Charter and History
Charter Date: January 12, 1926
Club Leadership and Legacy
Thom Geist has been a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River for 55 of the organization’s 100 years. Serving as the club’s historian, Geist has witnessed the evolution of the club firsthand. Although technological advancements have influenced how meetings are conducted, such as the introduction of Zoom calls—the Rotary Club’s tradition and unwavering commitment to service have remained strong throughout its history.
On January 7, 1926, Roy Robinette, president of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, and a group of other Cleveland Rotarians met with some Lakewood businessmen who were interested in organizing a Rotary club in their city. Also present at the meeting was Leonard T. Skeggs, of Youngstown, who was the governor of District 21.
Mr. Robinette had convinced the Rotary Club of Cleveland to cede some of its territory for a Lakewood club, so those present at this meeting voted to organize the Lakewood Rotary Club. Seven directors were chosen at the meeting, and these directors appointed Harold Huxtable to be the club’s first president. Also selected were Lakewood Hospital Administrator Russ Crawford, vice president; Thomas W. Davies, secretary; and John Reidy, treasurer. Later, on January 18, 1926, several men who were to be the charter members of the club gathered at the Hotel Westlake for the first official meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood.
A charter night for the new club was held on February 8, 1926, with 28 charter members being recognized. Taking part in the program that evening were: Roy Robinette, president of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, who presented the gavel to Harold Huxtable; District Governor Leonard Skeggs, who presented charter No. 3534 to the club; and the Reverend Dr. C. Jeffares McComb, past president of the Rotary Club of Benton Harbor, Michigan, who gave the major address. Musical entertainment was provided by the Lakewood High School Orchestra and the Double Octette singing group from the Rotary Club of Youngstown.
Club meetings were held at the Hotel Westlake in Rocky River for about seven years, and then were moved to the Lake Shore Hotel in Lakewood, where the club met for nearly forty years. Beginning in 1972, the club met at the Lakewood Elks Club, then moved to the Beck Center in 1979, where it met until 1994. In 1994, the club moved its meetings to its current “home” at Rocky River Memorial Hall (which is now part of the Don Umerley Civic Center).
The charter president was a realtor named Harold Huxtable, and the club retains a deep connection with him since his daughter, Marty Harris, was a president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise, and Marty’s husband, Jim Harris, is a past president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River (1985-86) and Past District 6630 Governor (1993-94).
Community Impact and Philanthropy
Over the years, the club has played a vital role in the community, raising funds for projects such as the construction of a new band shell at Lakewood Park. They were also instrumental in transforming the Lakewood Little Theater into what is now the successful Beck Center. The club’s enduring involvement extends to a variety of organizations and causes. Through the years ongoing support has been given to both Rocky River and Lakewood School Foundations; Meals on Wheels; American Youth Foundation; North Coast Health Ministry; Barton Center; Rocky River Senior Center; and many other community organizations.
Support for Students
The Rotary Club is well known for its commitment to supporting students. Thom Geist recalls his time on the scholarship committee as one of the highlights of his membership, describing the process of engaging with students and reviewing their applications as deeply rewarding. The decision-making process was sometimes so challenging that a committee member once contributed personal funds to allow for additional scholarship recipients.
Speech, Music, and Art Awards
In 1946, club member Firmin Deibel initiated a speech contest for students, awarding scholarships to the winners. This successful program later expanded to include music and art awards. The speech contest was adopted by the District and continues to this day as the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, thanks to the vision of Mr. Deibel.
Ongoing Student Engagement
The club continues to sponsor students for the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, which annually celebrates the talents of students attending Lakewood, Lutheran West, Magnificat, Rocky River, and St. Edward high schools.
Foundation and Awards
In 1952, the club established the Lakewood Rotary Foundation, led by Carl Dryer. To honor significant contributors, the club created the “Carl Dryer Award” for anyone who donated $1,000 or more to the Foundation. The club serves Rotary International as well, and is proud to count 35 Paul Harris Fellows among the current membership, with 11 being multiple recipients.
Youth Exchange Program
The Rotary Youth Exchange program has been a focal point throughout the club’s history, with members hosting students from around the world and providing opportunities for local students to experience other cultures.
Club Achievements and Growth
The club proudly notes that many of its members have gone on to serve in the position of District Governor. In addition to Jim Harris, the father-son combination of Hugh K. Dawson (1949-50) and Hugh L. Dawson (1977-78) served in that position. Quigg Lohr, who was Lakewood Rotary president in 1958-59, served as district governor in 1962-63, although he was a member of the Rotary Club of Euclid by that time. Finally, Bill Pinter served as district governor in 1996-97 while he was a member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland Heights and before he joined the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River.
Members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River, with the encouragement of District Governor Jack Young and the blessings of the “noon” club, formed a “sunrise” Rotary club to appeal to the current and potential members who preferred an early morning meeting. The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River Sunrise was officially chartered on May 12, 2007.
Looking Forward
The Club is proud of its long history of “Service Above Self”.
As the club marks its centennial, it continues to have a meaningful impact in the community. The Club is actively working to increase membership and ensure the continuation of important service projects.
100th Anniversary Celebration
The Club is currently planning to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Stay tuned for further details!
Connect With The Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River
Our website: https://www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org/
2025-2026 Club President: David Drickhamer david@drickhamer.com
When we Meet: Mondays at noon at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21012 Hilliard Boulevard, Rocky River.
The Lakewood & Rocky River Rotary Club awarded $3,000 college scholarships to six graduating seniors.