The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
July 1, 2025, Our 1st meeting of the Rotary year commenced with President Seth Minter ceremoniously ringing the Rotary bell. Todd Rodeffer delivered the invocation, and Nick Knowles led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Rotarian Steve Knowles reported attendance, noting that 23 members were present representing 44% of the club’s membership. We had 5 guests, making 28 in attendance. Our guests were Sue Scott from the Western Illinois Museum, our speaker, Clay Unes a visiting Rotarian from the Peoria North club, Ali who is an intern at the McDonough County Health Dept., Debby Walden, and Abbey Thorman (who is a Prospective member).
Happy Money was collected from 14 Rotarians who were celebrating a happy occasion or event this week. Jerry Brookhart participated in the 50/50 drawing but did not win the $90 when he drew the 5 of Diamonds instead of the 7 of Clubs.
President Seth provided updates on upcoming meetings and events:
• July 8, 1015 – Meeting Program – Janet Glavin from the Make A Wish Foundation
• July 15, 2025 – Meeting Program – Lea Runyan from Cole Street Coffee
• July 22, 2025 – Meeting Program – Wayne Laramie MDH Chief Nursing Officer
• July 29, 2025: Meeting - Fifth Tuesday Social with Scholarship winners being honored at the Macomb Country Club.
• August 9, 2025: Rotary Family Day at the Ballpark in St. Louis, MO – Cardinals & Cubs – Tickets forms were on the tables.
Todd Lester then introduced Sue Scott, who has been the Executive Director of the Western Illinois Museum since 2008. The museum recently completed the “Innovate for Renovate” program, which involved renovating the 1926 building with a construction budget of nearly half a million dollars. The project was successful due to a combination of state grants and strong community support. She holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Northwestern University and received a public humanities award from the Illinois Humanities Council for her work in public history and community engagement. Her work focuses on creating experiences that connect people to the history of West Central Illinois.
Sue began by stating she would take the members present on a journey back in history about 150 years. Macomb was founded in 1830, but she focused on the period around 1850 when the population was 7,600 people. Within ten years, the population grew to over 15,000 during the industrial boom. Macomb needed to add various services, housing, and schools. There was an emphasis started on a college to be established.
Many individuals in Macomb were visionaries, purchasing land, constructing buildings, creating parks, and investing in businesses. The development of Macomb getting a school began with Lawrence Sherman, a state legislator, who played a significant role in passing a bill to establish the Western Illinois Normal School in 1899. Instruction at the college started in 1902 and continued with several notable educators.
Sue mentioned some influential figures. John Dewey from Chicago, associated with the concept of Lab Schools; Jane Adams from Chicago, known for progressive settlement housing; and Frances Perkins, who initiated Social Security and other programs under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Women in Macomb learned from these prominent figures. Some mentioned who were influential or taught at the school included Lizzie Magie, Cora Hamilton, Nina Lampkin, and Olive Potter.
Several questions were discussed, and the members found the program very informative. All thanked Sue for her research and for sharing the stories of those who helped establish the university in Macomb.
The club recited the “Four Way Test”, which was followed by ringing the Rotary bell and encouraging everyone to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
