May 7, 1920 marked the culmination of months of planning and weeks of work that created the first Rotary club in this area.
A group of 25 business and professional men met in Marysville at the Elks Club on D Street that night to form Rotary Club No 674. It was recorded as "one of the greatest, most enthusiastic and rousing gatherings ever held in this city". One hundred members of the Sacramento Rotary joined them that night in fellowship, the Rotary spirit, and a program of entertainment.
The Rotary Club of Marysville was chartered by Rotary International, the first service club in the world that began in 1905 in Chicago. Rotary International is now an organization of over 20,00 clubs representing 160 countries around the world.
The motto "Service above Self" known throughout the Rotary World has been a by-word in the club's activities.
Throughout the years the club has performed many services to those in need in our community and the world.
A few of those activities were aiding crippled and needy children, providing financial and moral support to the Boy Scout organization, establishing college scholarships, aiding victims of floods in Alaska and Yuba County, and taking part in the Rotary Youth Exchange Service.
The club also organized the Marysville High School Interact club and sponsors a Kids Christmas Party for handicapped children from Virginia School. It has sponsored several district conventions and the formation of other area Rotary clubs.
Although the Rotary Club of Marysville has devoted many hours to service, it's members find time to enjoy each others company in meetings that encourage an atmosphere of sharing, singing, and receiving the dreaded fines. Vocational tours and social events round out the Roatry Club of Marysville's Busy calendar.