arnold and Will Gutelius, surveys Bluff- ence that elected Arthur Sapp of Huntington as International
ton preliminary to the organization of a Rotary Club. Fifteen President.
representative business and professional men are selected and Recollections of the 20’s — the annual meetings with the
the remaining ten necessary for a charter are chosen by the teaching staff of the Bluffton schools . . . the annual party
fifteen. for the students off to college for the first time . . . fine work
The organization banquet in the Bliss Hotel June 6, 1919, is done with boys by Will Weisell and Lawrence Templin . . . the
a big event. The Fort Wayne Club is present in force and also urban-rural banquet with Lew Dailey acting as the fascinat-
large delegations from Huntington and Decatur. Wes Puckett ing blonde . . . Captain “Fitz” Blackman’s champion baseball
is the toastmaster. Speeches are by Charles Watkins, District team — through the season without a defeat . . . Dave Meyers’
Governor, and Ira Potts, President of the Huntington Club. inspiring and instructive talks to new members.
W. A. Patton is chosen as the first president. Meetings are And also musical memories of the 20’s — Ferd Rogers
held Friday evenings at the Bliss and the members wear large singing “Old Black Joe” . . . Al Farr’s melodious lead in “Sweet
badges showing their names and classifications so they may Adeline” . . . Doc Blackman’s rendition of “Mammy” with
identify each other. Jack Belger’s improvisations on the piano . . . and the classic
W. A. Kunkel, the second president, inaugurates the weekly of all time, Maestro F. McDowell’s hoisting of the “Old Oaken
letter which later becomes “The Spur.” Our host Swinford is Bucket” — “Watch the Director!”
succeeded by Harry Webber, who has fed us, lo, these many The 30’s. Meeting night changed from Friday night to
years. Administrations of George Saunders and Will Barr, third Tuesday to avoid basketball conflicts. The basketballers then
and fourth presidents, are featured by many interesting inter- change their schedules to Tuesday. In ‘34 President Ed Reyn-
city meetings, particularly with Hartford City and Decatur. olds inaugurates the High School Rotarian feature, one of the
February, 1923 — Judge Simmons sentences the entire club outstanding constructive acts in the history of the club. June,
to two days in Michigan City, to attend the 20th District Con- 1936 — President Max Markley starts the “old tradition” of a
ference meeting. The chartered Pullman will long be remem- barbecued lamb as the piece de resistance of the retiring presi-
bered. dent’s farewell dinner.
July, 1923 — Members of the Bluffton Club pledge, $2000 to June, 1942 — Fred and Erma Arend attend the International
the Riley Hospital Fund. Conference at Toronto and make Bluffton loom large on the
Dec. 8, 1924 — Fifty Rotarians from Fort Wayne, headed Rotary map. After a lapse of 24 years, W. A. Patton picks up
by Wes Puckett, made a surprise visit to check up on their the gave to serve a second term as president. The spotlight is
protege. turned on Ed Culver’s attendance record — over 14 years with-
Feb. 1926 — President Will Kunkel, Jr., with Frank McDow- out missing a meeting. Six members of the club join the armed
ell as chief of staff, takes the entire club to Muncie to promote services — Lloyd Lieurance, Max Gitlin, Bill Gitlin, Tom Dor-
the election of Will Barr as District Governor. Will is elected, rance, Harold Cobb, and Lewis Coyle.
and his record as District Governor still shines in Indiana June, 1944 — President Brooks Smith announces that the
Rotary History. 25th anniversary dinner will be an outstanding event. It is —
June, 1928 — President Charles Dailey, Charles Caylor, and and here we are.
Dave Meyers, accompanied by their Rotaryannes, made the
Of the original 25 charter mem-
bers in 1919, these six were still
active in the club in 1944 when
the club celebrated its 25th anni-
versary. Front row, from left: John
Carnall, Dr. Charles Caylor, and
J. Edwin Reynolds. Back row: Dr.
C.J. Blackman, Will Barr, Alfred
Saurer and W.A. Patton.
Page 6
1954 History of Bluffton Rotary Club
by J. Edwin Reynolds
In 1954, as the 50th anniversary of Rotary International approached, club president William Cline
commissioned J. Edwin Reynolds to write the club’s history up to that point:
BLUFFTON ROTARY CLUB 516 service.
Soon after the opening of the present century, replete with b. TO ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER
many developments in industry, in scientific and medical dis- High ethical standards in business and profession, the rec-
coveries, and new educational trends, a new social movement ognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the
was born. At first, insignificant and always unassuming, it pro- dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportu-
gressed until today it is one of the most potent forces for peace nity to serve society.
and a better understanding and relationship between man and c. TO ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER
his fellowman. I refer to ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, now The application of the ideal of service by each Rotarian to his
embracing 120 countries, over 8000 clubs and nearly 500,000 personal, business and community life.
members. d. TO ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER
Early in 1905, a group of four lonely young men, in the city The advancement of international understanding, goodwill
of Chicago, at the inspiration of Paul Harris, a young attorney, and peace through a world fellowship of business and profes-
decided to meet once a week, rotating their meetings from sional men united in the ideal of service.
home to home or office to office; hence the name ROTARY.
Their purpose was, in addition to the fellowship enjoyed, to Rotary’s conception of the IDEAL OF SERVICE:
consider problems arising in their separate industries and help THOUGHTFULNESS of others is the basis of service
each other study and solve them. HELPFULNESS to others is its expression
The practical benefits were so evident that they soon invited
other professions and industries or their executives to meet Early in its history, those active in Rotary affairs realized
with them. ROTARY was off to a definite future, the famous that the principles and teachings of Rotary were so universal
first ROTARY club of Chicago, Illinois. and worthwhile that they could and should be used in smaller
As time went on, members of this group, leaving the Chicago communities. Ft. Wayne club, which had been organized in
area to take up locations in other cities, carried with them the 1915, decided to canvass the field in Bluffton to ascertain the
ideals of the benefits of fellowship and shared consultations on advisability of establishing a club here.
professional and business problems, and established clubs in Wesley Puckett of that club was assigned the task of making
the cities which had become their new homes. the canvas. He, with the help and advice of George L. Arnold
In San Fransisco, Calif., in 1908, the second club was orga- and Will B. Gutileus, checked Bluffton’s business and profes-
nized. Homer Ward, a young attorney, was its organizer. Under sional field, securing 25 business executives and professional
his leadership three additional clubs were started on the west leaders as charter members. And at a dinner meeting held on
coast; one at Oakland, Calif., one at Los Angeles, and the third June 6, 1919, we were presented our charter and were formally
at Seattle, Washington. accepted into ROTARY INTERNATIONAL as Club 516.
Fred Tweed of the Chicago Club carried the idea to New
York and club No. 5 was born in 1909. Our first officers who were selected to orient and direct the
The first national convention was held in Chicago in 1910, at activities of the club were:
which 14 of the 16 clubs then in existence were represented by William A. Patton, President
29 delegates. In the same year, eight new clubs were organized, William A. Kunkel, Vice President
including one at Winnepeg, Manatobia, Canada and the name John O. Cottingham, Secretary-treasurer
was changed to its present name ROTARY INTERNATIONAL. A particularly wise choice, President Patton guided us very
In 1914, club number 100 was granted its charter at Phoenix, ably through the first uncharted year of our existence as a club.
Arizona and in 1921, club number 1000 was founded in York,
England. Quite early, Rotary’s miraculous growth convinced the
At one of the early conventions, Charles Sheldon, in an leaders in the movement that in order to direct and make of
address, used the expression “He profits most who serves his greatest value the ideals, aims and objects of the movement, a
fellows best.” This was later shortened or paraphrased to read definite international organization must be formed with duly
SERVICE ABOVE SELF and has become the creed of Rotary. accredited officers, so a president, secretary and treasurer
Later as Rotary approached maturity, its outlook on life and were elected. It was also evident that due to the international
the relations of man to his club, his vocation, his community nature of the organization, the area covered, and the location
and the world, it codified its aims and objects under four gen- of the member clubs, a one-man office would find it impos-
eral heads: sible to adequately direct the farflung activities, So--the world
a. TO ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER was divided into districts over which a governor was chosen
The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for as liaison officer between the local clubs and the international
Page 7
secretariat or officer. At the time our club was organized we inter-city and ladies’ night programs in this and neighboring
were in the 7th district which included not only Indiana but states.
several surrounding states. Through Mr. Barr’s leadership, a closer bond was built up
Later, due to the increasing number of clubs, another divi- with the neighboring clubs and we were given a glimpse of
sion was made and Indiana was allotted a complete district what international relationship could accomplish.
within its own boundaries, and became the 20th district and Mr. Barr climaxed his year’s tenure in office with the annual
we at the time the Bluffton club received its charter were in that district conference held in Ft. Wayne. The conference lasted
district with the Rev. Charles Watkins, Muncie, as our gover- three days and closely approximated the caliber of an interna-
nor. Governor Watkins had the distinction of organizing more tional conference. It was under the local management of Bert
clubs in his year in office than any other governor. Eleven clubs Griswold of the Ft. Wayne club, who directed a grand historical
were added to the Rotary fold. A resume of the date of the ac- pageant depicting the aims objectives, growth and progress of
ceptance of Rotary in our neighborhood towns, is listed below. Rotary.
Some interesting sidelights or high points of the conference
City club number chartered might be of interest. Among the many noted speakers and
Indianapolis 58 1913 distinguished guests were Paul Harris, Rotary founder and
Ft. Wayne 154 1915 Harry Rogers, international president during Mr. Barr’s tenacy
Huntington 300 1916 as governor.
Decatur 302 1916 That year the Trans-Atlantic Telephone had just been put
Muncie 327 1917 in operation and twelve men on the platform, equipped with
Anderson 354 1917 head-phones heard Governor Barr exchange greetings and
Bluffton 516 1919 converse with Vivian Carter in London, district secretary of
Angola 524 1919 Rotary International British Isles,
Winchester 552 1919 R.I.B.I.
Marion 604 1920 This conference has set a pattern in the dissemination of Ro-
Hartford City 670 1920 tary knowledge and fellowship for all such meetings since, and
Portland 802 1920 was a fitting climax to Mr. Barr’s very successful Rotary year.
The story of Mr. Barr’s candidacy for the governor discloses
You will note the number of neighboring clubs chartered in how eminently fitted for the position the home club deemed
the late months of 1919 and early 1920 under the governorship him. After some of our members, unknown to Mr. Barr, had
of Mr. Watkins of the Muncie Club. contacted some of our neighboring clubs and had quietly spent
four weeks campaigning for him, they approached Mr. Barr for
Due to the rapid growth of Rotary International and its cor- his consent to present his name for the position. He refused,
respondingly greater administrative problems arising from Ro- until told that four weeks and many miles of travel had already
tary’ s wider concepts of new avenues of service, our district of been expended; he reluctantly consented.
Indiana was again divided — this time into three districts. The At the conference in Muncie, the name of Chad Burns, Val-
old 20th became No. 254, No. 255 and No. 256. We in northern pariso, also was presented. The two opposing camps developed
Indiana became No. 254 with at the present time a total of 39 and a very active campaign was waged by both factions. In
active clubs. In 1956 we were again renumbered, now being the final vote, Mr. Barr was declared the winner. This was one
No. 654. At the time of the separation of the old 20th, it had 67 conference which our club attended 100%,
clubs on its roster, scattered over the entire state. As the facts will show, Bluffton’s early and enthusiastic inter-
The supervisory department in addition to the district est in Rotary was well attested. For one of the early annual con-
governor was officered, in later years, by area directors, called ferences held in Indianapolis, the club chartered an interurban
group representatives who were really assistants or lieutenants car and practically the entire club and their wives attended.
to the district governor and as such assistants were appointed At a later conference, held in Michigan City, Indiana, two
by him instead of being elected by the clubs, their duties were pullman coaches were chartered and used as hotel reserva-
to co-ordinate and direct the activities of some half-dozen tions as well as transportation. At that meeting, we were served
clubs in their area. our banquet dinner in the Indiana State Prison, served by the
The Bluffton club has provided some half-dozen or more convicts, one of whom when a guest asked for salt said, “Sure,
group representatives for our district and has been honored by I’ll give you anything, even to half my time.”
having had two of its members elevated to the post of district On that occasion, the main address was given by Rev. Mer-
governor. ton Rice of Detroit. Subject “Junk.”
In 1926, Will R. Barr, department store head, was elected The second time our club was so honored was at the annual
governor over the old 20th district, consisting of 67 clubs scat- conference at Ft. Wayne in 1952, when past president and
tered over the entire state of Indiana. During his administra- group representative, Glen O’Laverty was unanimously elected
tion, he visited and addressed every club, some of them many to lead our district, now No. 254 consisting of 39 clubs in
times. His wide knowledge of Rotary, his able presentation of northern Indiana for the year beginning July 1, 1953.
its aims and ideals, have won for him a warm place in Rotary’s
rank and file. His outstanding ability and leadership has placed SECRETARIES AND EDITORS
him on every annual district conference program through suc- From the days of John Cottingham to the present time, we
ceeding years and has made him a headliner on many special have had faithful recording secretaries of the club’s activi-
Page 8ties, attendance etc. Our weekly news sheet originated in the tion of the “Old Oaken Bucket” by Frank McDowell we have
administration of our second president, W. A. Kunkel. Later it enjoyed much pleasure and showmanship.
was called the SPUR, not because we were cowboys, as that was We have entertained and been entertained by the vocal and
before we had the “Home on the Range”; nor for the famous instrumental units of our county and city school, and by vari-
fighting cocks, because there were no “Roosters” on our roster; ous sororities and church choral groups.
but in the hope that it would help us to a more efficient and Our club has always embraced every opportunity to encour-
intelligent service to our club. age our youth invert??? cultural enterprise whether musical or
This weekly letter was taken over by our second secretary otherwise that they attempt.
when he assumed the office of secretary, John (Jack) Belger. In THAT PIANO
addition to his services as editor, secretary, and treasurer, Mr. Described by Brer K. Settergren in his classification talk as
Belger was an accomplished pianist and added much to our being the only product made that was or had been “grand”
club programs. Later secretaries, after Mr. Belger’s death, were and “upright” but the changing times had deleted the “grand”
John Wesley Carnall, who later was our president. Edward but thank fortune, it was still “upright.” That Piano and its
Sunier, almost a “Furriner”, his father was born at Berne Swit- performers have contributed much to the club’s programs and
zerland. Mr. Sunier contributed much to our international un- entertainment over all these thirty-five eventful years.
derstanding through correspondence with his father’s people. A few of the pianists and their contributions deserve special
Dr. H. Brooks Smith, Kenneth Green, John Metz, John mention: Jack Belger, classification Movie Theater, leads the
Flaningam, Dave Thompson and others filled the position procession; an accomplished performer, could improvise, play
of secretary; including the present incumbent, Dr. Wallace anything, accompany any type of singer or group, play any
Tirman, who expects to take up a new location in his chosen song called for. He gave us one demonstration, pretending he
profession of Radiology in South Bend, Ind. and has submit- was a piano player who knew only one tune, or song, “A Hot
ted his resignation to the club. A fine secretary, gentleman and Time in the Old Town Tonight.” He was called on to play for a
Rotarian, whom we hate to lose. wedding, funeral, classical musical program, high school dance
Due to their contact with the secretariat of Rotary Interna- and a political rally program and each time he improvised his
tional, our secretaries are the best grounded men in Rotary one song to fit the occasion and everyone sounded perfectly
principles and make ideal material for presidents and leaders. appropriate.
After Mr. Belger’s death, we employed Bruce McAfee, a high
EDITORS AND EDITORIALS school student, who did very well until he encountered Frank
In the early history of the club, the SPUR was written by the McDoll as song leader. After several false starts and apparently,
secretary and superimposed on by all the other work, he was severe criticisms by the director McDowell, Bruce advised him
compelled to do for the club, naturally could not give it the that what he needed was not a musician but a magician.
time and thought that was necessary to get out a good infor- Bruce was followed at the piano by Miss Dorothy West,
mative publication. Although the perusal of early copies supply music director in one of the county schools. Miss West really
an amazing amount of information concerning the early activi- put “umph” in her music and the club enjoyed her years as our
ties of the club and its members. pianist.
Some seven years ago, however, a new policy was adopted. Old “88” Dr. Robert Sherman who could operate on the
An editorial committee was appointed, with a chairman, white and black keys as efficiently as he could with the scalpel
general, who served through out the year; with sub commit- and saw, regaled us with his accompaniments and improvi-
tees who wrote the story and editorials for a shorter period. sions.
With the spirit of competition entering into the picture and And Miss Mary Markley, “Rotary’ Sweetheart,” who is play-
the different types of thought and writing of the individual ing for us now either with fingers or toes or both, we owe them
editors, we have founded a much higher type of news-sheet or all the tribute of our sincere gratitude and appreciation.
club publication. In fact, some of our SPURS have been used in Written 1955.
high schools in their English classes. Our editors are all giving
time and thought to their assignments, which keeps us, the DISCIPLINE
club, posted, not only on the programs and events in the club Since John Wesley (take up a collection) Carnall, our first
but local and world needs and trends as well. sergeant-at-arms robbed us of our nickels for fancied for real
misdemeanors, we have had the eternal sergeant picking up the
SONGFESTS, SONGLEADERS, BARBERSHOP, loose change or folding money the revenue collector did not
HARMONY, SOLOISTS AND THE PIANO. get. Some of their machinations are so fiendish and incongru-
Under our first song leader charter member Alfred Saurer’s ous, they remind you of the days of witchcraft and the dark
direction, patient and persistent, our club early developed the ages. Stalin and Molotov have nothing on them.
singing habit, and from a bunch of guys who hardly knew each Their efforts, however, have accomplished many useful,
other, or one note from another to a group singing in a certain helpful and healthy results. Often they have sharpened the
measure of harmony was some accomplishment. I think we wits of the members on Rotary history, committee functions,
have attempted every popular song and some not so, from improved acquaintances, better attendance, etc., and the funds
1920 until today. From Al Farr’s plaintive lead in “Sweet Ade- collected are always used to advance or benefit some Rotary or
line” and the rendering (if that’s the right word) of “Old Black community project.
Joe” by Wharton W. Rogers, “Mammy” and “Susannah” by Dr.
Charles J. Blackman to the enthusiastic professional direc-
Page 9A Charge to New Members
(Mr. Reynolds added this to the history he wrote in 1954)
A charge to the following new members, Edwin Prible, Frank represent.
Elzey and James Smith and delivered June 1, 1957 by Deane E.
Reynolds; a custom originated by our twelfth president, David
Meyer and contributed by him from the time of his presidency
While membership in Rotary is accepted as
until his death: recognition and a privilege, it invokes correspond-
ing duties and obligations. The price of efficient
Most of you men have now been members of membership is regularity in attendance at these
Rotary for several years, maybe several months and weekly meetings. Only circumstances that cannot
to you some of these remarks may seem anti-cli- be reasonably controlled, are accepted as an excuse
matical. This is the first time for you to have listened for absence. Only busy men are eligible to become
to an induction talk and since this is the first time members of this club.
I have ever given one, we start at scratch, all even. I
do want you to know, at the outset, that while most One of the greatest gifts of Rotary is the fellowship
of the words are mine, the inspiration is that of a and the mutual confidence it inspires. It is always
little Huntington clothier, Isidor Marx. It has been true that he who would have friends must show
my good fortune to hear Izzy deliver his induction himself friendly. Not Self but Service is Rotary’s
several times and it has never failed me new light motto and objective and that must be personified in
and new courage. the life and character of its members as a first condi-
tion to fulfillment of its ideals. We cannot fulfill this
This same gentleman, by the way, was present in task by an artificial allegiance to its principles. It can
this room on a June night nearly thirty-eight years touch and transform business life and social condi-
ago and assisted in the installation of the Bluffton tions only through men who are living embodi-
Rotary club. ments of its creed.
Tonight, it is equally my privilege and pleasure to Consider yourself, as should we all, students rather
welcome into our Club, you new members. Because than graduates in the school of Rotary. You are but
we believe first impressions are lasting, we are espe- entering into educational relationships with men
cially desirous that you new men early in your Rota- who are still learning the unity of the individual
ry careers receive favorable knowledge of Rotary. So with Society. We would earnestly remind you of
tonight l would like to tell you a few of the things for the power of example and the uselessness of fealty
which Rotary stands and a few of the responsibilities to principles which do not find expression in daily
and obligations you assume as a member. practice.
First, I would rather like to labor the point that As you go along with us in Rotary, you will find
you did not apply for membership. You were chosen we have no secrets, no hidden schemes, no ulterior
by your fellow members because they believe you to purposes. All of our meetings and deliberations are
be a leader in your special line of activity and be- as open as the daylight. We have no shibboleth, no
cause you manifest those qualities of head and heart secret knock, no signal of distress. We do have a
which fit you to interpret ,and to impart the message password and with that password, I now entrust you.
of Rotary to your fellow men. It is not to be sedulously kept and guarded or whis-
pered behind closed doors but is to be worn on your
You are the only representatives of your vocation foreheads and shouted from the housetops. That
in this club and any contributions of an educational password is SERVICE, and I give it to you with the
value pertaining to your craft must naturally come reverence as if it were some great new discovery, a
to us through you. On the other hand you become prescription that cures all ills, a key that unlocks all
the Ambassador from us to your classification or doors, a maxim that, if followed, leads only to per-
craft and it becomes your duty to carry our precepts sonal and professional serenity in accomplishment.
of service to the men whom you have the honor to It is a password that embraces all races, all Nations,
Page 10all creeds into one common brotherhood and its the money you have or because of your social stand-
code is the simplest of all codes to follow. Simply, to ing. You were not invited because of your political
be just and kind to the other fellow at all times. influence or because of the church you do or do not
attend; in short, not for any of the things to which
In addressing you tonight, I have only one desire the average man gives his life. Is it not significant to
and that is to pass on to you a consciousness of you that you have not been asked any of these ques-
SERVICE. I cannot but hope some word or thought tions? It is because these were the things that are
of mine or some urge beyond our knowledge, may seen of men and Rotary is dedicating you to an even
make you feel you are receiving into your life and higher plane. You were invited into Rotary because
into your mind a new spirit of love and service that we believe you to be men of vision, growing men,
turns clay into men and men into better men. not only in respect to the business you represent but
in your personal selves.
The sum of all earthly wisdom is embraced in the
phrase, LOVE and SERVICE. There are men in this group who have that vision
and they are the leaders among us and they are mak-
We want you to be in Rotary, our comrade, our ing Rotary a vital life force in this community. If I
friends and our helpers. We want you to be in Ro- had the right in the name of Rotary, to appeal to the
tary, our comrade in those brighter hours when with selfish side of your natures, I would say you cannot
banner and song, we seek to banish our cares and afford to miss mixing with that kind of man and if
we want you for our comrade in our darker hours, that is the kind of men you want to get in step with,
when the shadows fall around us. Our greatest need you must come regularly where they congregate.
is for one who can give us new hope and courage
to meet the tasks that are ahead. We want you in If you do come regularly, if you will make up
Rotary to be our friend, for after all, business has no attendance in other clubs, if you will attend such
greater reward and life no higher accomplishment District Conferences and Assemblies as you are able,
than the friendships that adorn it. you will some day get Rotary in your blood. I can-
not overemphasize the attendance at other clubs. It
Many, many people in this community will know will make you prouder to be a Rotarian. When you
and judge Rotary through your personal exemplifi- go into their meeting places, immediately introduce
cations of its character and service. We accept you as yourself to every stranger Rotarian in sight/ Rotary
a member because we believe our organization and knows no strangers. There are no “cold” Rotary
our principles will be safe in your keeping and we clubs; there are only cold guests. This weekly atten-
also expect much from you in help and inspiration dance at some club will give you a recharge of the
which will enable us to become better Rotarians. things for which Rotary stands. Reach up always to
the standards of Rotary: A life of Service in Self.
Let me say as a member, you have a right to expect
good will from every man who sits around these Catch that vision of things unseen and you will
tables with you; patience with your short-comings realize your highest hopes of Rotary and Rotary, its
and charity for your errors in judgment. We do not highest expectations of you. That man who, in every
expect you to be perfect and the man who is not big day life lives up to the Rotary code, will not only get
enough to overlook the faults of another and still be the greatest pleasure and satisfaction from this life,
kind has not grasped the big thing in this organiza- but when the veil parts and he is called from this
tion. That for which Rotary stands are things that plane to a higher and more complete existence, he
are things that are not seen--but, they are permanent need not be afraid to die by the code he lived.
things in a man’s life, the viral things, the things he
takes with him on that great adventure from which
no man ever returns.
Were I to belabor another point it would be that
you are or were not invited into Rotary because of
Page 11Bluffton Rotary at 40 The club hosted a 40th anniversary celebration on June 30, 1959, although no other mention of that event has been found other than this summary below, perhaps the last historical effort by charter member J. Edwin Reynolds who would pass away July 4, 1961. While some of the details shared below are repetitive, I include it in this history because it has new information — such as the list of charter members who were still alive in 1959 and a brief mention of our club’s undefeated baseball team — and has addi- tional details on the involvement of and leadership provided by the club in a number of community initiatives, including such critical local institutions: the Community Chest, forerunner of the United Way, the historical society and the Wells County Foundation. Mr. Reynold’s age shows in his original text of this history brief (which is now included in the club’s archives) which this writer will surely experience at some point as well. I have taken some liberties in cleaning it up a bit and adding what I believe he meant where gaps existed. The club and the community are deeply indebted to Mr. Reynolds for his dedication over a number of years to record the club’s history, which is quite integral to the community’s history. In a foreword to Mr. Reynold’s 1954 History, Glen O’Laverty wrote: “To the author, one of the Charter members, we should be everlastingly grateful for compiling this work. There is no one more qualified to handle such an assignment ... We hope that he will feel the same glow of a task well done that his brother Rotarians feel.” — MFM Rotary Club #516 of Bluffton, Indiana, which was organized The table decorations of blue and gold including floral on June 6, 1919, in June this year celebrated two anniversaries. centerpieces (of) gold candelabra and tapers, a forty-candle On June 9th, the club was host to its first class of high-school birthday cake and a tribute to Rotary composed by Mrs. Ruby Rotarians, the program originated 25 years ago, all living Inskeep, club pianist, and sang by Miss Mary Markley, Rotary’s members save one George L. Shead of Duneden, Florida, were Sweetheart, added color and interest to the program, a fitting present. In our club, the high-school Rotarian program is still climax to a good Rotary Year. operating 100% today. J.Edwin Reynolds On June 30th, postponed from the 6th because of the R.I. Club Historian. Convention in New York City, the club celebrated its fortieth I enclose a picture of the High-school Rotarian class of twen- anniversary, a memorable occasion attended by approximately ty-five years ago if you care to use it. —J.E.H. (Editor’s note: 80 members and guests. The address of the evening was What a neat picture that would be, if only if could be found.) delivered by O. Frank Helvie of South Bend, Indiana, retiring District Governor of District 654 Zone 2. APPENDIX All living charter members save one, George L. Arnold, A partial resume of the activities and participation of Bluff- who was chiefly instrumental in organizing the club origi- ton men of Rotary. Rotary was the first service club organized nally and Dr. Charles J. Blackman, ill and confined in a local in Bluffton, anteceding the Kiwanis organization by a few years nursing home, were present. Those attending were: Charles A. and the Lions Club by many. We welcome these newer groups Breece of Bradenton, Florida, a retired Indiana Bell Telephone because there are ample room and opportunity for us all to join president and director; John O. Cottingham of Indianapolis, hands and efforts for benefit of the community, nation and the Indiana, a retired real-estate operator and fellow in the Indiana world. Academy of Science; William H. Berling, retired poultry and In our early years Rotary, the parent organization, itself had egg dealer and past president of the Indiana Poultry Dealers not developed all its finer concepts, so we being club 516, less Association, now living in Decatur, Indiana; John W. Carnall than five years behind Rotary’s origin grew with the parent and J. Edwin Reynolds, still active in the local club. group. (Editor’s note: Mr. Reynold’s math was a bit off. R.I. was One unique and unusual feature was a pre-charter member, founded in 1905, our club in 1919. Thus we were “less than 15 Frank McDowell, originally a native of Bluffton, lived in and years behind Rotary’s origin.”) was in business in Decatur, Indiana and was a charter mem- Our first president, William A. Patton, a master parliamen- ber of that club organized one year prior to our organization, tarian and an idealist, ably directed our minds and practices returning to Bluffton soon after our club started was received along Rotary paths. Our second president, W.A. Kunkel, Sr., into the club. taught us to address each other by our first names and dismiss Other distinguished guests present for the occasion included formalism. The third leader of our club, George L. Saunders, William Rasstetter of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, past Director of R.I., stressed cooperation rather than competition in all human and a past District Governor. Other past district governors relationships. were Jacob L. Brenn of Huntington Indiana; Clarence Ziner of Our fourth president, Will R. Barr, who later became district Decatur, Indiana; Rev. Arthur Raabe of Burkett, Indiana; and governor of the the old 20th district embracing the entire state Herman Phillips of Angola, Indiana, who were presented to the of Indiana and composed of 67 clubs, at his annual conference club by past District Governor Glen O’Laverty, a member of in Ft.Wayne, Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, was one of our own club. the speakers; and the Trans-Atlantic Cable having just been Many past presidents, no longer members of the club includ- completed, a half dozen men on the platform equipped with ing C.M. Luce, now a resident of Bluffton but a past president ear-phones conversed with Rotarians in London, England. of the Elko, Nevada Club and many former members no longer In the campaign which elected Will Barr as District Gov- in the club were our guests. ernor, a local committee (was formed, apparently headed by) Page 12
Frank McDowell, and campaigned the entire state. Then, (they) saw the inauguration of the Wells County Community Chest,
chartered two Interurban cars and took the club 100% to the with Ray Renollet, a Rotarian, as its first president and several
conference at Muncie and pressed his candidacy successfully. Rotarians on its first board of directors. Under the adminis-
Our celebration when we returned home rivaled a basketball trations of Dr. Brooks Smith and Ray Renollet, Grade A milk
victory of to-day. appeared on the tables of Bluffton homes. Francis McFarren, as
Among one of our early projects, the men of our club raised president (in) 1947-48, set up our present form of club organi-
and sent $1,800 to the construction of the convalescent wing zation and administration. Lawrence Templin inaugurated our
of the Riley Memorial Hospital, a state-wide Rotary project. present city-wide recreational program and the club built and
Along with the serious contributions of our club we did not presented to the 4-H Fair Ground a $1500 memorial outdoor
forget recreations and fellowship contacts. Each year in those fire place. George Williamson made the club a 100%-er in the
early times we held a picnic for our wives and families and Paul Harris Memorial Fund, (the) foreign exchange college stu-
among others, had a club baseball team which won every dent program. Deane Reynolds saw the speech contest by high
game that year, even defeating the crack Indianapolis nine, Dr. school seniors started and with Glen O’Laverty saw our club
Blackman coach, manager and first baseman brought the team get under the Scouting program, Glen serving as first Scout-
through with flying colors. master, assisted by Harry A. McFarren Jr.
Another of our club sponsored projects, when Judge Abe W.C. Ratliff guided us in our first participation in the Cin-
Simmons was president, he sentenced the entire club to the cinnati four-state sponsored World Affairs Congress, with the
conference at Michigan City, chartered two Pullman coaches able assistance of Lloyd Lieurance, superintendent of Wells
which we used as hotel accommodations, had our annual ban- County Schools. John Flaningam, William Cline and Gerald
quet in the State Prison Dining Room served by the convicts, Heller, among other contributions, stressed Little League
one of whom told a Rotarian who asked if he could have the Baseball which has grown in interest till it now is participated
salt said “you can have anything even to half my time.” in by between 250 and 300 boys of the city and county. Don
During Mr. Simmons term of office, the club was host to all Frantz, Wells County Agricultural agent, stressed 4-H work
the teachers, school-board and trustees, 155 guests in all, the and rural contacts — on several occasions, our club has been
entire educational staff of Bluffton and Wells County. host to district 4-H leaders’ training programs, having over 100
Under the administrations of James R. Spivey, Dr. Louis guests at our banquets for them. Corvin Briner as president
Severin, Frank G. Thompson and Dr. Paul J. Ritt emphasis was organized the Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot which has
placed on rural-urban and inter-club relationships, entertain- netted approximately $400 each year, for the last three years
ing our farmer friends and neighboring clubs — customs donated to the Vera Cruz Opportunity School for retarded
which still continue. children. During Dr. Truman Caylor’s tenure of office, the club
President David Meyer, whose academic education was entertained for one school year Bert Johansen, a Swedish high
terminated at the sixth grade, prepared the first formal charge school senior who attended Bluffton High School, and under
to new members, a classic, delivered in his own deliberate, Earl Dillon’s regime just closing, we sponsored a Cub Scout
earnest way was so impressive that the club — as well as the troop with Robert McFarren in charge.
new members receiving it — never forgot the instructions and I know I have missed many important things in this chron-
inspiration included in it. Somebody said it almost ranked with icle, but this gives you some idea of the dedicated service our
Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. It had long been a custom of the men have given to the community over the 40 years we have
club to have their wives and their sons as guests. J. L. Goodin, existed.
when president, varied the custom by inviting our daughters, A major community enterprise established in 1957 which
who at one meeting put on a skit of a Rotary meeting very owes its existence to the Bluffton Rotary Club primarily,
cleverly done — quite hilarious. although assisted and participated in by many other civic, ser-
In 1934-35 we instituted the High-school Rotarian Program vice and fraternal organizations, is the Wells County Founda-
still going strong. This year, 1958-59, we celebrated the 25th tion Inc., an organization to provide a responsible agent for the
year of the program with all but one of the living members of receiving and dispensing of testaments, gifts, donations etc. to
the first class as our guests. Also in that year we fathered the be conserved and the principle or income from same to care
Wells County Historical Society, with three Rotarians, W.A. for worthy charities or/and needs arising in and for the benefit
Patton, Will R. Barr and Edw. Sunier writing the constitution of Wells County now or in the future as those needs develop in
and by-laws and Mrs. Helena Longdon, a Rotaryanne, serving changing times and conditions. Its board of directors consist
as (the Historical Society’s) first president. of sixteen of Wells County’s most responsible citizens, four
Max Markley, 1935-36, attended the conference or interna- elected each year for a four-year term which guarantees a
tional convention in Mexico City and during his administra- capable and unprejudiced management and an organization
tion saw the first steps taken towards the construction of a city worthy of our respect and confidence.
garbage disposal plant. Fred Arend as President in 1942-43 J. Edwin Reynolds, club historian.
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