The Porter Building is a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places located in the Downtown Historic District of Woodland, California .
66-614: The building was designed in 1913 by architect W.H. Weeks , architect of many other landmarks in Woodland such as the Woodland Opera House and the Yolo County Courthouse . Construction bids were accepted and Earle L. Younger of San Jose (later a Woodland resident) was the lowest bidder. The building's exterior includes buff -colored Roman brick with elaborately decorated cornice and an arched entrance way that leads into
132-629: A property in Yolo County, California on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Woodland Opera House The Woodland Opera House , listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a California Historical Landmark , is one of four fully functioning 19th century opera houses in California . It is a contributing property to
198-708: A Rotarian from South Carolina, began her term as the first female vice-president of Rotary International. Also in 2013, Nan McCreadie was appointed as the first female president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI). The first woman to join Rotary in Ghana, West Africa was Hilda Danquah (Rotary Club of Cape Coast) in 1992. The first woman president in Ghana was Dr. Naana Agyeman-Mensah in 2001 (Rotary Club of Accra-Airport). Up until 2013, there has been 46 women presidents in
264-612: A considerable number of the native business and professional men have been so honoured, the Shanghai Club will begin to realize its period of greatest success." As part of considering the application of a Club to be chartered in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India in January 1920 and Tokyo , Japan in October 1920, Rotary formally considered the issue of racial restriction in membership and determined that
330-631: A district governor and board member. The international board meets quarterly to establish policies and make recommendations to the overall governing bodies, the RI Convention and the RI Council on Legislation. Rotary's president presides over the Board of Directors and is elected to a one-year term. Current President: Stephanie A. Urchick is president of Rotary International. She holds a doctorate in leadership studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She
396-633: A leading Japanese international statesman, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa , was chosen as the Honorary Keynote Speaker at Rotary's 25th Anniversary Convention held in 1930 in Chicago. Prince Tokugawa held the position of president of Japan's upper house of congress, the National Diet , for 30 years. Tokugawa promoted democratic principles and international goodwill. It was only after his death in 1940 that Japanese militants were able to push Japan into joining
462-520: A lecture inside the Rotary. In 1963, it was noted that the Rotary practice of involving wives in club activities had helped to break down female seclusion in some countries. Clubs such as Rotary were predated by women's service organisations, which started in the United States as early as 1790. The first Irish clubs discussed admitting women as members in 1912, but the proposal foundered over issues of social class. Gender equity in Rotary moved beyond
528-434: A non-partisan, non-sectarian organization. Membership is open to "adult persons who demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership; possess good reputation within their business, profession, occupation, and/or community." One can contact a Rotary club to inquire about membership and it was a traditional method that a person can join a Rotary club only if invited; there is the ability to join without an invitation but it
594-511: A number of affiliated clubs that promote the goals of Rotary in their community. Inner Wheel is an international organization founded in 1924 to unite wives and daughters of Rotarians. Inner Wheel Clubs exist in over 103 countries. Like Rotary, Inner Wheel is divided into local clubs and districts. Female spouses of Rotary members are traditionally called "Partners" or "Spouse". Rotary concentrates on seven areas: promoting peace, improving health through disease prevention and treatment, improving
660-547: A program of Rotary International, and its first club was founded in 1968 by Charlotte North Rotary Club, located in Charlotte, North Carolina . In 2019, Rotaract went from being a program of Rotary International to being a membership type of Rotary International, elevating its status to resemble that of Rotary clubs. As of 1 July 2020, Rotaract clubs can exist on their own, or may be sponsored by Rotary and/or Rotaract clubs. This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of
726-462: A single club per city, municipality, or town, but Rotary International has encouraged the formation of one or more additional clubs in the largest cities when practical. Most clubs meet weekly, usually at a mealtime on a weekday in a regular location, when Rotarians can discuss club business and hear from guest speakers. Each club also conducts various service projects within its local community, and participates in special projects involving other clubs in
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#1732852576031792-429: Is a non-political and non-religious organization. Membership is by application or invitation and based on various social factors. There are over 46,000 member clubs worldwide, with a membership of 1.4 million individuals, known as Rotary members. Rotary International is the organization of service clubs with the largest membership in the world, with 1.9 million volunteers, including all the members of clubs that make up
858-576: Is active on numerous community boards and committees and has been honored by organizations including Zonta International and the Sons of the American Revolution.. Rotary International has a general secretary, who also acts as chief executive officer and leads the Rotary Foundation. The current holder of the post is John Hewko . According to its constitutions ("Charters"), Rotary defines itself as
924-595: Is now the Downtown Woodland Historic District , including the Opera House. There was uncertainty whether the House would be rebuilt when a locally renowned businessman, David N. Hershey, purchased the site. Other local businessmen supported the project in addition to Hershey. The Opera House was rebuilt between 1895 and 1896 by local contractor William H. Winne at the cost of $ 8,990. Many of the materials from
990-419: Is recommended to attend a meeting to ensure a suitable fit to the club. Active membership is by invitation from a current Rotarian, to professionals or businesspersons working in diverse areas of endeavour. Each club may limit up to ten percent of its membership representing each business or profession in the area it serves. The goal of the clubs is to promote service to the community they work in, as well as to
1056-527: Is structured in club, district and international levels. Rotarians are members of their clubs. The clubs are chartered by the global organization Rotary International (RI) headquartered in Evanston, Illinois . For administrative purposes, the more than 46,000 clubs worldwide are grouped into 529 districts, and the districts into 34 zones. The Rotary Club is the basic unit of Rotary activity, and each club determines its own membership. Clubs originally were limited to
1122-663: The Downtown Historic District of Woodland, California . Designed in 1885 by Thomas J. Welsh , a prominent San Francisco architect, for the amount of $ 28,000. It was the first opera house to serve the Sacramento Valley . The builder for the community theater was Woodland contractor William Henry Curson. Several years later in July 1892 a fire that started in Dead Cat Alley behind the Opera House destroyed much of what
1188-614: The inoculation of more than two billion of the world's children. Inspired by Rotary's commitment, the World Health Organization (WHO) passed a resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio by 2000. Now a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with WHO, UNICEF and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Rotary is recognized by the United Nations as the key private partner in
1254-551: The 1940s. Today the building is a part of the Downtown Woodland Historic District. During much of the 2000s, the building was left vacant, but it was announced in December 2009 that a private community college will be moving into the building. A project to retrofit the building to bring it up to date with current safety standards is underway. Changes to the interior of the building will take place in preparation for
1320-568: The 1980s, women were not allowed membership in Rotary clubs, although Rotarian spouses, including Paul Harris's wife Jean, were often members of the similar " Inner Wheel " club. Women did play some roles, and Jean Thomson Harris made numerous speeches. Dale Carnegie's biographer Carlos Roberto Bacila describes that in 1955 when women were not permitted to attend Rotary meetings, the Brooklyn Rotary Club made an exception and finally allowed Marilyn Burke, Carnegie's secretary, to accompany him in
1386-414: The 30 Rotary clubs in Ghana. In 2013, Stella Dongo from Zimbabwe was appointed District Governor for District 9210 (Zimbabwe/Zambia/Malawi/Northern-Mozambique) for the Rotary year 2013–14 making her the first female District Governor in the region. She had previously held the offices of Assistant Governor (2006–08), District Administrator (2008–09) and President of The Rotary Club of Highlands (2005–06). She
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#17328525760311452-521: The Atwell Building. During this same time, the monthly magazine The Rotarian was published mere floors below by Atwell Printing and Binding Company. By 1925, Rotary had grown to 200 clubs with more than 20,000 members. During the 1930s there was an expanding conflict in Asia between Japan and China and the fear of a confrontation between Japan and the United States. In hopes of helping resolve these issues,
1518-652: The Axis Powers in WWII. Rotary Clubs in Spain ceased to operate shortly after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War . Clubs were disbanded across Europe as follows: Rotary International has worked with the UN since the UN started in 1945. At that time Rotary was involved in 65 countries. The two organizations shared ideals around promoting peace. Rotary received consultative status at
1584-709: The London club, but the Dublin club did not receive its charter until after the London club was chartered. During World War I, Rotary in Britain increased from 9 to 22 clubs, and other early clubs in other nations included those in Cuba in 1916, the Philippines in 1919 and India in 1920. In 1922, the name was changed to Rotary International. From 1923 to 1928, Rotary's office and headquarters were located on E 20th Street (now E Cullerton Street) in
1650-639: The Nazi leadership, inviting government officials and high-standing businesspeople. These included Hermann Schlosser, a business manager for Degesch – which supplied Zyklon B for use at death camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau. After 1945, the Rotary club tried to control the damage by preventing members such as Hans Globke and Wolfgang A. Wick from being appointed presidents. Rotary clubs in Eastern Europe and communist nations were disbanded by 1945–46, but new Rotary clubs were organized in many other countries, and by
1716-494: The Opera House is also used for a variety of music performances, comedians, and in rare cases even weddings. Rotary Club 342.953 Interactors 162.354 Rotaractors Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world. The mission of Rotary, as stated on its website, is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders". It
1782-534: The RI PolioPlus vaccination campaign. Mulitsch made it possible shipping the first 500,000 doses of antipolio vaccine to the Philippines at the beginning of 1980. This project later gave rise to the NGO "Nuovi Spazi al Servire" co-ordinated by Luciano Ravaglia (RC Forlì , Italy). Since beginning the project in 1985, Rotarians have contributed over US$ 850 million and hundreds of thousands of volunteer-hours, contributing to
1848-555: The RI President's message and theme for that year. The AGs are assigned specific clubs to be under their purview, and they must accompany the DG on their official club visits to those particular clubs. Approximately 15 Rotary districts form a zone. A zone director, who serves as a member of the RI board of directors, heads two zones. The zone director is nominated by the clubs in the zone and elected by
1914-538: The Rotary family, namely Rotary, Interact and Rotaract clubs. The first Rotary Club was formed when attorney Paul P. Harris called together a meeting of three business acquaintances in downtown Chicago , United States, at Harris's friend Gustave Loehr 's office in the Unity Building on Dearborn Street on February 23, 1905. In addition to Harris and Loehr (a mining engineer and freemason ), Silvester Schiele (a coal merchant ), and Hiram E. Shorey (a tailor) were
1980-581: The U.S. Relationships with the Roman Catholic Church were changed again by Paul VI and John Paul II . After the relaxation of government control of community groups in Russia and former Soviet satellite nations, Rotarians were welcomed as club organizers, and clubs were formed in those countries, beginning with the Moscow club in 1990. In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus program to immunize all of
2046-456: The UN in 1946–47. During the Third Reich, Rotary Clubs were grouped with Freemasonry as secret societies associated with Jews, and Nazi officials were banned from joining them. This was reversed in July 1933 after appeals but the club was forced to ban all Jews from membership. This led to several non-Jews quitting in solidarity. In order to survive, the members tried to show their loyalty to
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2112-674: The United States. To reflect the addition of a club outside of the United States, the name was changed to the International Association of Rotary Clubs in 1912. In August 1912, the Rotary Club of London received its charter from the Association, marking the first acknowledged Rotary club outside North America . It later became known that the Dublin club in Ireland was organized before
2178-466: The WOH stage in the late 19th and early 20th century include Nance O'Neil , James A. Herne , Harry Davenport , Madame Helena Modjeska , John Philip Sousa and his band, comics Weber and Fields , George M. Cohan 's troupe, "Gentleman Jim" Corbett , John L. Sullivan as well as rising motion picture stars Sydney Greenstreet , Walter Huston and Verna Felton . In addition to play and drama productions,
2244-400: The building's lobby. The building had many modern amenities that were rare for its era, some of which were "firsts" for Woodland, including an electric elevator, steam heating system, and telephone service in each office. The successful completion of this major construction project was of great benefit to Younger, and helped him become one of the more popular commercial builders in Woodland until
2310-444: The classrooms and offices it will house. The current plans are to keep as many preexisting walls as possible. The steam heating system that was originally a luxury for the building is still intact, but a new heating and air conditioning system will also be put in place. The exterior of the building will be restored to its original state in 1913. The architect for the remodeling of the building is Duane Thompson. This article about
2376-655: The club is the Club Board (sometimes called Club Council), consisting of the club president (who serves as the Board chairman), a president-elect, club secretary, club treasurer, and several Club Board directors, including the immediate past president and the President Elect. The president usually appoints the directors to serve as chairs of the major club committees, including those responsible for club service, vocational service, community service, youth service, and international service. Rotarians may attend any Rotary club around
2442-591: The clubs meeting in the annual RI District Conference held each year. The DG appoints Assistant Governors (AGs) from among the Rotarians of the district to assist in the management of Rotary activity and multi-club projects in the district. AGs act as liaisons between the DG and the clubs, to make communication flow more smoothly throughout the District. As part of a DG's duties, they must visit every club in their District at least once during their year as DG in order to spread
2508-745: The common theme in Italian Renaissance -Revival theaters. The Opera House holds mainstage subscriber productions from September to June. The theatre also has a summer youth theatre camp in August of each year and a Young People's Theatre Program that runs throughout the year. Along with many concerts throughout the year. Each production runs from 2 to 5 weekends. The theatre also works with the Yolo County Office of Education to provide very low ticket prices for students for school day performances of plays that are currently running. Some notable performers on
2574-452: The convention for the term of two consecutive years. Rotary International is governed by a board of directors composed of the international president, the president-elect, the general secretary, and 17 zone directors. The nomination and the election of each president is handled in the one- to three-year period before the president takes office, and is based on requirements including geographical balance among Rotary zones and previous service as
2640-610: The decision to the U.S. Supreme Court . The RI attorney argued that "... [the decision] threatens to force us to take in everyone, like a motel". The Duarte Club was not alone in opposing RI leadership; the Seattle -International District club unanimously voted to admit women in 1986. The United States Supreme Court, on 4 May 1987, confirmed the Californian decision supporting women, in the case Board of Directors, Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte . Rotary International then removed
2706-547: The eradication effort. In 2008, Rotary received a $ 100 million challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation . Rotary committed to raising $ 100 million. In January 2009, Bill Gates announced a second challenge grant of $ 255 million. Rotary again committed to raising another $ 100 million. In total, Rotary will raise $ 200 million by 30 June 2012. Together, the Gates Foundation and Rotary have committed $ 555 million toward
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2772-428: The eradication of polio. At the time of the second challenge grant, Bill Gates said: We know that it's a formidable challenge to eradicate a disease that has killed and crippled children since at least the time of the ancient Egyptians. We don't know exactly when the last child will be affected. But we do have the vaccines to wipe it out. Countries do have the will to deploy all the tools at their disposal. If we all have
2838-426: The family of Rotary. A Rotaract club may, but is not required to, establish upper age limits, provided that the club (in accordance with its bylaws) obtain the concurrence of its members. A District Governor (DG), who is an officer of Rotary International and represents the RI board of directors in the field, leads their respective Rotary district. Each DG is nominated by the clubs of their district, and elected by all
2904-420: The fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio. There has been some limited criticism concerning the program for polio eradication. There are some reservations regarding the adaptation capabilities of the virus in some of the oral vaccines, which have been reported to cause infection in populations with low vaccination coverage. As stated by Vaccine Alliance, however, in spite of
2970-527: The gender requirements from its requirements for club charters, and most clubs in most countries have opted to include women as members of Rotary Clubs. The first female club president to be elected was Sylvia Whitlock of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California in 1987. By 2007, there was a female trustee of Rotary's charitable wing The Rotary Foundation while female district governors and club presidents were common. Women currently account for 22% of international Rotary membership. In 2013, Anne L. Matthews,
3036-465: The health of mothers and children, water and sanitation, education, economic development, and supporting the environment. The most notable current global project, PolioPlus, is contributing to the global eradication of polio . Sergio Mulitsch di Palmenberg (1923–1987), Governor of RI District 204 (1984–1985), founder of the RC of Treviglio and Pianura Bergamasca (Italy), was the man who inspired and promoted
3102-963: The limited risk of polio vaccination, it would neither be prudent nor practicable to cease the vaccination program until there is strong evidence that "all wild poliovirus transmission [has been] stopped". In a 2006 speech at the Rotary International Convention, held at the Bella Center in Copenhagen , Bruce Cohick stated that polio in all its known wild forms would be eliminated by late 2008, provided efforts in Nigeria , Afghanistan , Pakistan , and India all proceed with their current momentum. As of October 2012, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan still had wild polio, but it had been eliminated in India. In 2014, polio survivor and Rotarian Ramesh Ferris met with
3168-439: The local district, and occasionally a special project in a "sister club" in another nation. Most clubs also hold social events at least quarterly and in some cases more often. Each club elects its own president and officers among its active members for a one-year term. The clubs enjoy considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and the constitution and bylaws of Rotary International. The governing body of
3234-405: The military, and other famous figures. However, as each club may establish different rules for honorary members, there will be some variation in terms of selection and privileges of honorary members. A recent Rotary 3191 District in India appointed global health physician Dr. Edmond Fernandes as Honorary Member for outstanding public health service to India and around the world. From 1905 until
3300-449: The north end of the Opera House (destroyed by fire in the 1930s) rose to a height of 60 feet above the street level. The building partially shares a common wall with the building on its western side Its interior is an example of 19th-century American playhouses. The layout of the stage is a typical proscenium arch . It combines the horseshoe balcony with an uninterrupted semi-circular seating arrangement and large orchestra seating area like
3366-508: The organization could not allow racial restrictions to the organization's growth. In Rotary's legislative deliberations in June 1921, it was formally determined that racial restrictions would not be permitted. Non-racialism was included in the terms of the standard constitution in 1922 and required to be adopted by all member Clubs. Rotary and other service clubs in the last decade of the 20th century became open to gay members. Rotary Clubs sponsor
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#17328525760313432-577: The original building were used including some of the partially standing walls. By 1913 over 300 touring companies had appeared on its stage, and the Woodland Opera House was becoming an entertainment center for the region. Nevertheless, the venue closed in that year, after ticket sales declined and the theater lost a lawsuit by an attendee who had mistaken a loading door for an exit and fell three feet, breaking an arm. The Opera house remained closed and unused for almost sixty years until 1971 when it
3498-575: The other two who attended this first meeting. The members chose the name Rotary because initially they rotated subsequent weekly club meetings to each other's offices, although within a year, the Chicago club became so large it became necessary to adopt the now-common practice of a regular meeting place. The next four Rotary Clubs were organized in cities in the western United States, beginning with San Francisco , then Oakland , Seattle , and Los Angeles . The National Association of Rotary Clubs in America
3564-411: The payment of admission fees and dues. They have no voting privileges and are not eligible to hold any office in their club. Honorary membership is time-limited and terminates automatically at the end of the term, usually one year. It may be extended for an additional period or may also be revoked at any time. Examples of honorary members are heads of state or former heads of state, scientists, members of
3630-608: The second Rotarian motto in 2004, from "He profits most who serves best" to "They profit most who serve best", 99 years after its foundation, illustrates the move to general acceptance of women members in Rotary. The first Rotary Clubs in Asia were in Manila in the Philippines and Shanghai in China, each in July 1919. Rotary's office in Illinois immediately began encouraging the Rotary Club of Shanghai to recruit Chinese members "believing that when
3696-568: The theoretical question when in 1976, the Rotary Club of Duarte, California , admitted three women as members. After the club refused to remove the women from membership, Rotary International revoked the club's charter in 1978. The Duarte club filed suit in the California courts, claiming that Rotary Clubs are business establishments subject to regulation under California's Unruh Civil Rights Act , which bans discrimination based on race, gender, religion or ethnic origin. Rotary International then appealed
3762-661: The time of the national independence movements in Africa and Asia , the new nations already had Rotary clubs. On January 11, 1951, a decree of the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office , published by L'Osservatore Romano , forbade Catholics clergy to accept membership of Rotary clubs. On January 27, 1951, a second decree of the Holy Office specified that warning against membership by laymen applied in some countries but not in
3828-429: The wider world. Many projects are organised for the local community by a single club, but some are organised globally. Clubs may award honorary membership in recognition of a person's distinguished efforts in furtherance of Rotary ideals or otherwise in support of Rotary's cause. As the highest distinction a Rotary club can confer on an individual, it is exercised only in exceptional cases. Honorary members are exempt from
3894-498: The world at one of their weekly meetings. Rotaract: It is an organization of young adults (university age and young professionals) who take action through community and international service, learn leadership skills, and participate in professional development. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based. "Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action", and its motto is "Self Development – Fellowship through Service". Rotaract began as
3960-704: The world's children against polio. As of 2011, Rotary had contributed more than 900 million US dollars to the cause. As of 2006 , Rotary had more than 1.4 million members in over 36,000 clubs among 200 countries and geographical areas, making it the most widespread by branches and second largest service club by membership, behind Lions Clubs International . The number of Rotarians has slightly declined in recent years: Between 2002 and 2006, they went from 1,245,000 to 1,223,000 members. North America accounts for 450,000 members, Asia for 300,000, Europe for 250,000, Latin America for 100,000, Oceania for 100,000 and Africa for 30,000. In order to carry out its service programs, Rotary
4026-401: Was added to the existing outdoor plaza, named Intermission Garden. The Intermission Garden's brick marquee and entrance sign was designed by Brocchini & Associates and was added the same year. The present Opera House is a simple, two-story, red brick structure. The structure is approximately 104 feet long by 60 feet wide; and its walls are 20 inches thick. A stage house on top of
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#17328525760314092-549: Was also Zimbabwe's Country Coordinator (2009–10). Stella, who is a Master PRLS 5 Graduate has been recognised and awarded various District awards including Most Able President for year 2005–06 and Assistant Governor of the year 2006–07 and a Paul Harris Fellow. The first female to be President of Rotary International will be Jennifer E. Jones of the Windsor Roseland Rotary Club in Windsor, Ontario Canada. The change of
4158-423: Was constructed for storage of mechanical equipment, as well as for administrative office space, a gift counter, the Mid Level Lounge, and a rooftop exterior deck. The interior restoration effort received an Award of Merit from the California Preservation Foundation and a Citation Award from the League of Historic American Theaters. In 1990 with the help of Woodland Rotary Club , the south side grassy "Rotary Court"
4224-458: Was formed in 1910. On November 3, 1910, a Rotary club began meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba , Canada, marking the beginning of Rotary as an international organization. On 22 February 1911, the first meeting of the Rotary Club Dublin was held in Dublin, Ireland. This was the first club established outside of North America. In April 1912, the Winnipeg club was chartered, marking the first official establishment of an American-style service club outside
4290-435: Was purchased by the Yolo County Historical Society, for a sum of $ 12,000. After many local fund drives, donations, and monies from several different government agencies including the City of Woodland, restoration of the building began. Declared a state historic park in 1976, the building was later deeded to the State of California in 1980. The Opera House reopened in 1989 after a $ 2,000,000 restoration project. Extensive work
4356-455: Was still done over the next nine years. Gary Worth, an architect from Woodland, oversaw the work and Brocchini & Associates of Oakland provided most of the materials for the restoration of the theater including antique wallpaper, lighting, and paint colors. In the restoration the building was made structurally safe and "earthquake proofed". Central heat and air-conditioning, a sprinkler and alarm system, and handicap access were added. An annex
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