The Rotary Club of Woonsocket was founded by the Rotary Club of Pawtucket, whose James F. McCoy was District Governor during the Rotary year 1959-1960. Mr. McCoy approached Carl W. Christiansen founder and CEO of the well-respected accounting firm of Christiansen & Co.

Carl agreed to sound out men in Woonsocket to see if there was sufficient interest to organize a Rotary Club in his city. All the men were enthusiastic and they came together for the first time on February 3, 1960 at the To-Kalon Club in Pawtucket. The Pawtucket Club was the host.