History

The Rotary Club of Nakusp was chartered on November 20^th, 1950.

The Arrow Lakes Newspaper announcement read: “The newly organized Rotary Club of Nakusp has been granted a charter by the Board of Directors of Rotary International, it was announced Nov. 22^nd at Rotary’s headquarters in Chicago. The Nakusp Club is now a member of the vast Rotary organization which has 7,186 Clubs with a membership of 342,000 business and professional executive in 33 countries and geographical regions.” 

On November 20th, 1950 the Rotary Club of Nakusp was chartered. The Rotary club of Nelson sponsored the foundation of the Nakusp Rotary Club.

In 1950 the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Nakusp were: 

Victor W. Smith, Charter president
Sidney Millard, Vice-President
Walker E. Addison, Secretary/Treasurer
W. G.M. Hakeman
Dr. P.B. Maxfield
Kenneth Highland
Fredrick Field
I.F. Morehouse
Donald H. Pye, Sergeant of Arms 

Some Community Achievements and Activities since 1950:

• The establishment and upkeep of the Children’s Playground in the Park. 
• The bridge over Kuskanax Creek to access the old hot springs pool
• Donated materials and contributed labor for the concession booth stands in the park
• Winter Follies – Snowmobile Races and Concessions
• Cut, split and delivered wood to those in need for several years. 
• Held several annual Barn Dances at the Home Ranch property
• Annual Nakusp Secondary School Bursary
• Floats in July 1^st. Parade
• Concession Booth for July 1^st.
• Concession for the Mud Bog Races
• Float in Christmas light-up Parade
• Sponsors Community Carol Sing
• Sponsors the Nakusp Citizen of the Year awards
• Provided Benches and Tables for the Park
• Provided Benches along Waterfront and Broadway Street
• In 1997 raised $15,000.00 to aid Kelowna Rotary in building the Cancer Lodge
•  Initiated and Sponsored the Arrowtarian  Senior Citizens Housing 
• Helped build the four phases of the Arrowtarian Rotary Villa which  now houses 43 seniors 
• Beamers breakfast (when the motorcycle club has their annual weekend meeting in Nakusp)         

  Image on left: Len Folkman; Glenn Weatherhead at centre; new president Rex Thorpat right February 1972. Image on right: annual Banquet at the Leyland Hotel.