SHORT HISTORY OF LIONISM

1911: Dr. W. P. Woods of Indiana founded Royal Order of Lions

1916: Melvin Jones of Chicago invited service organizations from all over the country to "discuss an international organization devoted to helping others rather than ourselves."

1917: Representatives met in Chicago and agreed on a convention in Dallas on October 8, 1917 to organize. Twenty-seven clubs met and adopted Constitution, By-Laws, Objects, and Ethics. This event is recognized as the official birthday of Lions Clubs International. Of the 27 clubs, nine were from Texas. Eventually Illinois was designated District 1 in honor of Melvin Jones and Texas was designated as District 2. Austin, Texas Founder Club is the oldest club in terms of continuous service, having been organized in 1916 before International was formed.

1925: Helen Keller addressed the Convention and challenged the Lions to be "Knights of the Blind and Hard of Hearing". Lionism and sight conservation have been synonymous ever since that date.

1940’s: Efforts of Lions were devoted to Bonds and Books for troops. During the influenza epidemic, efforts were turned to hospital help and health subjects.

1970: Lioness & Leo clubs formed.

1971: New home in Oak Brook, IL opened.

Membership:

1920’s: 80,000 Members 2,200 Clubs

1997: 1,429,000 Members 43,771 Clubs