History of O-G Rotary

in 1995 members of the Findlay, Van Wert and Lima Rotary Clubs came to Putnam County with the dream of initiating of a Rotary Club for the communities of Ottawa and Glandorf.  Bill Ruse, Jim Shrader and Ed Ingold of Findlay Rotary, and Wayne Kilton of Van Wert Rotary were instrumental in the organization and development of O-G Rotary.

At the time they called upon Ottawa attorney John Jackson for help in their efforts to start a club.  Jackson's family had been involved in the Bryan Rotary Club.  Jackson helped form the first organizational meeting in the fall of 1994 at Henry's Restaurant.  More meetings were formed and more potential members were invited.

The meetings turned into weekly recruiting lunches and this drive netted 32 individuals who signed on as Rotarians.  The charter night was May 3, 1995 at the American Legion Hall, Ottawa.  The club's charter was presented to the first club president, John Jackson, by Rotary District 6600.

Charter Members 1995

* still active in the O-G Rotary Club

In 2005 the O-G Rotary Club celebrated their 10th anniversary, along with the 100th anniversary of the Rotary International.