Well, it was bound to happen - the very first edition of the Bulletin under my editorial responsibility and I managed to overlook a piece with the old Rotary "Wheel" (officially known as the "Mark of Excellence") in contravention of the 55 page guidelines "Tell Rotary's Story: Voice and Visual Identity". Click here if you're brave. Thanks to a Past District Governor (who shall remain nameless) for drawing my attention to this blooper!!!Why is our Logo a wheel anyway?
Evan Burrell – Rotarian, a prolific Facebook poster from Sydney explains:
"A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion.
The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement." Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians.
Thus, in 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the "Rotary International Association." A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a "keyway" in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft.
So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem."
The “Wheel” remained unchanged until 2016 when Rotary adopted the new look “Masterbrand” and “Mark of Excellence” used today.
