Rotary was founded on Feb. 23, 1905, in Chicago, Ill. It was founded by Paul Harris, an attorney, and three associates: Gustavius Loehr, a mining engineer, Silvester Schiele, the president of Schele Coal Company, and Hiram Shorey, a merchant tailor.

Hiram Shorey, from left, Silvester Schiele, Gustavus Loehr and Paul Harris.

The organization was named “Rotary” because the members initially rotated meeting locations among their offices. The first meeting was in Loehr’s office. The original purpose was to allow professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, form friendships, and give back to their communities.