The Rotary Club of St. Albans, founded in 1924, has been a cornerstone of service and generosity for a century. Over the past 100 years, the club has supported countless local and global initiatives, building a lasting legacy of community leadership and impact.
The Origins of Rotary International
On February 23, 1905, Paul Harris and three colleagues held the first Rotary Club meeting in Chicago — laying the foundation for what would become Rotary International, a global service organization now with over 1.4 million members worldwide.
Our Mission Today
End Polio
The Rotary Club of St. Albans
1924–1940: Founding Years
Early meetings were held at The Tavern in the Jesse Welden Inn, with summer meetings at the Champlain Country Club. Club dues were $25, and dinner was $1.25. In 1926, the club proudly won the District Attendance Trophy by bringing 22 members to Bridgeport, Connecticut, by private sleeper car.
The club quickly began making a local impact. In 1927, members donated $500 (equivalent to nearly $9,000 today) to the Great Vermont Flood Relief, and served a Thanksgiving meal to 250 residents of Johnson, VT — undeterred by a snowstorm.
In 1928, St. Albans Rotary hosted its first Boys’ Week, promoting youth education, health, and citizenship. The event became a model for clubs nationwide.
Through the Great Depression, the club provided inspiration, service, and community support — from sponsoring agricultural prizes for local boys to supporting organizations like the Salvation Army and Messenger Santa.
1941–1965: Innovation and Impact
1965–1985: Growing Community Engagement
During these years, the club helped organize events like Winter Carnivals, the Aquarama, and the much-loved Annual Rotary Auction in the park.
1986–1999: New Projects and Lasting Contributions
Rotarians played a major role in starting what is now Northwest Counseling and Support Services. The club also supported the Hard’ack Recreation Area, a project spearheaded by Rotarian Gould Susslin, providing both hands-on help and financial support.
2000–Present: Deepening Our Community Roots
Over the past two decades, the Rotary Club of St. Albans has continued its legacy of service with wide-ranging and impactful projects:
● Donated $75,000 for land expansion at Hard’ack / Aldis Hill.
● Built playgrounds in St. Albans, Fairfield, Swanton, and at Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center.
● Provided a new roof for Tim’s House, the local homeless shelter.
● Supported Martha’s Kitchen, Operation Happiness, and holiday food box programs.
● Sponsored the Taylor Park Fountain Restoration in 2014 — a symbol of pride and unity in the community.
● Collected over 1,000 winter coats annually for those in need.
● Co-sponsored the purchase of a special needs transportation van.
● Donated to the renovation and expansion of Northwestern Medical Center.
● Helped develop walking and biking trails in the St. Albans Town Forest.
● Invested in the culinary program at the Northwest Career & Technical Center.
● Partnered with BFA St. Albans for Financial Literacy expos and vocational service support.
● Sponsored STEAM education programs like the Lake Lessons through the St. Albans Museum.
The club has also embraced fun and visibility:
● Created the annual Lucky Duck Event, held at the Taylor Park Fountain.
● Participated in the Lighted Tractor Parade with a festive Rotary float.
● Established an ongoing presence at the local Farmers’ Market.
Service continues through monthly volunteer hours and service projects throughout the year.
100 Year Anniversary
Chartered on October 8, 1924, the Rotary Club of St. Albans has been a driving force in our community for a century. Rooted in Vermont—where Rotary founder Paul Harris spent his early years—our club has taken on projects large and small, from restoring the historic fountain in Taylor Park to supporting local youth, education, recreation, and essential services. We’ve hosted the Rotary Home and Recreation Expo for over 30 years, raising funds for scholarships, trails, playgrounds, and food and coat drives. We celebrated our 100 years of service in 2024, we continue to honor our legacy with acts of kindness and a deep commitment to the well being of our neighbors.
Club Presidents
Since our charter in 1924, the Rotary Club of St. Albans has been led by a long line of dedicated and community-minded individuals. Traditionally, the role of Club President has been a one-year appointment, allowing many members the opportunity to serve and lead.
In recent years, some Presidents have served multi-year terms, reflecting both the evolving needs of the club and the continued commitment of our leadership. Each President has helped guide the club in service, fellowship, and growth — continuing our mission to make a lasting difference in St. Albans and beyond.
Rotarian of the Year
This award celebrates a member who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to Rotary values, leadership in club activities, and dedication to making a positive impact in our community.
The recipients listed below have demonstrated outstanding service, integrity, and fellowship. Their efforts have strengthened our club and inspired others to lead with purpose.
Paul Harris Fellows
The Rotary Club of St. Albans is proud to honor the individuals listed below as Paul Harris Fellows. Their generosity, leadership, and dedication reflect the very best of Rotary’s mission to create lasting change — locally and globally.
Each name represents a legacy of service and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world.
Citizens of the Year
The honorees listed here have contributed significantly to the betterment of Franklin County Area through their volunteerism, civic engagement, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Their efforts inspire us all and embody the values that Rotary holds dear.
We are proud to recognize these exemplary citizens who help make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant.