Historical Marker

Rotary Club of Louisville

Historical marker location:

Louisville, Kentucky

( 415 Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville)

First Rotary club in Ky. and 45th in the world. First met on July 26, 1912 and then weekly at the Henry Watterson Hotel from 1912-1924. The Rotary’s service theme led to creation of Ky. Soc. for Crippled Children. At club’s 100th anniv. the Rotary Promise Scholarships were created to provide college tuition for needy students.

(Revese) Henry Watterson Hotel- Opened April 29, 1912 on Walnut Street. With 10 floors and 250 rooms, hotel was popular meeting location for civic events, state and national conventions. Named for long-time Courier-Journal editor, Henry Watterson. Designed by Brinton B. Davis, who designed Louisville Gardens and Ky. Hotel. Demolished in 1981.