The Rotary Club of Flemington celebrated its 100th year anniversary on November 8, 2023 at Copper Hill Country Club, Ringoes, NJ. The celebration was both festive as well as reflective. More than 70 members and guests joined in the event. Club history and long-standing traditions were honored as more than 40% of attending Rotarians were either former members now living elsewhere or retired locally from the Club.
What is Rotary?
Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Within this framework, the Flemington Rotary Club has served our community for the past 100 years.
Some interesting tidbits from the initial beginnings of the club include:
- On December 12, 1923, the first “Ladies Day” with an attendance of 100% was recorded.
- In 1925, the club was instrumental in establishing the first Boy Scout Troop in Flemington, NJ.
- In 1926, a special committee established the Egg Laying Test for Hunterdon County. In the same year, another committee prevailed upon to establish a Motor Vehicle Testing Headquarters for Flemington.
- In 1931, the club sponsored two (2) 4-H Forestry projects.
- In January 1935, the club took on the responsibility of escorting visitors through the Court House on Sundays during the Hauptman trial from 1 PM to 5 PM. On the second Sunday, there were 930 visitors, which continued on the following Sundays and forced the club to seek help from the Sheriff’s office and the American Legion.
Some outstanding accomplishments over the years include:
■ Assistance in securing a new Post Office for Flemington.
■ Contributing to and helping erect the Indian Chief Tuccamirgin on Bonnell Street.
■ Helping to establish the Visiting Homemakers Service of Hunterdon County.
■ Sponsoring the North Hunterdon Rotary Club in Clinton.
■ Assisting in the formation of the Whitehouse Rotary Club.
■ The annual Flemington Christmas Tree Lighting began in 1923 and we have helped Santa distribute oranges and candy canes to area children ever since.
■ Major annual community events including Rotary Pancake Day, Rotary Golf Outing, Ride For Rotary Motorcycle Run, Rotary Dog Walk, Rotary Beerfest, Rotary Soup Cookoff