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Thomasville Lions review their history
***** History of Lions Club in Thomasville Three separate Lions Clubs have been chartered in Thomasville. The original club was organized and chartered in May/June of 1929 and continued until 1931 when it disbanded, probably due to the depression. The first president was J.W. Tucker and the secretary-treasurer was Dr. R.A. Irons. The club met at noon on Fridays at the City Café (later known as Eddie's Hamburgers located directly across from Bedsole's Dry Goods Store). The charter fee was $10. The club was chartered with 15 members. The second Lions Club was organized in February 1935 and chartered March 21, 1935 in the Thomasville High School cafeteria. There were 23 charter members (seven of them from the original club). This club met from 1935 - 1939. Charter fee was $10 per member and they met on the first and third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. The sponsoring club was Linden Club. Plates were sold at 60 cents each. Charter night was a big deal and there were many dignitaries here. The principal speaker was a former International President, Lion Roderick Beddow from Birmingham. He served as Lions International President from 1933-34. Other guests present included two other International Officers, H.H. Rogers and A.L. Bell. Other out of town guests included eight from Thomaston, 12 from Linden, 10 from Jackson, 10 from Mobile and one from Atmore. All who were present said it was one of the best meetings ever held in Thomasville. More than 65 people were present. The president was Dr. R.A. Irons and Luther Moore was secretary. The club was made up of downtown businessmen. The third and current Lions Club was organized in November 1967 and chartered in March 1968, making 2008 the 40th consecutive year of service to Thomasville. Of 27 charter members, two are still members today - Lion Howard Jackson and Lion Ed Ford. Lion Ed Fitzgerald, extension chairman from the Eight Mile Club and the State Secretary Tom Kirkham of Montgomery were instrumental in organizing the club. Co-sponsoring clubs were Linden and Demopolis. The meetings would be held the first and third Mondays at 7 p.m., at the Delmar Restaurant. The president was Lion Howard Jackson and secretary was Lion Jim Miller. Dues were set at $18 per member not including meals. A charter night program was scheduled for March 14, 1968 at Hobson State Technical School. Charter member fees were $10 each. Charter Night chairman was B.B. Blackwell. Many guests and dignitaries were present. District Governor Gene Beckham of Mobile presented the charter. A telegram of congratulations was received from International President Jorge Bird. The club has sponsored many projects during the last 40 years. Some of them include: - Overseeing and supervising the construction of the Earl Tucker Ball Field. Initial cost was $30,000. Lion John Collins gave a most informative presentation outlining the development of this ball club and he and Ed Ford and Mack Mott were instrumental in securing the funds for this project. It was the late Earl Tucker's wish for local boys to have a place to play ball on a field that was always available and not locked. These three Lions met with the executor of the estate for Mr. Tucker and he announced the Thomasville Lions Club would oversee this project. This is one of the most outstanding local projects the club has done. Other projects included: - Alabama Lions Sight Conservation (the primary goal of sight conservation and research - includes eye exams and glasses for local indigent people). The Alabama Sight Bus is brought to check school children's vision several times a year. - LCIF (Lions Club International Foundation) - Scholarship for a graduating THS Senior (began in 1973 with $250 and is now $750) - Alabama Lions High School Youth Camp (began in 1969) - DARE Program (Drug Education program for elementary and junior high school) - Leader Dog Program - Guide Dog Program - Lions USA Eye Research (a District 34-N Project) - Sponsor LEO Club High School (Leadership-Education- Opportunity) - Support Scouting program (boys and girls) - Sponsor Fireman/Policeman Appreciation Banquet - Contribute to the local Civic Center Project - Contribute to Chamber of Commerce Christmas lighting - Help with Christmas parade (traffic and line up control) Some local fund-raising projects have included: - Halloween candy sales - Light bulb sales - Radio Day (began in 1971) - American Flag Display on holidays - Flashing Arrow Signs (began in Oct of 1985) - Walk-A-Thon (road block Stride - Walk) - Christmas with Santa pictures - Others: turkey shoot, golf tournament, giant color book sales, gospel singing, donkey ball game, basketball games (Lions vs. Rotary Club) - Mops and brooms sales - County map books - Lunch with Santa - East-West All- Star Baseball game Achievements Some achievements over the last 40 years, of which the Thomasville Lions Club is very proud, include: - The club has presented 13 Melvin Jones Awards (the highest honor someone can receive in Lionism). These cost the club $1000 apiece. - Three District Governors have come from the Thomasville Lions Club (Lion Bobby Ziglar, Lion Richard Martindale and Lion Linda Ziglar). - Sponsored the Grove Hill Lions Club in 1974. - Re-organized the Monroeville Club in 1984. - Re-organized the Butler Club in 2002. A spokesperson said, "The Thomasville Lions Club is proud to have an active part in the progress of Thomasville. Our motto is 'WE SERVE' and we are a working club."
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