History of San Diego Rotary Club 33. By Joseph L. Howard. San Diego:
San Diego Rotary Club Number 33, 1981. Bibliography. Illustrations. Index
343 Pages. $55.00.
Reviewed by Rhoda E. Kruse, Senior Librarian, California Room, San Diego
Public Library.
It is unfortunate that this book had to be priced so high, for there is
much in it that will prove of value and interest to non-Rotarians. Though
focussing on the Club, Mr. Howard has included enough local history to give
some perspective. This technique, plus others, saves the volume from being
a dry-as-dust enumeration of who was elected to what office in which year, and
similar data.
It is true that there is visible strain, at times, in the author's efforts
to vary his terminology. Some misspellings, and a factual error or two, also
jar the reader. For instance, on page 32, Howard states that the Club's
newsmagazine editor's place of business moved in 1914. This change in address
on the masthead was not caused by a move, but by a change in street numbering.
The book's faults are minor, however, when placed in the balance with its
virtues. It is plentifully illustrated, with black-and-white photographs
reproduced in a sepia-like effect. Most, but not all, of the pictures are
Rotary-related. They are placed where they belong, chronologically, and vary
in size and placement, contributing to a well-designed volume. Some are not
as clear as could be desired; the fault may be in the original. Also, the book
is well-indexed, and has a chronology and other useful appendices.
By far the greatest virtue of this volume, however, is its skillful blend of
humanitarianism and human interest. One of Rotary's tenets is Service, and the
book is a veritable roll-call of "pillars of the community." Yet
they are not placed on pedestals; one catches informal glimpses which show them
as people. For instance, in 1921, members were asked not to throw bread rolls
at each other during luncheons.
Like the attendance record (47 years) of one of Club 33's members, Mr.
Howard's history is worth noting. If you don't buy it, try to borrow a copy
to read. Your time will be well spent.
