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Our History
The Rotary Club of West Haven has been a leading civic organization in West Haven, Connecticut since its charter on January 21, 1931. Comprised of professionals from private business, government, education, and social services, the Rotary Club of West Haven is committed to the idea of “Service Above Self.” With an ambitious community service agenda, hardly a week goes by without our club members making a positive difference in our community or the wider world.
The Rotary Club of West Haven is revered in Rotary circles for its efforts to encourage the academic achievement of children and youth and to help them develop career goals. For eight consecutive years, the Rotary Club of West Haven has been selected as the best among the 60 Rotary clubs in southern Connecticut for its “Vocational Service” activities. The Rotary Club of West Haven is also renowned for its fun-loving spirit and sense of camaraderie. Whether working alongside each other at a community service event, playing softball with neighboring Rotary clubs, participating in a social event for Rotarians and their families, or attending our weekly luncheon, West Haven Rotarians are sure to be laughing and enjoying fellowship with each other.
The mission of the West Haven Rotary Foundation, Inc. is to promote and support charitable and educational programs and organizations to either benefit the citizens of West Haven, CT, and the communities located within Rotary District 7980 or are endorsed by Rotary International or Rotary District 7980.
The West Haven Rotary Foundation, Inc. (WHRF) was incorporated in 2002 as a distinct and separate entity from the Rotary Club of West Haven, Although the WHRF is a separate entity from the Rotary Club of West Haven, its memberships are the same.
Top Row - John Domkee, George North, C. Doolittle, Ed North
Middle Row - John Hofacker, Lew Warner, Joe Casner, Unknown, Walter Scranton, George Warner, William Silver, Unknown
Bottom - Captain Barrett, Platt Rogers, Chase Shutter, Unknown, Al Mowrey Clayton Curtis,
Reclining - Sig Wachsman
Rotary Club of West Haven
Shutter's Boat Trip 1934
Step back in time with our digital archive. To the right are the several Key Ways, including our inaugural editions of the Key Way, the official bulletin of the West Haven Rotary Club dating back to 1930. These documents provided the essential communication that united our members and defined our commitment to service in the early years of our organization.
What it was: The Key Way was a printed digest distributed to members, typically at weekly meetings. It served as a centralized record of the club's pulse, featuring:
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Meeting Agendas: Announcements regarding upcoming speakers, programs, and club events.
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Club Business: Minutes, committee updates, and administrative reports that ensured the smooth operation of local charitable efforts.
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Member Fellowship: Personal notes, including member birthdays, professional milestones, and recognitions of service.
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Rotary Values: Reminders of the "Object of Rotary" and, beginning in the early 1930s, the growing influence of the Four-Way Test—a philosophy of integrity, fairness, and service that continues to guide Rotarians today.
Why it was used: In an era before digital communication, the Key Way was essential for maintaining the "fellowship" that defined the club. It bridged the gap between meetings, providing a written record of accountability and community progress. For members navigating the economic challenges of the 1930s, it provided a consistent link to their peers and a shared commitment to the ethical professional standards that the Rotary organization was championing globally.
