History Highlights
A BRIEF HISTORY
Chartered April 1, 1916 (#209 in World!) - We're Club #999.
The Billings Rotary Club was organized through the efforts of David Roe of Roe Dry Goods Company. In 1916, while in New York City on a business trip, Roe attended a Rotary Club meeting as a guest. Inspired by this meeting, Roe organized a provisional club on January 31, 1916. On April 1, 1916, the Billings Rotary Club, with 21 charter members, was issued Charter # 209 by Rotary International, with Roe as its first Club President.
Had its share of meeting venues:
Met from 1916 to 1921 at the Northern Hotel Tea Room, from 1921 to 1945 at the Commercial Club, and from 1945 until August, 2005, again at the Northern Hotel. Our Club now meets at the Northern Hotel at noon every Monday.
Assisted with the formation of five other clubs:
Roundup in 1926
Laurel in 1935
Red Lodge in 1938
Billings West in 1987
Billings East Sunrise in 2002
Produced Seven District Governors.