Posted by Bob Simmons
Last week Centennial Chair Lynne Baker led a talented troupe of RCFC members in a reenactment of a 10th anniversary FCRC meeting.  Fine acting and period dress effectively took us back to 1928. 
1928 President Arthur Johnson (Stacy Plemmons) spoke first; reviewing the many accomplishments during the club's first 10 years. Highlights included the Committee to Investigate Vice's recommendation to control venereal disease in our fair city and their success "keeping Ft Collins dry".  The club had raised dues from $1 to $12 per month, and used funds to adopt a French orphan from the War to End All Wars, help build the Armory Building, support the YMCA and a boys camp at Red Feather, provide milk and a Christmas program for indigent school children and provide interest free loans to students at the Agricultural College.  
The next speaker was Rotary's "5th Founder", Harry Ruggles (Martin Limbird) who is credited with introducing singing and the Rotary songbook.  We sang 2 songs from that era.  Should we be concerned that everyone seemed to know the words to "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"?
Sylvester Sheely (Eric Peterson), visiting from Chicago, described how he and Paul Harris started Rotary in 1905 as a group where local businessmen could communicate and support one another, subsequently adding "service" to the mission.  He then introduced the keynote speaker, Founder Paul Harris (Guy Kelly) who reviewed the origins of Rotary, his time in Colorado, and his travel abroad, plus Rotary's role in building peace. 
"Paul" also announced that a real 1928 issue, "the Rotary Gearwheel controversy" was resolved (how many cogs, plus the key slot that allowed the wheel to go from passive to active), establishing today's Rotary symbol.
The presentation ending with the speculation of what the club might look like at it's 100th anniversary.  Special program "credits" were given to Guy Kelley for his writing, acting and (I suspect) directing this presentation which got us all in the mood for our centennial celebration.