Peterborough Club

What is Gyro? 

Gyro came into being naturally and spontaneously . . . as the result of the desire of three college chums to perpetuate the friendships of college days. It was April 1912 that the three friends — Paul Schwan, Clarence H. Handerson and Edmund L. Kagy — meeting together as had been their custom, decided that the unity of their friendship, which had crystallized through four years of college association in Cleveland, was worthy of perpetuation. Not only of perpetuation, but to bring into this unity other friends whose joining together would strengthen them against the diversified demands of business and other interests, that all too often sever old friendships so completely that the old youthful friendly, heart-to-heart, and hand-to-hand contact cannot be retained. These three Gyro founders felt that nothing could be more satisfying than a friendship extending throughout life with the very real warmth and affection that usually characterizes the friendships of younger days. “Age has no terrors when the friendships of youth extend into the constantly advancing years with undiminished fervor.” Organized June 24 with constitution and laws, the name Gyro was selected in December 1912, an adaptation from the word Gyroscope. The Gyroscope is the visible symbol of Gyro. In a Gyroscope wheel, both ends of its axis are mounted in a ring. When in rapid rotation, no matter at what angle the axis is placed, the Gyroscope will continue to point in the same direction, maintaining its poise and power. This balance is retained even though the axis is moved by some outside force while the Gyroscope is already in motion. The Gyroscopic principle is controlled power, poise and balance. From this principle, come the Gyro key words of:

POWER — Symbolizing the power of friendship in our human relationships.
POISE — Demonstrating the steadiness of friendship in times of trial.
PURPOSE — Keeping the balance wheel of friendship forever active in the daily lives of more men.

Gyro is a satisfying state of mind . . . achieved through friendship, evidenced by a constructive, coherent fellowship, strengthened by tolerance, goodwill and helpfulness. Gyro carries with it no label of race, creed, political or other Club affiliation . . . it imposes no limitations. On the contrary, it broadens vision and extends social contacts. Gyro stimulates personal achievement . . . it is the hallmark of an understanding personality joined in agreeable voluntary relationships with other men of kindred mind and purpose. The word “Gyro” defines an international association . . . a local group . . . an individual associated with these groups . . .but back of this definition is a broad comprehensive spirit of friendship in its finest and most significant manifestation. True friendship is unselfish and unselfishness is the way of life in happiness. Even though a Gyro may be satisfied with his own group, others should be aided to achieve similar groups, united in a common bond of intercity, interstate and international understanding. Gyro fellowship is more individual — more personal than membership in a business or professional organization . . . it is not a lodge, not a substitute for a religious organization, but an exchange of interests — friendship is the only commodity without consideration of price or bargaining. The missionary spirit of Gyro is conditioned only by the conviction that there is something every Gyro gains by sharing,