Rotary's Wheel Emblem

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days.  The first design was made by Chicago
Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust
and motion.  The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement".  Most of the early clubs had
some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads.  Finally, in 1922, it was decided that
all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians.  Thus, in 1923, the
present gear wheel, with 24 clogs and 6 spokes was adopted by the "Rotary International Association."
A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work
without a  "keyway" in the centre of the gear to attach it to a power shaft.  So, in 1923 the keyway was
added and the design which we know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.

                                                                                                  - Taken from "The ABCs of Rotary" booklet