Summary Information
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Records
1912-2019
UWM Manuscript Collection 215; Accession 2008-017; Accession 2012-017; Accession 2014-016; Accession 2015-010; Accession 2016-002
- 12.6 cubic ft. (14 boxes)
- 1 audio reel
- 7 film reels
- 10 videocassettes
- plus additions of .4 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)
Records of the Milwaukee branch of Rotary International, an
organization formed with the purpose to improve the community, promote high ethical
standards in business and professional life, and advance the cause of world peace by
building bridges of knowledge and understanding among peoples of different nations. The
collection contains weekly bulletins distributed to members, minutes from club meetings,
club directories, audio and visual recordings from club events, photographs, artifacts, and
miscellaneous materials involving the club.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0215 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
In 1905, Paul Percy Harris, a young Chicago lawyer, decided to establish an organization
that would provide business and professional men with an opportunity to gather regularly and
discuss issues of common concern. He saw the organization as a way to bring about respect
and ethical practices among businesspeople, and to facilitate professional advancement among
members. In an effort to minimize the possibility of internal disharmony, Harris decided
that membership in the club should be limited to one representative from each business and
professional occupational classification. The first meeting of the club took place on
February 23, 1905, when Harris met with a couple of business associates to finalize plans
for the organization. At the meeting it was decided that the location of regular meetings
would take place at the offices of members, and would rotate from place to place each
meeting. It was this policy of rotating the locations of weekly meetings which led to the
club being called "The Rotary Club." As news of Harris' organization spread, Rotary Clubs
began popping up in other major cities in the U.S. and Canada. In December of 1912, a
meeting was held among prominent Milwaukee businesspeople with the purpose of starting a
Milwaukee Rotary Club.
Milwaukee Rotarians met officially for the first time on January 29, 1913. At this meeting,
the first officers of the club were elected, including the first President of the Club,
Edgar D. Haven. The members also laid down a set of principles that they thought should
guide the club:
- To develop and exchange among its members the newest, best, and most successful
business ideas, and to promote progressive and honorable business methods;
- To arouse and encourage civic pride and loyalty; and to promote the civic, commercial,
and industrial development of Milwaukee;
- To promote good fellowship by strengthening the ties of friendship among its
members;
- To promote a feeling of democracy or equal worthiness between and among the various
occupations, each of which is necessary to perform some needed service to society;
- To broaden the horizon of each member by contact and exchange of ideas with men
engaged in separate and widely different pursuits.
One of the earliest civic concerns of members was that of local youth, a concern which has
shown itself in numerous club initiatives aimed at their benefit. In 1915 the club began a
tradition of holding an annual Christmas dinner for impoverished Milwaukee boys. In 1920,
the club established a scholarship fund to help economically desperate students pay for
their education. Early in its history the club also played a leading role in organizing a
Civic Alliance in the city, with the purpose of providing a forum for the consideration of
issues which affected the city. At the conclusion of World War II, Milwaukee Rotarians were
deeply involved in the formation of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a group of community
leaders who met regularly to provide for the needs of the city. One of their major
accomplishments was the bringing of professional baseball to the city in 1953 in the form of
the Milwaukee Braves.
In 1957, the club began meeting regularly at the newly constructed War Memorial Center. In
March of 1958, local Rotarian Clifford Randall was selected to be the President of Rotary
International for 1958-1959. The late 1950s and early 1960s saw the formation of additional
Rotary Clubs in other parts of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, including West Milwaukee,
Mitchell Field (Cudahy and South Milwaukee), Brookfield, and North Shore (Whitefish Bay,
Glendale, etc.). Throughout the years, the Milwaukee club has continued its commitment to
the community. A sampling of their efforts can be seen in their creation of a low-vision
clinic, the building of the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the establishment of Camp
Enterprise, the implementation of Reading is Fundamental programs in local schools, and
their support of students interested in foreign exchange programs.
For further information on the Rotary Club of Milwaukee's history, consult the two club
histories located in series 1 of this collection, The Rotary Club of
Milwaukee, 1913-1980: The Impact of the Club and Its Members on the Milwaukee
Community and Good Fellowship. Good Will. Good Works.: The
Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
Scope and Content Note
The collection documents the history, membership, values, initiatives, and community
contributions of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. The social interaction of members is
particularly well represented in the collection.
Scope and content notes of each series are included in the contents list.
Arrangement of the Materials
This collection was received in, and is organized in, multiple parts. Additional materials
have not been physically or intellectually arranged and interfiled, and researchers may need
to consult more than one part of the collection to locate similar materials.
The records are arranged into the following three series:
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Administrative Files,
1913-2015
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Audio-Visual Materials,
1933-2003
- Audio Reels, 1967
- Film Reels, 1933-1949
- Photographs,
1934-2003
- Photographic Negatives,
1958-1982, undated
- Slides, 1967-1989
- Videocassettes,
1987-1998
-
Oversize Materials,
1927-2003
The collection contains five additional accessions.
Preferred Citation
Citation Guide for Primary Sources
Related Material in the UWM Libraries
Deaccession Information
Terminated member files (boxes 9-18) were returned to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee in
October 2008.
Administrative/Restriction Information
There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all
members of the public in accordance with state law. However, researchers wishing to view
film not transferred to an access copy must make prior arrrangements.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel,
privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin
Statutes 19.21-19.39).
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee donated the collection to the Archives in February 2004
(accession 2003-059). The Rotary Club donated additional materials (accesion 2008-017) in
September 2008. Liz Keuler, on behalf of The Rotary Club, donated additional materials in
August 2012 (accession 2012-017) and August 2014 (accession 2014-016). The Rotary Club
donated additional minutes in July 2015 (accession 2015-010) and July 2016 (accession
2016-002).
Processed by Jason Smalley in October of 2004 (Michael Doylen supervised).
In July 2011, Bob Jaeger removed the audio-visual materials from their original location
in box 21 and placed them with other like materials. The remaining boxes 1-8, 19-20, and
22-23 were then renumbered as boxes 1-13. Hayley Jackson updated the finding aid to
include information about accessions 2008-017 and 2012-017 in August 2013. Christel Maass
updated the finding aid to include information about accession 2014-016 in August 2014.
Christel Maass added some additional materials to the collection in April 2015. Christel
Maass updated the finding aid in August 2015 to include information about accession
2015-010 and again in July 2016 to add information about accession 2016-002. Christel
Maass added 2016-2017 bulletins to the collection in November 2017. Katie Stollenwerk
(supervised by Christel Maass) reprocessed the negatives in box 10 of the collection from
May to August 2018. Christel Maass added additional bulletins to the collection in March
2019.
Contents List
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UWM Manuscript Collection 215
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Records, 1912-2015
12.6 cubic ft. (14 boxes, including 1 audio reel, 7 film reels, 10
videocassettes)
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Series: 1. Administrative Files, 1913-2003
: This record group includes the minutes, bulletins, roster books and directories, and
miscellaneous items such as certificates and correspondence. All the files are
arranged alphabetically by record type, then chronologically in ascending order.
Bulletins were sent to club members to inform them of upcoming events and meetings, as
well as other Rotary Club news. Some of the bulletins also contain the occasional
invitations to events, such as picnics, dinners, or parties. Minutes document the
meetings of the club's Board of Directors, weekly luncheons, as well as the 1916-17
Membership Committee. Roster Books contain photographs and information on club
members. They were distributed to members on a yearly basis to help members become
acquainted with one another and to keep track of changes in the membership. The roster
books also contain brief information about the club itself, such as its current and
past officers. The bulk of the roster books date from the 1940s through the 1990s.
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Box
1
Folder
1-30
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Bulletins, 1913-1943
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Box
2
Folder
1-25
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Bulletins, 1943-1968
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Box
3
Folder
1-20
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Bulletins, 1968-1980, 1982-1990
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Box
4
Folder
1-8
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Bulletins, 1990-1998
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Box
14
Folder
1-7
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Bulletins, 2004-2019
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Box
4
Folder
9
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Camp Enterprise, 1988
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Box
4
Folder
10
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Certificates, 1958-2003
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Box
14
Folder
8
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Club Report, 2008, 2010
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Box
14
Folder
9
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Conference Program, 2008
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Box
4
Folder
11-13
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Directory, District 627, 1985-1989
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Box
4
Folder
14
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Harris, Paul P., Artwork, undated
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Histories
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Box
4
Folder
15
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Good Fellowship. Good Will. Good Work: The Rotary
Club of Milwaukee, 1981
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Box
4
Folder
16
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The Rotary Club of Milwaukee, 1913-80: The Impact
of the Club and Its Members on the Milwaukee Community,
1980
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Minutes
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Box
5
Folder
1-65
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Board of Directors, 1913-1977
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Box
6
Folder
1-15
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Board of Directors, 1977-1993
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Box
6
Folder
16
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Membership Committee, 1915-1916
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Box
6
Folder
17-39
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Weekly Meetings, 1912-1936
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Box
6
Folder
40
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Newsclippings, 1913
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Box
6
Folder
41
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Orth, Phil, Speeches, 1958-1995
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Past Presidents Dinner
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Box
13
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Minutes, 1936-1988
3 bound volumes
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Box
6
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Minutes, 1936-1988
1 bound volume; photocopied compilation of above
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Box
6
Folder
42-50
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Minutes, 1989-1997
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Box
6
Folder
51
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Speech, 1962
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Box
6
Folder
52-53
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Program Committee, Correspondence,
1929-1930
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Box
6
Folder
54
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Randall, Clifford, Miscellaneous, undated
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Box
7
Folder
1-36
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Roster Books, 1915-1918, 1921-1924, 1932-1933, 1940-1955, 1958-1971, 1973-1990
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Box
8
Folder
1-10
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Roster Books, 1990-2003
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Series: 2. Audio-Visual Materials, 1933-2003
: Audio-Visual Materials are arranged as six subseries: audio recordings, film reels,
photo negatives, photographs, slides, and videocassettes. The materials in this series
document Rotary Club meetings, events, and members. They are arranged in subseries by
format, then alphabetically by subject, and finally chronologically in ascending
order.
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Subseries: A. Audio Reels, 1967
Audio reel (¼ in.)
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Audio
1
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Weekly Meeting, 1967 June 27
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Subseries: B. Film Reels, 1933-1949
Film reel (16 mm)
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Film
1
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Rollicking Rotarians,
undated
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Film
2
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Happy Days of 1933,
1933
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Film
3
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Happy Days of 1939,
1939
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Film
4
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Saturday Night at the Rio, 1942
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Annual Picnics
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Film
5
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1944
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Film
6
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1946
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Film
7
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1949
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Subseries: C. Photographs, 1934-2003
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Box
9
Folder
1
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75th Anniversary Celebration, 1988
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Box
9
Folder
2
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90th Anniversary Celebration, 2003
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Box
9
Folder
3
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All Kids Count Immunization Celebration,
1993
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Box
9
Folder
4-21
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Annual Picnics, 1934-1997, undated
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Box
9
Folder
22-23
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Bellringers, 1965, undated
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Box
9
Folder
24
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Casino Night, 1987
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Box
9
Folder
25
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Dennis Sullivan Excursion, 2002
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Box
9
Folder
26-30
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Dinner Celebrations, 1992-1997, undated
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Box
9
Folder
31-42
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District Conferences, 1936-1997, undated
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Box
9
Folder
43
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Fall Fellowship Night, 1995
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Box
9
Folder
44
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First Female Members, undated
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Box
9
Folder
45-46
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German Heritage Celebrations, 1989, undated
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Box
9
Folder
47
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Great Circus Parade, 1985
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Box
9
Folder
48
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Group Study Exchange Visit, 1993
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Box
9
Folder
49
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Halloween Party, 1993
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Box
9
Folder
50
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Holiday Gifts Distribution, 1989
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Box
9
Folder
51-57
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Holiday Luncheons, 1958-1994, undated
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Box
9
Folder
58
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Hunters, undated
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Box
9
Folder
59
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Kliebhan, Camille, undated
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Box
9
Folder
60
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Luedke Installation Ceremony, 1991
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Box
9
Folder
61-110
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Past Presidents Dinner, 1938-2001
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Box
9
Folder
111-120
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Planning Retreat, 1991-2001
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Box
9
Folder
121-124
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Randall, Clifford, 1958-1959, undated
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Box
9
Folder
125
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Reading Is Fundamental, undated
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Box
9
Folder
126-138
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Roasts, 1947-2000, undated
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Box
9
Folder
139
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Roster Book Photos, undated
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Box
9
Folder
140-144
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Rotary International Convention, 1964-1992, undated
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Box
9
Folder
145-147
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Rotary International Officials Visits,
undated
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Box
9
Folder
148
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Schooner Days, 2000
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Box
9
Folder
149
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Service Above Self Award, undated
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Box
9
Folder
150-153
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Tyrotarian Tours, 1991-1994
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Box
9
Folder
154
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War Memorial Center, undated
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Box
9
Folder
155-201
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Weekly Luncheons, 1977-1998
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Box
9
Folder
202
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Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association,
2001
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Box
9
Folder
203-205
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Zoo Picnic, 1991-1994
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Subseries: D. Photographic Negatives, 1958-1982, undated
35 mm safety film negatives
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Box
10
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District Conference, 1979
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Box
10
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District Governor Lloyd Larson, 1977
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Box
10
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Graham, Billy, 1979
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Box
10
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Meetings, 1977-1982, undated
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Box
10
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Milwaukee Party, 1980
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Box
10
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Pfister Events, 1958-1959
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Box
10
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Picnic, 1964, 1975-1977, 1979-1982, undated
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Box
10
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Recognition Day, 1976
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Box
10
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Stag Night, 1978-1981
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Box
10
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Unidentified, undated
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Box
10
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Vocational Service Awards, 1975, 1977
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Subseries: E. Slides, 1967-1989
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Box
9
Folder
211
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Annual Picnic, 1967
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Box
9
Folder
206-209
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Camp Enterprise, 1985-1989
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Box
9
Folder
210
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Career Day, 1979
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Box
9
Folder
211
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Annual Picnic, 1967
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Box
9
Folder
212
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Rotary International President Visit,
1975
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Box
9
Folder
213
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Scrapbook Photographs, undated
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Subseries: F. Videocassettes, 1987-1998
Videocassettes (VHS)
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Video
1
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Burgmeier, Richard, Roast, 1987
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Video
2
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Camp Enterprise, 1988
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Video
3
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Dirkensen, Roger, Speech, 1988
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Documentary
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Video
4
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Edward J. Lennon, William F. O'Donnell, and Charles McNear,
1990
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Video
5
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Rotary Club of Milwaukee: A Celebration of
Service, 1998
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Video
6
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Orth, Phil, Speech, undated
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Video
7
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Reading Is Fundamental, 65th St. School,
undated
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Video
8
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Reading Is Fundamental, "Thank You Rotary Club,"
undated
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Video
9
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Smith, Phil, Roast, 1991
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Video
10
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Winding, Fred, Speech, 1992
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Series: 3. Oversize Materials, 1927-2003
: Series include various large items such as banners, exhibit displays, and artwork.
They are arranged alphabetically by format, then alphabetically by subject.
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Box
12
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Annual Picnic, 1932
Poster
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Box
11
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Annual Picnic, 1934
Photograph Album
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Box
12
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Exhibit Displays, undated
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Box
11
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Ferozepur Rotary Club presents flag to Rotary International President
Clifford A. Randall, 1958 November 23
Matted photograph
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Box
11
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Pennants, undated
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Box
11
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Randall, Clifford A., undated
Photograph
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Box
12
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Reading Is Fundamental, Lincoln Avenue School,
2003
Framed certificate
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Box
11
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"Rotary Club - Milwaukee, Wisconsin,"
undated
Banner
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Box
11
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"Rotary Club of Milwaukee - Home Club of Clifford Randall,"
undated
Banner
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Box
11
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Rotary International Recognition of Milwaukee Rotary Club,
1927
Certificate
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Accession 2008-017
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Board of Directors Minutes, 1994-2008
Additions of Board of Directors minutes dating from 1994 to 2008.
.2 cubic ft. (1 box)
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Accession 2012-017
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Board of Directors Minutes, 2008-2012
Additions of Board of Directors minutes dating from 2008 to 2012.
.2 cubic ft. (1 box)
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Accession 2014-016
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Board of Directors Minutes, 2013-2014
Additions of Board of Directors minutes for Rotary year 2013 to 2014.
1 folder (in box with accession 2012-017)
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Accession 2015-010
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Board of Directors Minutes, 2014-2015
Additions of Board of Directors minutes for Rotary year 2014 to 2015.
1 folder (in box with previous accessions)
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Accession 2015-002
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Board of Directors Minutes, 2015-2016
Additions of Board of Directors minutes for Rotary year 2015 to 2016.
1 folder (in box with previous accessions)
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