History - Pranks in Rotary

 
It was not unusual for pranks to be played on Rotarians. Norman Smith was very good at this with his quick wit and keen sense of humour. Like several other of the early Rotarians he was also an inveterate prankster. On one occasion he and Davie Jones planned and carried out a spoof on their fellow Rotarians. Somehow the "tipped off" the press that a pair of Russian dignitaries were about to arrive in Edmonton via the transcontinental train. Probably the Rotary President was in on the lark and let it be known that "important visitors," having been contacted by telegraph, had graciously consented to come as guests to the Rotary meeting. It "just happened" that they were to arrive in Edmonton on the day of the regular meeting.

This exciting news was broadcast several days ahead and great was the excitement among Rotarians and also in the press newsrooms.

Meanwhile Norman and Davie had taken the train to Saskatoon, bearing a suitcase full of props. Upon arrival they booked a convenient hotel room. Next day they proceeded to put on suitable make-up and costumes. Faces were covered with bushy beards; steel rim glasses were donned to give them a scholarly look (and to assist with the disguise). Swallow tail coats and morning trousers, along with top hats completed the transformation into Russian dignitaries.

All that remained was to board the transcontinental for Edmonton where they were met by the Rotary President and members of the executive. The press was on hand too but the interviews were rather frustrating for the reporters as the "Russian visitors" seemed to know little English and their heavily accented answers to questions made little sense.

The party arrived at the MacDonald Hotel in the best car the Rotary President had been able to commandeer. A Grand entrance was made with the assembled Rotarians rising to their feet out of respect, while the important visitors were escorted to the head table. To add to the ridiculous comedy, the "Russian pair" looked a bit like Mutt and Jeff as Davie was a very small man and Norman was tall and hefty.

It is not clear how long the charade continued but it is reported that before the meeting was over the men began to tumble to the fact that once more they were victims of a practical joke.

No doubt there was good nature acceptance of the prank as it was by no means the first such incident.