In July of 1918, the Club voted unanimously by secret ballot to show its spirited sentiment in support of national prohibition during WWI. A determined faction in Michigan unsuccessfully attempted to nullify the Eighteenth Amendment with an amendment to the State Constitution permitting wine and beer. In February of 1919, a Club meeting theme, “The Real Significance of the Beer and Wine Amendment” was addressed by the speaker, who with facts and logic effectively riddled the proposal as “unconstitutional, unlawful, disloyal, and in its tendency and spirit treasonable.” It would take fourteen years and repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment before Rotarian’s could once again enjoy a lawful and loyal drink.

Ann Arbor Rotary may fairly be seen as visionary in its early efforts to fight the ravaging effects of the polio virus discovered in 1908. With the polio vaccine not discovered until 1953, many polio victims were left terribly disabled and unable to partake in the simple pleasures of life. Beginning in 1919 the Club began it’s “Crippled Children’s Work.” (This terminology was accepted at that time.) Small gifts for University Hospital shut-ins, automobile rides and motion picture shows were provided by Rotarians. Soon an appeal was made to other Rotary Clubs for cooperative funding for hospital patients school instruction. The response was instant and generous. Although it cannot be said work with the polio afflicted began within the Ann Arbor Rotary Club, it is correct to say the Club was primarily responsible for initiating the work in Michigan.