Chronological History
History
Lions Club of Savannah
M E N U
How LionsClub of Savannah Began
At approximately 2:15 p.m. on May 11, 1922, Savannah joined the growing list of cities appearing on the roster of the International Association of Lions, an organization destined to become the greatest service group in the world.
A number of dedicated, community-minded men met at the Savannah Hotel to begin one of Lionism’s southernmost clubs. Father Ambrose of the Benedictine School explained the principles and organization of Lionism. From the group of men present Mr. W. G. Sutlive was selected as temporary chairman. Permanent officers were elected as follows:
- 1st VP - Harry G. Butler
- 2nd VP - Dr. Harry Y. Righton
- 3rd VP - Carl Mendel
- Secretary - A.F. Solms
- Treasurer - L.E. Saloshin
- Lion Tamer - Albert Oelschig
- Tailtwister - Louis J. Roos
- Chaplain - Rev. John S. Wilder
On the evening of June 10, 1922 the Lions Club of Savannah received its official charter from representatives of the International Association of Lions from Chicago. In attendance were city officials, outstanding business men and women, heads of about all of the civic clubs and fraternal organizations, civic and social leaders. Presiding was E. W. Rosenthal, Belgian Consul and newly elected president of the Lions Club. Program for the evening was as follows:
- Invocation - Rev. John S. Wilder
- Address of Welcome - Honorable Murray M. Steward, Mayor of Savannah
- Response to Welcome - E.W. Rosenthal, President of Savannah Lions Club
- Songs - By the Clubs & Lions
- Adress - Honorable Thomas W. Hardwick, Governor of Georgia
- Our Code of Ethics - Joseph Mendel
- Vocal Solo - John Y. Dyer
- Musical Numbers & Recitations
- Presentation of Charter - Representatives of Internation Association of Lions from Chicago
- Acceptance in Behalf of Club - Father Ambrose, O.S.B.
Chronological History |
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| 1922 |
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| 1923 |
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| 1924 |
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| 1925 |
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| 1935 |
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| 1941 |
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| 1942 |
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| 1947 |
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| 1949 |
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| 1950 |
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| 1953 |
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| 1957 |
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| 1959 |
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| 1960 |
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| 1961 |
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| 1962 |
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| 1963 |
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| 1965 |
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| 1966 |
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| 1968 |
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| 1969 |
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| 1971 |
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| 1972 |
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| 1973 |
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| 1974 |
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| 1975 |
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| 1977 |
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| 1980 |
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| 1981 |
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| 1982 |
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| 1983 |
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| 1984 |
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| 1985 |
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| 1987 |
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| 1988 |
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| 1993 |
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| 1997 |
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| 2002 |
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| 2006 |
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| 2007 |
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| 2009 |
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Highlights of Club History |
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The Lions Club of Savannah was chartered on May 11, 1922. We were the fifth Club in the state. Since its inception, the Club has served the local area and the state with distinction. Some of its numerous achievements are listed below.
During its existence the Club has had a leadership role in the Southeastern Georgia District (18-B) and in the state. Ten District Governors, one Lighthouse for the Blind President (Lion Tom Williams), One Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind President (Lion Jim Davis), numerous State and District Officers and Committee members have proudly upheld the service tradition of Lions Clubs International. The Club has also sponsored over forty new Clubs over the years and at present is the parent or grandparent of approximately 20 Clubs in District 18-B.
The Club has sold brooms as a charity project since December of 1950, raising a considerable sum thanks to the generosity of citizens and businesses in this area. These sales consist of an annual commercial sale and broom fairs at various locations in the area.
In December 1977, the Club staged a Christmas tree sale to aid the relatively new Georgia Camp for the Blind. This has since become a highly successful yearly event that has raised over $200,000 for Lions projects.
The Thomas B. Williams Memorial Putt-Putt Golf tournament was held in March of 1993.
Recipients of the funds raised by the hardworking Lions include the Lighthouse for the Blind, the Camp for the Blind, the Children's Eye care Center at Emory University and the Lions Clubs International Foundation (disaster relief in the U.S. and overseas as well as numerous projects both here and abroad to prevent and treat blindness). Local projects include purchasing glasses for needy persons, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries and other local non-profit agencies.
Local Lions have a long and beneficial relationship with Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire. Five Lions have served as Chair of the Board of this organization.
The Lions Club of Savannah has sponsored the Monarch Award, recognizing individuals who have rendered extraordinary service to the community.
As service to the community is the core of Lionism, members have distinguished themselves through untiring and unselfish volunteer efforts on behalf of many other agencies.