Brief History of Lions Club – Rolling Prairie Lions Club

Lions Clubs International

In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Jones’ group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed.

After contacting similar groups around the United States, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the “Association of Lions Clubs,” and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objectives and a code of ethics were approved. And the rest is history.

As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2017, it’s moment to look back on our long and proud tradition of service and the numerous achievements of our association and Lions around the world.

1917: Melvin Jones and fellow Chicago businessmen found Lions Clubs to improve the community.

The first convention takes place at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX.

1920: Lions Clubs become international by chartering a club in Windsor, Canada.

1925: During the international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller charges Lions with becoming “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

1931: Lions head south and establish a club in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

The first international convention outside of the U.S. is held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

1939: Members of the Detroit Uptown Lions Club turn an old Michigan farmhouse into a school to train dog guides for the visually impaired, helping to popularize dog guides worldwide.

To provide an organized baseball program for children, Lion Carl Edwin Stotz of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, appeals for support from Lions clubs, YMCAs and other community partners. On June 6, 1939, the very first Little League baseball game is played at Park Point in Williamsport.

1944: The world’s first eye bank is created in New York City. Today, most eye banks are Lions-sponsored.

1945: Lions assist in drafting the United Nations Charter, starting a lasting bond with the U.N.

1957: Lions launch youth programs, including the very successful Leo Clubs.

1968: The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is established. Since its founding, LCIF has given more than US$826 million in grants to support the humanitarian work of Lions.

1971: LCI moves to its fourth and final location in Oak Brook, IL, after decades in downtown Chicago.

1987: The association amends its bylaws and invites women to become members. Women are now the fastest growing segment of new members.

There are much more memorable dates above , and this article was taken from http://lions100.lionsclubs.org/EN/about/timeline.php . These are just some important dates, but I believe these should be the most memorable.

Lions Clubs International

Rolling Prairie Lions Club Info