History of Jacksonville Rotary Club

The Maysville Rotary Club was responsible for the formation of a provisional Rotary in Jacksonville. The required minimum of twenty members was met and on the evening of June 18, 1954, at Clyde Erwin School cafeteria, our club was officially presented its charter by District Governor, Charles McCullers. The Rex Restaurant catered the affair and the cost was just $6.00 per couple for this ground breaking event.

The first President of Jacksonville Rotary Club was Thurmond Plexico, who with regular support from Kinston and Maysville Rotarians, gradually built the club membership to 28 members by December 1954. Progressing through the 50’s and 60’s, the Jacksonville Rotary Club maintained a membership of approximately 35 members. By 1975, the club had expanded to more than sixty Rotarians, and they were making their presence felt through productive community projects and contributions.

Again, the Club’s first meeting place was the Rex Restaurant in Jacksonville. Over the years, the club migrated to various locations until it found a home at the Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant. When the Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant closed in 2004, the club moved to the Jacksonville Country Club for two years. In June of 2006, the club moved its meeting place to its present location, Hilda’s Restaurant in the Northwood’s Shopping Center, Onslow Drive in Jacksonville.

Over the years, the Jacksonville Rotary Club has been instrumental in sponsoring other Rotary Clubs throughout Onslow County and the adjoining areas. In 1978, the Jacksonville Rotary Club served as sponsor of the Swansboro Rotary Club. In 1982, the Jacksonville Rotary Club again sponsored a new club – the New River Rotary Club of Jacksonville. Continuing to plant Rotary seeds, Jacksonville Rotary Club sponsored the Jacksonville Breakfast Club in 1985, the Stump Sound Rotary Club (Sneads Ferry Club) in 1991, and the Richlands Rotary Club in 1994.

The Jacksonville Rotary Club’s outstanding record of service to its community is something of which we can all be very proud. Some of community projects executed by the club over the years include: Caring for Kids, Senior Citizens Appreciation Picnic, the Dictionary Project, INTERACT Club, college Scholarship Awards, Adopt-A-School program, support for local charities and civic groups, Military Appreciation/Law Enforcement/Educators Appreciation Cookouts. The club endeavors to live up to the Objects of Rotary in every activity and in every way! Service above Self!