HAPPY BIG 100TH BIRTHDAY to the
ROTARY CLUB OF SAN MATEO
January 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the chartering of the Rotary Club of San Mateo. Think back 100 years ago to
Roaring 20's San Mateo when only 37,000 people lived in San Mateo County. The City of San Mateo made up a third of that total and was the county's business hub. A Coney Island-type amusement park graced Coyote Point (my, how times have changed), a movie studio was established by Pacific Studios with a soundstage on Peninsula Avenue (but it didn't last long), and the Baywood housing development began with lots priced between $3,150 and $4,250 (now that would have been a good investment).
San Mateo was a happening place in the 20's & it was the perfect time to form a Rotary Club! On January 25, 1924, Rotary International granted a charter to the Rotary Club of San Mateo whose original members were eighteen prominent men in the community. Oscar Boldemann, who owned a chocolate company, presided over the founding club meeting and J.E. McCurdy, an attorney, was elected as the first club president. Click on the button below to view the original Club Charter.
Want to learn more about our Club's history? Be sure to attend our special Centennial Luncheon at Poplar Creek on Tuesday, January 23rd, where we'll celebrate with birthday cake, champagne and a special program!
