How Oaklawn Rotary began

Oaklawn Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Oaklawn Rotary meets every Monday from noon to 1:00 p.m. at Hotel Hot Springs. Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.

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Oaklawn Rotary membership provides the opportunity to:
  1. Become connected to your community.
  2. Work with others in addressing community needs.
  3. Interact with other professionals in your community.
  4. Assist with Rotary international humanitarian service efforts.
  5. Establish contacts with an international network of professionals.
  6. Develop leadership skills.
  7. Involve family in promoting service efforts.
History of Oaklawn Rotary
The idea for the organization of a second Rotary club in Hot Springs was conceived in Lake Placid, NY, where then District Governor S. H. (Herb) Allman was attending the annual orientation session for new district governors. Allman was at the beginning of his term (1960-61). Each of the district governors at the Lake Placid meeting was given a small box into which the Rotary International President or directors might place suggestions. One morning Allman found a suggestion in his box from the Rotary International President. It said he should consider forming a second club for Hot Springs.

When Vernon "Buck" Warr (69-70) was Hot Springs (Downtown) Rotary Club President, a meeting of the board of directors was held at the home of past President, Jacob L. King. This is where Allman was named by Warr to head the "Additional Hot Springs Rotary Club Committee." Earlier on Sept. 17th, 1969 during a club assembly at the Arlington Hotel with Robert Scott, Vice President, presiding, a motion by Past President Gerald Fisher, seconded by Jacob King, was adopted as follows: "That the board appoint a committee to bring the whole story of an additional club for Hot springs to the membership, and that such a report be made no later then Jan.1, 1970."

At a club assembly on Feb 11,1970, President Warr presented the subject of voting by secret ballot on the proposed second club. When the vote was taken, a majority was in favor of the creation of a second Hot Springs Rotary Club..

On May 18,1970 at a board meeting held at the Royal Vista Inn, President Warr announced plans for the new club's Charter presentation. It would be held at 6:30 PM Monday, June 22,1970. The Royal Vista Inn would be the new club's meeting place, and the name Oaklawn was selected.