Rotary Club of La Conner turns 75

The Rotary Club was originally founded in Chicago in 1905 by Paul Harris “so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.” The club grew quickly, spread over six continents in the first 16 years, and later adopted humanitarian service as part of its mission. The motto of Rotary International is “Service Above Self,” a spirit that guides Rotarians in facing down hard challenges such as the eradication of polio and alleviation of poverty.

In La Conner, the Rotary legacy stretches back to 1945, when World War II finally came to a close. Local businessmen sought to benefit the town by joining a national association. Guided by Carl Blade of the Mount Vernon chapter, the founding members chartered Rotary Club of La Conner on August 27, 1945, kicking off a long tradition of service, fellowship, and growth. The first president was Elmer Johnston. This year the club celebrates its first 75 years of service.

Over the years, Rotary Club of La Conner has sponsored numerous community traditions such as the Smelt Derby (1965-2019), Santa Breakfast (2004-present), and the Skagit River Poetry Festival (1998-present).

The club has sponsored the preservation of local history, helped build Conner Waterfront Park and the boardwalk pavilion and joined numerous parades.

In all, club members have contributed and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and worked tens of thousands of hours towards causes such as polio eradication, scholarships and international education initiatives in Honduras and Guatemala.

And among the projects and initiatives, members meet weekly to socialize, learn from expert guest speakers, and support one another in their everyday lives.

Members of the club have included many Skagit County luminaries. Mayor Fred Martin (1918-2016) was responsible for construction of La Conner’s sewer system and the unique orange color of the Rainbow bridge. Martin was a life-long member and president of the Club (76-77 and 84-85). Colorful local historian and publisher of the Puget Sound Mail Richard “Dick” Fallis (1926-2011) was also a club member. Current member and president in 2016-2017, Susan Macek is executive director of the La Conner Library Foundation and played a leading role in building partnerships and securing the funding for our new La Conner Swinomish Library.

Rotary International was a men-only organization until 1989, but during the past three decades, a significant number of women in La Conner have joined and led the club, making it that much more vibrant and engaging. Since 2001, Rotary Club of La Conner has enjoyed 13 years of women leading as president, starting with Danielle Mullen, who remains an active member of the club. She always welcomes guests with a friendly smile and welcoming conversation.

Rotary Club of La Conner also honors military service. Current members have served honorably in Afghanistan, Vietnam and the Korean War, but also at home and abroad during peacetime. Doug Jones is one, an Army combat veteran of the Korean War, survivor of the Battle for Outpost Harry, and an active Rotarian for over 60 years (29 in the La Conner club).

All in all, the first 75 years have been outstanding for the club and its relationships with the community. But we never rest on our laurels. We’re looking forward to the next 75 years of friendship, service, and community support. The club always welcomes guests, prospective members and partners in service. You can find more information on laconnerrotary.org or email [email protected]

McGarity is a member of the club, citizen of La Conner, teacher and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.