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ROTARY’s FIRST PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECT

Today, I want to celebrate Rotary’s first public service project.

We are all familiar with today's, major initiative against polio.

This worldwide campaign began in 1985. To date, thousands of members have donated many hours and dollars to its eradication.

In fact,  our total contribution exceeds one billion dollars.

However, this pales compared to the first project, in Chicago in 1907.

Today's well-being and economic success may be traced to that first project.

In fact the club  had to overcome considerable resistance by many businesses including “saloon keepers and lady's garment stores” , at the time.

However, they persevered and set up the first public restroom outside City Hall, at the corner of LaSalle and Washington Streets.

This structure remained there for several decades…. And we take this moment to celebrate that first project.