Here's a History of the Club Generated by CHATGPT in August 2025.
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A Living Legacy: The History of the Rotary Club of Southampton, Ontario
Updated August 20, 2025
Table of Contents
The Founding Years: 1938–1949
1938: The Rotary Club of Southampton was officially chartered on March 21, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Owen Sound. Its first president was Hollis Aiken. Charter Night was celebrated on May 5 at the historic Walker House and featured a playful menu printed on plywood shaped like a fish—a nod to both the local plywood and fishing industries.
1940: Demonstrating Rotary’s spirit of international friendship, Southampton Rotary sent £200 (equivalent to approximately £13,000 then, or about $22,000 CAD today) to the Rotary Club of Southampton, England, which had suffered heavy damage during WWII. In 2015, an acetate recording of UK representatives expressing their heartfelt thanks to the Ontario club was rediscovered.
1942: The club hosted its Third Annual Rotary Carnival on August 1–2, raising funds for the War Services and Crippled Children’s Fund. A 25¢ ticket offered entrants the chance to win a brand-new 1942 Dodge Coach, along with ten War Savings Certificate consolation prizes. This creative event illustrated the club’s ability to support both wartime causes and the local community.
1945–1947: The Club made its first major philanthropic commitment by pledging $15,500 to help build Saugeen Memorial Hospital as a tribute to local WWII veterans. These funds supported the purchase of Hillcrest Lodge, which became the nucleus of the new hospital. The hospital officially opened on October 16, 1947, with 21 adult beds and 7 baby cubicles. This donation is equivalent to about $260,000 in today’s dollars, showing just how ambitious and dedicated the club was even in its early days.
Community Raffles: One of the most popular fundraisers during the club’s early decades was the Saugeen River Ice Break-Up Guessing Contest. For $1 per ticket, participants tried to guess the exact date and time the river ice would break up in the spring. The winner took home 50% of the net proceeds. Tickets were sold in advance, with rules clearly posted—for example, in 1953 no tickets could be sold after March 1. The contest was serious business: one poster records that in 1952 the ice broke up precisely at 10:15 p.m. on March 13. If there was insufficient ice, a draw was held to determine the winner. Sponsored and organized by Southampton Rotary, the contest captured the community’s imagination.
In the 2000s, the club revived the idea with a twist. Instead of watching the river, a bottle was buried in a snowbank, and tickets were sold to guess the time and date it would be revealed. The Lottery Commission later ruled that the contest was not considered a true “game of chance,” and it had to be discontinued.
Growth & Grassroots Impact: 1950s–1970s
This era was characterized by steady involvement in community life, fellowship, and small‑but‑impactful fundraisers. Though not as widely recorded as later decades, these years laid the groundwork for many of the high‑profile projects that followed.
1970s: Rotary Bingo began in the mid‑1970s and quickly became the club’s primary fundraiser for decades. Hosted at both the Town Hall and the Curling Club, Bingo profits funded projects such as clean‑air machines for public spaces, elevators, and even the Fairy Lake bandshell.
Building for the Future: 1980s
1980: Rotary Hall (originally the Guide/Scout Hall) was relocated from the Bruce Nuclear site to Grey Street in Southampton during Art Eby’s presidency. Rotarians and local contractors contributed enormous amounts of sweat equity, raising the foundation and carrying out plumbing and electrical work to create a new permanent home for the club.
1989: Pioneer Park was restored after major storm damage, with Southampton Rotary contributing over $20,000 to the project. These funds came primarily from Rotary Bingo profits, demonstrating how the club’s efforts consistently circled back into the community.
Making Spaces: 1990s
1995: Rotary Hall was expanded to include a garage, playroom, and storage room. Architect and Rotarian Bob Murawsky designed the addition, and the club invested $40,000 to complete the improvements, ensuring the hall remained a functional and welcoming community space.
New Millennium, New Momentum: 2000s
2001–2008: The Tour of Homes, introduced by Bob Speight after seeing its success in St. Thomas, became a signature summer event. Each August, beautifully decorated homes were opened to the public, with volunteers offering homemade cookies and lemonade. Carol Hahn crafted pottery plaques for participating homeowners, who were later thanked at Rotary meetings. The event proved popular, often selling out, and ran until 2008. It is now organized by the Chantry Island Chambettes.
2002: The first Dinner Auction fundraiser was hosted at Grosvenor’s during Don White’s presidency. Rotarian Ron Luciano introduced the idea from a club he attended in Florida and served as auctioneer until 2010.
2003: Perkins Park was dedicated after the club purchased land from Archie Perkins and donated it to the Town, officially creating the park. Don Sim built the pergola, and members worked tirelessly to plant trees, gardens, and pathways. Two red maple trees were planted in memory of Archie and Gladys Perkins, with their daughters Betty and Ruth in attendance for the dedication.
2003–2011: The Dinner Auction moved to Chippewa Golf & Country Club (now Southampton Golf & Country Club) and ran there for nine years. Each event had its own unique theme, including a memorable “Thanksgiving Feast.”
Fund A Need (introduced 2021): A new fundraising element was added to the Dinner Auction, focusing each year on a specific cause: Horses for PRANCE (2022) – therapeutic riding for individuals with special needs; GC Huston Playground Renewal (2023–2025); Musical Instrument Drive (2024–2025) to support youth music education; and the Light Up the Pitch Appeal to fund new floodlights at Helliwell Park (2025–2026).
85th Anniversary (2023): To mark this milestone, a re‑enactment of the original Charter Dinner was held at the Walker House. Jeff Carver of Three Sheets Brewing launched a commemorative lager named “1938,” while Jon Hepplewhite of Dizzy Bird Coffee created a custom blend. Club members voted to keep the name “1938” as a lasting Rotary brand, celebrated with a commemorative mug.
Stronger Than Ever: 2010s
Youth Programs: Together with the Rotary Club of Port Elgin, Southampton Rotary co‑sponsors an Interact Club at Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS). The club also regularly hosts Rotary Youth Exchange students from abroad while sponsoring local youth to spend a year overseas—life‑changing opportunities that teach languages, leadership, and global citizenship.
Annual Golf Tournament: Branded as “Swing Into Summer,” the tournament brings together Rotarians, local businesses, and community members for a day of golf, camaraderie, and fundraising in support of local and international causes.
Shop with a Cop: When the SouthPort Optimist Club ceased operations, Southampton Rotary was invited to take on this beloved holiday tradition. In partnership with local police services—and now jointly run with the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin and Saugeen Shores—Shop with a Cop gives children in need the chance to shop for Christmas gifts with a police officer by their side, fostering positive relationships and creating joyful memories.
2010: Perkins Park began hosting festive Christmas displays. Santa’s sleigh and reindeer quickly became a much‑loved winter tradition.
2012: With the help of federal funding, Rotary Hall underwent major renovations, including a new accessible kitchen, washroom, and front entrance, ensuring that the hall could serve everyone in the community.
2013: The Dinner Auction found its permanent home at The Walker House. The new location, combined with creative themes, boosted attendance and cemented its reputation as one of Saugeen Shores’ most anticipated fall events.
2017–2018: The now‑legendary Travelling Bottle of Glenlivet became a community symbol of generosity. Donated and re‑donated at events, it raised hundreds of dollars for charity, delighting bidders with its quirky history while reinforcing Rotary’s creative spirit of giving.
Rotary Huron Shore Run
Founded in 1988 by Carl Crymble, the Rotary Huron Shore Run has grown into one of the region’s best‑known athletic events. Its format includes a Half‑Marathon, 10K, 5K, Youth 3K, and a Kids’ Fun Run. Sanctioned by Athletics Ontario with a Class‑AA designation, the run has a lasting community impact: proceeds support Brightshores Health System, Saugeen Track & Field, and other important causes. Participation has steadily grown, with 1,046 runners in 2024 raising over $20,000.
Rotary Perkins Park: A Living Legacy
Established: The club purchased land from Archie Perkins in 1999 and donated it back to the Town, creating Perkins Park.
Key Features: Pergola (built 2002 by Don Sim); public washrooms added in 2001 at a cost of $20,000; flower beds, trails, and landscaping completed by Rotarians; red maple memorial trees dedicated to Archie & Gladys Perkins by their daughters Betty and Ruth; irrigation system installed in 2007 to maintain the gardens.
Memorial Plaque: A plaque in the park remembers Rotarians who passed away while still serving actively.
Special Recognition: In 2020, the Saugeen Rail Trail Association planted a 75th Anniversary maple tree near the park entrance to honour Southampton Rotary’s long service to the community.
Peace & Polio Initiatives: Also in 2020, to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the club planted a Peace Pole and a bed of red tulips in Perkins Park as part of Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. These features symbolize both Rotary’s historic connection with the UN and its ongoing mission to eradicate polio.
Butterfly Gardens (20xx): The club partnered with the Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores (BGSS) to create flower gardens that attract monarchs and other pollinators. Working with the Southampton Art School, they added an interpretive board illustrating the life cycle and migratory route of the monarch butterfly. Although BGSS no longer exists, the club now collaborates with volunteers to maintain the gardens as a welcoming environment for butterflies.
Community Use: Perkins Park continues to be a cherished community space, used for summer strolls, festive winter lights, annual BBQs, and quiet moments of reflection.
Jubilee Park & Inclusive Play
Playground (2017): The club spearheaded fundraising for the Jubilee Park Accessible Playground, the first fully inclusive play space in Bruce County.
Splash Pad (2017): Built at a cost of about $220,000 and entirely funded through Rotary‑led fundraising, the firefighting‑themed splash pad provides imaginative water play for children of all abilities. The club assumed full financial risk for the project, supported by an interest‑free loan from the Town of Saugeen Shores.
Expansion (2025): Southampton Rotary pledged $50,000 toward the next development phase, which will add a pavilion behind Rotary Hall, a multi‑sport court, and footpaths connecting Grey Street to Victoria Street.
Legacy: Jubilee Park stands as a permanent testament to Rotary’s vision of equity, inclusion, and healthy living for local families.
Helliwell Park – 2025
Southampton Rotary has supported Helliwell Park for more than 20 years, beginning with the installation of its original irrigation system. In 2025, the club pledged at least $14,000 to help fund new floodlights. Saugeen United Soccer Club is leading a $500,000 campaign—$350,000 of which is for lighting. With over 900 youth already playing at Helliwell, these upgrades will double the opportunities for safe evening play in spring and fall, ensuring that more children can thrive through sport.
The Coldest Night of the Year – 2024
This winter‑friendly fundraising walk supports both United Way Bruce Grey and the Southampton Rotary Club under the tagline: “Let’s change the tune for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there.” Southampton joined the event in 2024 when the Port Elgin Rotary Club stepped back. The walk alternates annually between the two towns—held in Southampton on even‑numbered years and Port Elgin on odd‑numbered years.
Saugeen Shores Hall of Fame
In 2013, the Rotary Club of Port Elgin revived the Saugeen Shores Hall of Fame and invited Southampton Rotary to partner with them. Together, the two clubs recognize athletes and community builders who have brought pride to the town. The awards ceremony is held every two years, with the next event scheduled for May 2026.
Rotary Hall: More Than a Building
Origins (1980): Rotary Hall, originally the Guide/Scout Hall, was moved from the Bruce Nuclear site to Grey Street during Art Eby’s presidency. Rotarians Sieg Seehaver and Kees Veerman spearheaded the relocation, with many members contributing their skills. Doug Kreutzweiser handled the electrical and plumbing work, while others poured the foundation to raise the building to its current height.
Improvements: 1995 – A $40,000 expansion added a garage, playroom, and storage room. Architect and Rotarian Bob Murawsky designed the addition, with John Coenders serving as Chair of the Building for the Future Committee. 2002 – The club painted the hall and began using it weekly for meetings, with catering provided by Mary Ellen Harrigan. 2012 – A Federal grant allowed major upgrades, including a new kitchen, an accessible washroom, and a fully accessible front entrance.
Purpose: Rotary Hall has always been more than just a meeting space. It is a hub for fellowship, community rentals, and gatherings that continue to serve both Rotary and the broader community.
Rotary Bingo: The Game That Built a Club
Origins (mid‑1970s): Bingo became the club’s only major fundraiser for many years. Winter games were held at the Town Hall, while summer games took place at the Curling Club.
Impact: At its peak, Bingo generated up to $40,000 annually. Proceeds funded community needs such as clean‑air machines, an elevator for the Town Hall, Rotary Hall improvements, and the first bandshell at Fairy Lake. Rotary even shared the electronic calling board with the Optimist Club.
Traditions: For many years, Rotary gifted turkeys at Christmas and hams at Easter to attendees until government regulations stopped the practice.
The Experience: Long‑time volunteer Walter Mackowski called numbers for 25 years. Rotarians remember leaving Bingo nights smelling of smoke—“working in a blue fog”—until smoking was banned in 2002.
Decline: Competition from casinos, scratch cards, and Bingo at Saugeen First Nation reduced attendance. By 2003, Bingo closed, but not before it left an enduring legacy in Southampton.
Captain Spence Bridge Memorial
Located just south of Pioneer Park on the beach, the Captain Spence footbridge was funded by the Rotary Club of Southampton in memory of beloved Rotarians Neil Sinclair, Chuck Jonas, and Jack Shilling. The bridge stands as a lasting tribute to their dedication and service.
Fairy Lake Pavilion
Around 2014, a new timber‑frame pavilion was built at Fairy Lake by SDSS students under the guidance of Bud Halpern, with design by Dan Murawsky. This attractive community space replaced the earlier bandshell, which had originally been funded through Rotary Bingo profits.
Community Fundraising Initiatives
Dinner of the Month Draw
Launched in 2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic, this monthly raffle was designed to support local restaurants while raising funds for Rotary projects. Participants can win generous dining certificates at local establishments. It has become a much‑anticipated tradition that benefits both small businesses and community service.
Dinner Auction – Rotarians with Style
2002: The first Dinner Auction was held at Grosvenor’s, introduced by Ron Luciano, who also served as auctioneer until 2010.
2003–2011: Moved to Chippewa Golf & Country Club, themed events like the “Thanksgiving Feast” became highlights of the fall season.
2013–2019: Relocated to The Walker House, where it gained popularity and became the community’s premier fall fundraiser.
2020–2021 (Pandemic Pivot): With in‑person events paused, the club adapted with creative virtual fundraisers such as an East Coast Kitchen Party, “Jazz for the Light,” a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and online cooking shows. Jazz for the Light alone raised nearly $15,000 for the Marine Heritage Society Range Light Restoration.
2025: Reimagined as a dance and 1920s‑themed Speakeasy Gala at The Loft 1020 in Port Elgin, proving once again that Rotary can blend tradition with fresh innovation. The Dinner Auction has consistently raised tens of thousands of dollars to support local healthcare, youth programs, community projects, and international initiatives.
The Travelling Glenlivet: Charity in a Bottle
2006: After 12 years of aging, the whisky was bottled.
2009: Purchased by the Port Elgin Masonic Lodge and auctioned three times, raising $200.
2010: Donated to St. John’s Anglican Church in Port Elgin by Mark Lake, helping raise $649 for the “Ride for Cancer.”
2011: Donated to the Port Elgin Rotary Club Golf Tournament by Harry Kibler, raising another $60 for Rotary projects.
2012: Donated to the Rotary Club of Southampton by Jacalene (Scott) Krell.
2017: Bought at the Southampton Rotary Dinner Auction by Ron Moss from Bruce County Physio.
2018: Donated back by Ron Moss to Southampton Rotary’s Dinner Auction—the Marvelous Rotary Indulgence. The bottle became a symbol of creativity, generosity, and fellowship, always raising more than whisky‑fueled cheer.
A Chain of Fellowship
In the 1940s, Robert G. Sturgeon carved a remarkable wooden chain from a single piece of wood, inscribing it with the names of every club member at the time. In 2024, the chain and its display case were restored. Today, it hangs proudly in Rotary Hall, reminding members of the unbroken bond of fellowship that defines Southampton Rotary.
International Reach
Southampton Rotary has always looked beyond its borders to help those in need. Typically, about 20% of the club’s funds are dedicated to international initiatives. Over the decades, the club has supported polio eradication, clean water projects, maternal health, and disaster relief through programs such as ShelterBox and AquaBox.
Rotary Hand Up: Southampton is a founding member of this informal association of Rotary clubs within District 6330 dedicated to international service.
Key Projects: 2018–2019 – A $68,180 USD project in Cameroon, bringing gravity‑fed potable water to nearly 10,000 residents in four villages. 2019 – Maternal Health Project in Cameroon improved outcomes for mothers and children. 2023–2024 – Rainwater Harvesting in Guatemala provided eight harvesters for families in Tuilam, supported by a $34,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant and $19,600 in Hand Up contributions.
Leadership Recognition
2019–2020: Southampton Rotarian Tony Sheard became the first member of the club to serve as District Governor of Rotary District 6330. His leadership reflected the club’s growing influence and ongoing commitment to Rotary values.
Paul Harris Awards Night
Every year, Southampton Rotary hosts a Paul Harris Awards Night to recognize both Rotarians and community leaders who exemplify Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. These awards highlight volunteerism, quiet leadership, and community spirit.
New Club Formation: Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores
In 2020, ten members branched out to form a new club serving the wider community. The Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores was officially chartered on February 25, 2021.
Aquatic & Wellness Centre Commitment
In 2024, Southampton Rotary joined with the Port Elgin and Saugeen Shores clubs in pledging $150,000 toward the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre. This commitment secured naming rights for the facility’s Walking Track. The centre is scheduled to open in Fall 2025.
Toonies for Tom: Supporting Local Health Care
Launched in 2022, this playful fundraising event supported the Bring Tom to Town campaign to purchase a CT scanner for Saugeen Memorial Hospital. Inspired by 11‑year‑old Marnie Cammidge’s historic dime‑collecting campaign, the event encouraged residents to line up toonies from the Southampton flagpole to the hospital. With music, contests, a ceremonial Toonie Toss, and school participation, the event raised $20,002 and united the community behind a vital healthcare cause.
Winterama
Since 2002, Southampton Rotary has supported Winterama, a youth‑oriented day of winter fun. Originally tied to Easter Seals, the event now runs as a partnership between the Port Elgin and Tara Rotary Clubs, promoting family engagement and healthy outdoor activity.
Shred N Go
Launched in 2020, this environmentally friendly service helps residents securely shred personal documents, raising awareness about both recycling and identity theft. While the service is free, donations are gratefully accepted to support Rotary projects.
Awards & Scholarships
Each year, Southampton Rotary distributes more than $4,000 in scholarships, bursaries, and memorial awards, including the Peter Day and Neil Sinclair memorial prizes. The club also sponsors local students for leadership programs such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Adventure in Citizenship in Ottawa. As part of Rotary’s global focus on literacy, the club gifts every Grade 3 student in Saugeen Shores a personal dictionary—a tradition that has inspired a love of reading for generations. Southampton Rotary also proudly sponsors inbound and outbound students through Rotary Youth Exchange, building peace one student at a time.
Looking Ahead
Polio Awareness: In October 2025, the club will host a Purple Dinner to raise funds and awareness for Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign. Club Meetings: Weekly gatherings feature speakers on topics such as homelessness, youth programs, conservation, and civic projects. As Rotary International enters its second century in Canada, Southampton Rotary continues to uphold its motto: Service Above Self. Whether planting trees, lighting up parks, or running races, the club remains a driving force for good in Saugeen Shores and beyond.