Windsor Rotary...A Unique Heritage.

When the Rotary Club of Windsor, Nova Scotia, was organized, there was an air of skepticism in our community as to its future. This was evident in the Hants Journal editorial of February 27, 1929 which quoted some of the criticisms directed at the new club. "There are too many Clubs and Societies now. The Progressive Club went down. It (the Rotary Club) is nothing but a Tory institution." The editorial concluded by asking that the club be allowed at least its cradle anniversary before too harsh criticism is directed against it.

A relationship was early established with the Windsor and Eton Rotary Club in England. The Windsor, Nova Scotia, Rotary Club sent gifts of apples and the British Club reciprocated with a unique gift which is worthy of special mention. The minutes of March 6, 1933, record that a letter was received from the Windsor and Eton Club advising shipment of a gift of a carved wooden casket. A unique feature of the casket was that it was made by the King's wood carver, from a 15th century beam taken from the Royal Chapel, the historic Chapel of St. Georges at Windsor.

It was necessary to replace the old roof timbers which had been installed in the year 1474 and it is from one of these actual beams that the casket is made. The badge of Saint George is engraved on the lid and suitable wording is carved on the side. A gavel made from the same wood was also donated by the Windsor and Eton Club. The minutes refer to a local craftsman, James Rafuse, as having been commissioned to make a glass case for the casket. It has been the custom over the years for the casket and gavel to be passed on by each Club President to his or her successor, together with other symbols of office.

Early skepticism notwithstanding, our Club survived the depression of the nineteen-thirties and the war years, and, to this day, continues to serve our communities, a tribute to the dedication of the founding members and all Rotarians who have kept alive the spirit of Rotary in the Windsor area throughout the years.