The Salem Lions Club celebrated its 90th Anniversary at a Luncheon over the weekend at the Salem Elks.
The organization’s accomplishments since its founding in 1936, as well as its ongoing programs to benefit the community, were highlighted.
Salem Mayor Nic Farley presented a proclamation honoring the club on its 90th anniversary.
“You guys keep moving the ball forward, and we just appreciate all the things you do in the community,” Farley said. “From improvements at the hospital, little league, Addy’s playground… there’s just so much in the community that you guys do that truly makes a difference. On behalf of the city of Salem, I just want to say thank you for helping so many in our community.”
Salem Lion Leon Chapman followed with a detailed history of the club, starting with the $100,000 raised to start Salem Township Hospital in 1940. He notes several other projects have long histories, including the Easter Egg hunt and Post Prom.
“I think the most outstanding thing about this club is that we’ve stuck to everything we’ve done,” Chapman said. “We start a project, and we carry it all through the years.”
District Governor Bob Homan honored Max Dye as the longest-serving Lion. He joined the club 60 years ago. The youngest Lion, Becky Vosholler, was also honored. It was noted she was a 4th-generation Lion, starting with her great-grandfather George Edward Black, who served as President in 1945-46. Several other Lions were honored for years of service.
Homan also expressed his concern about the Lions’ moving forward.
“It’s great to see this many Lions coming together. There are 28 clubs in the district, and some of those clubs come together at a meeting, and there may be six at the meeting. That’s a real concern, is membership. It’s wonderful to see young folks come in, because that is the future of Lions. If the clubs don’t start getting younger folks in, we’re going to start closing clubs, and there will be no more Lions in some communities.”
Homan is pleased with the current membership of the Salem Lions, at 51 members, but said the club should continue to push for not only young members but also those of all ages.
The Salem Lions Club was organized on February 19th, 1936, by Lion C.W. Bishop of Carterville, with 22 charter members. The Lions at its peak had 109 members.
Salem Lion’s Club members at the 90th anniversary luncheon. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Max Dye, who has been a Salem Lions Club member for 60 years, is honored at the 90th Anniversary Luncheon as the oldest club member. District Governor Bob Homanh presented the award.
Becky Vosholler was honored as the Lions Club’s youngest member by District Governor Bob Homan.
