Reflections, Legacy, and Laughter: Rotary Club Looks Back and Forward

      Tuesday, July 15th’s, Rotary Club meeting was a heartfelt and humorous celebration of the club’s rich heritage, its timeless values, and the colorful characters who have shaped it for a century.

      As part of the program, Rotarian Dale Timmerman led a deep dive into the club’s history with the help of an old brochure listing charter members and past presidents dating back to 1925. Many names prompted stories, laughter, and spontaneous commentary from longtime members.

      Highlights included the legacy of Charles Evans—builder of the Evans Hotel and benefactors of the Evans Public Library and Vandalia’s Tourist Information Center—and a recounting of Rotary meetings once held at the historic Evans Hotel before it tragically burned in 1969.

      Dale shared anecdotes about community figures like Herman Tanner, former theater owner; Frank Denny of Denny’s Department Store; Dr. Kuehn, a town dentist; and Harry Rogier, who once served on the St. Louis Federal Reserve Board. There were even tales of wild Canadian fishing trips led by the unforgettable Albert Hourigan, remembered for his adventurous spirit.

      Members shared insights about past Rotarians—some well-known, others more mysterious—helping preserve their legacies through storytelling.

      The meeting closed with the promise to continue honoring the past in future programs, and the hope that Rotary will remain a cornerstone of the community for generations to come.