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ROTARY'S SECRETARIES

by Joe Caulder

Chesley R. Perry took on the job of Secretary of the new4r formed National Association of Rotary Clubs in August 1910. There were no funds on hand. Ches. was working for the Chicago Public Library and was to get $100.00 a month on a part-time basis. An office was rented at a cost of $50.00 per month. At the end of the first year, Ches. had only been able to collect $100 for the year as all other debts had to be paid first and I am told Ches. never did get the $800.00. In 1911 Ches. was engaged on a full time basis and carried on until June 30th, 1942 at the close of the Toronto convention. What a 32 years of Service!! In conversation with Paul Harris one day in Montreal in 1930 he told me, "Ches. Perry made Rotary and deserves almost all the credit. To allot 10% of it to me is generous". One expected Paul to say such kind words.

Phil Lovejoy took over on July 1st, 1942 and carried on as General Secretary until December 31st, 1952. He also did a great job and during his ten years Rotary developed in an amazing manner, but also came through the first great period of turmoil in its history. Several countries were overrun by Germany and others adopted the Totalitarian form of Government and about 500 clubs were lost. At the close of the war in 1945 amazing comebacks were made in many countries and in Japan and Germany in particular. Phil left Rotary International operating in high gear and with an excellent staff willing and able to carry on.

George R. Means became General Secretary on January 1st, 1953. He had a fine educational and also a fine Rotary background. Soon it was obvious that Geo. was the ideal man to follow two great builders, Ches. and Phil. George's best years are still in the future.

J.A.C. (1954)

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