The history of the Portales Rotary Club began in the year 1934, when the original charter was signed by twenty-six men:
T. J. Anderson, Orren Beatty, Ray Bonner, Horace Echols, Floyd Golden, J. G. Greaves, E. Turner Hensley, Jr., Coe Howard, Dr. William LeMaster, E. Cliff Luna, Donald MacKay, Taylor McCasland, John Plummer, Bert Rawlins, Alva C. Ribble, C. J. Sparks, Ernest Harold Sprinkle, J. P. Steiner, Max Stone, Harry Taylor, Henry Taylor, Dr. Byron Wright, Rev. Frank York, Carl Yoachum, William B. O’Donnell and W. W. King.
The first meeting was held on “Charter Nite”, February 5, 1935. It was originally a part of District 170. The Portales Rotary Club sponsored two Clubs, those of Ft. Sumner and Clovis. The first President of the Portales Rotary Club was Donald MacKay (1935) and the first Secretary was Bert Rawlins (1935). Music (a tradition that Portales is proud to say they continue to this day) was headed by Taylor McCasland (1935).
The Portales Rotary Club has received various awards throughout its history, including:
Certificate of Appreciation from the War Finance Committee of the Eleventh Federal Reserve District for rendering in a time of national crisis, outstanding service to the United States of America which contributed to and assured the success of The Second War Loan Drive April 12 – May 1, 1943.
The President’s (Rotary International) Award for the most significant achievements in promoting The Ideal of Service in this district during 1945-1946 in developing a strong club; in promoting high ethical standards in business and professions; in benefiting the community and its people; in advancing international understanding and goodwill.
The District Governor’s Citation April 14, 1946 & April 13, 1948.
Boy Scouts of America Troop Charter February 29, 1948 Troop No. 59.
Citation for Outstanding Service in Americanism from The American Legion, Dept. of New Mexico June 19, 1949 & 1950.
Original Bylaws “Order of Business”:
Luncheon
Meeting called to order
Introduction of visiting Rotarians
Reading of correspondence and announcements by the secretary.
Committee reports or announcements by committee chairmen and others.
Discussion
Address
Adjournment
Portales Club Paul Harris Fellows:
“Anyone who contributes – or in whose name is contributed – a gift of US $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund may become a Paul Harris Fellow. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate, a Paul Harris Fellow pin, and a medallion. Donors are eligible for Paul Harris Fellow recognition when their cumulative giving reaches US $1,000.” The following active members have received this award:
Charles Anderson, Wayne Baker, Noelle Bartl, Bill Calton, Eldin Cooper, James D’Agostino, Don Davis, Scott Davis, Dennis Edwards, Jack Greathouse, Rick Hauptmann, Gerry Huybregts, Grady Jenkins, Bob Matheny, Thom Moore, Jerry Partin, Antonio Sanchez, Jack Self, Jimmie Shearer, Don Thomas, Leroy Thomas, Jim Williamson, Buck Wilson, Tommye Anderson, Bill Calton, Christine Davis, Holly Davis, Leslie Davis, Otis Davis, Susan Davis, The Portales Rotaract Club, Carolyn Edwards, Dennis Edwards, Jack Greathouse, Gordon Greaves, Gordon Hatch, Jan Hauptmann, Rick Hauptmann, Estella Huybregts, Sharon King, Dessie Langston, Dewey Langston, Charles May, Bob Matheny, Howard Melton, Cozetta Moore, L.W. McGuffin, Janet Shearer, Billy Smith, Florence Wilson Bobbye Woodul, Parker Woodul, Jack Williamson, Jim Williamson, and Nancy Williamson
