Since 1917, Lions have served the world's population through hard work and commitment to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere. With 1.4 million members serving in more than 46,000 clubs in over 193 countries and geographical areas, Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired.
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The Le Grand Lions Club was officially chartered on January 13, 1940.
The Le Grand Lions Club,
sponsored by the Chowchilla Lions Club, received its charter Saturday, February
24, 1940 at the high school auditorium in Le Grand.
Herbert Hargrave, District Governor of Fresno presented the charter and Fletcher Rogers, club president, made a speech of acceptance.
Visiting delegations were present from Chowchilla, Merced, and Madera. The Chowchilla club presented the new club with their bell and gavel, the Merced club their Lions club banner and the Madera club, the flag of our country.
Charter members were Alvin A. Baxter, J. J. Baxter, Ben R. Curry, Wood I. Glasgow, Leslie Kahl, Wirt B. King, Jr., H. V. Lambert, G. D. Lockwood, J. Wilson McKinney, Harmon Morley, Marvin E. Neuman, Clyde Ogden, O. A. Oswalt, J. A. Raynor, Fletcher Rogers, Cromwell Southward, Fred Tuttle, George H. Wenham, George B. White, Ira G. Wilkerson and the late T. D. Wilson.
Rogers was president and held that office for two years. McKinney, publisher of The Advocate, Le Grand's weekly newspaper was secretary-treasurer.
The club held their meetings in the front room of the Emory Preston home for some time, later moving their headquarters to the Hotel room in the Ball building, meeting there for the first time September 4, 1940.
Click for more Le Grand Club history.
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