Rotary Wheel: “The Mark of Excellence”

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since its founding days. The first design in 1905 was by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel and dust trails. The wheel illustrated “Civilization, Movement and Service work in action.”

This best described what was to become the strong working movement of Rotary members, who display leadership and ingenuity as they seek out opportunities for service. They construct solutions and move positively to follow through.

In 1922, the present gear wheel, with 24 teeth and six spokes was adopted by the “Rotary International Association.

The gear teeth around the outside represent work. The six spokes represent the inner direction and path of our Vocational Service. This is represented by its club membership. Similarly, these same spokes represent an outward distribution path of Rotary’s ideals of service (the going out into the community) and the Four Way Test (characteristics/standards that in its vocations and businesses our members represent).

In 1923 the keyway was added to its center to signify the wheel was a “worker and not an idler”. The keyway in the center of the hub is of great significance, because it represents the individual Rotarian member, who is the key factor in every club. Quality members are the keys, needed for the hub to engage with the shaft and turn, putting the energy into motion and creating the power for the gears to do their work.

At the 1929 Rotary International Convention, blue and gold were selected as the official colors of the organization. Today’s wheel has these colors. The four blue bands within the outer radius of the gear represent Rotary’s four avenues of service. 

Rotary Club of Marlin members are: President 2022-2024 Letitia Estep, President-Elect 2023-2024 David Reid, Secretary/Treasurer Justin Hay, Rotary Foundation Chair Roger Nutt, Membership Chair Rockney Terry, Scholarships Chair Jimi Lynn, Special Projects Chair Mark Pedersen, Education Chair Maggie Majors, Public Image Chair Brad Tarver, Darryl Henson, Hermetta Paul, Jay Elliott, Jesse Bustamante, Kurt Rutz, Marilyn Martin, Rhonda Milton, Sam Wright, and Susan Byrd. Rotarians meet every Wednesday at 12:00 noon, at The Chicken Place in Marlin.

Rotarians are a dedicated group from all walks of life, committed to making a difference in the local community of Marlin and internationally. Rotarians have an outstanding record of achievement and are constantly looking to expand activities by adding new community projects.

Over 1.2 million volunteer members from more than 200 countries tackle the world’s most humanitarian challenges. 

The official Rotary International emblem is indeed a “Mark of Excellence.”