1912 – The first Rotary Club in Florida was formed in Jacksonville at the Windsor Hotel on this date. The stated purpose of the Rotary International Club is to ,”bring together business and professional leaders, in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help bring goodwill and peace in the world.” The first club was organized in 1905 in Chicago by attorney Paul P. Harris. Harris had moved to Jacksonville in 1894, and it was because of his relationship with businessmen in the city, particularly granite company owner George W. Clark, that the Jacksonville chapter was formed. Today there are over 34,000 clubs internationally including Jacksonville, which still has an active membership of over 300 individuals.