Have you ever stopped to think about the emblem that defines our club? The Rotary wheel, a symbol recognized worldwide, is more than just a logo—it's a rich illustration of our history and our dedication to service. Its design evolved over decades, with each change adding deeper meaning to what we stand for. 

From Sketch to Official Seal

The concept for the emblem first appeared in 1905 thanks to Montague "Monty" Bear. His initial simple sketch of a wagon wheel, complete with lines of dust and motion, was intended to represent "Civilization and Movement." This early design was an immediate visual shorthand for the forward-thinking nature of the organization.

The symbol's official journey began in December 1918 when the Board of Directors resolved to adopt a gearwheel as the corporate seal. However, it wasn't until 1922 that Rotary decided all clubs should use a single, unified emblem.

Evolution of the Gear

The design we know today—a geared wheel with 24 cogs and six spokes—was officially adopted in 1923. This shift was crucial because engineers pointed out that the previous design was mechanically flawed; it lacked a way to attach to a power source.

To fix this and give the wheel its current, powerful meaning, a "keyway" was added to the hub of the gear later that year. This tiny addition was packed with symbolism: it made the wheel a "worker and not an idler," signifying its capacity to transmit power. More importantly, it represents the individual Rotarian, who is the "key" to the club's function and overall success.

Color, Service and Recognition

By 1929, the emblem received its final classic elements: Royal blue and gold were officially adopted as the organization's colors. The wheel was redesigned to feature them, and four blue bands were added to the outer rim of the gear, symbolizing the Four Avenues of Service.

In a move to modernize and increase public awareness, Rotary refreshed its visual identity in 2013, adding the word "Rotary" next to the wheel to form the official "masterbrand signature."

Today, the elements of the wheel are clear:

• The Wheel still represents "Civilization and Movement."
• The Gears (Cogs) symbolize the work to be done and the collective effort of Rotarians.
• The Six Spokes represent Rotary's key areas of focus.

Our emblem is a reminder that we are an active, powerful organization, built on the individual dedication of each Rotarian—the "key" to our ability to move the world forward.