On July 1, 1956, the Rotary Club of Philmont was started with 22 professionals and businessmen as Charter members. Meetings were first held at the Ockawamick School and Richardson Hall, moving in 1960 to Kozel’s where they met for 45 years before returning to Philmont’s Vanderbilt Inn in 2005. The first President was Clay North, father of Col. Oliver North. In 1987, women were admitted to Rotary with Janis Tipple being the first in Columbia County.

Philmont’s first projects were street signs in Philmont and playground equipment on the Crusader grounds. Over the years, Philmont Rotary has been responsible for the beach at the reservoir, spearheaded two fund drives for ambulances for the Philmont Rescue Squad, and sponsored musical programs, air shows, and a rodeo. The Club has hosted and sponsored exchange students, supported Leadership Conference participants, honored a Student of the Month and awarded the Herb Harder Rotary Scholarship to deserving high school students. A Golf Tournament and Raffle are held every July to fund the club’s activities. Local businesses are asked to purchase a flag, which is displayed on the course. This year’s tournament is scheduled for July 21.

The Philmont Rotary also started the Adopt-A-Family program in 2001 that provides a helping hand to a local family throughout the entire year.