History of the West Liberty Lions Club
The West Liberty Lions Club was first organized in September of 1933 by Lions International Organizer, Howard D. Chapel. Sponsored by the Urbana Lions Club, the charter was received in October 1933. The club was declared defunct, and the charter suspended in 1938 following a report by District Governor Hutchinson of a “hit and miss operation” and loss of membership.
During July 1941, The West Liberty Lions Club was reorganized with the aid of Lions International representative George Bormuth. The Urbana Lions Club was once again their sponsor. They received their charter on August 25, 1941 and reorganized with seventeen members. Lion Howard R. Baldwin was elected president.
The first club project was decorating downtown West Liberty for the Christmas season. They also arranged for Santa Claus to distribute candy for the children. This tradition continued for many years until the West Liberty Business Association was organized and assumed this event.
During the World War II years, the West Liberty Lions Club was active in the Civil Defense Program. They aided in war fund drives, collected scrap and old metal for the war effort, and assisted in the collection of used clothing that was sent to those living in war-torn Europe. The Club erected a roll of honor in the village featuring the names of local men and women serving in the Armed Forces.
In the late 1940’s, the Club held their first Turkey Raffle. After a turkey dinner was served in the local high school, several turkeys were raffled from which the sum of $600 was realized. This money became seed money for developing a park and playground. A few years later, an area of about five acres belonging to the village Water Department was selected and the Recreation Association was organized to manage the new park facilities. In 1954, the Recreation Association disbanded, and the Club assumed total responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of the park.
In the 1950’s, a quarter midget racing track was installed at the park for drivers aged five to fifteen. Now known as the Mac-O-Chee Quarter Midget Races, they sponsor quarter midget races for kids aged five to sixteen from April to October.
On Labor Day weekend 1965, the West Liberty Lions Club sponsored a home show for local businesses at the park that had grown to be about 15 acres. The Club hosted slow and fast pitch softball tournaments on the single ball diamond and had ballpark food available at their concession stand. This was the beginning of the annual Labor Day Festival that is still being held each year. From a simple beginning, the festival has grown and changed over the years. For many years Willie Yoder’s Tug-of-War was one of the highlights of the festival. The antique tractor show and parade remain a favorite and major attraction for people from all over the US. The park has grown to include three separate ball diamonds, shelter houses, and a recently installed splash pad. The Lions Club Park is maintained and funded by the West Liberty Lions Club.
The West Liberty Lions Club is active all year with various fundraising projects, that have included broom and bulb sales, ham and turkey raffle, pancake and sausage breakfasts, fish fry, Rose Day, Lion Mints, and a bowling tournament. The Lions Club also supports eye glass recycling, pilot dogs, dictionary donations and scholarships for West Liberty Salem students, and much more.
The West Liberty Lions Club has been serving their community for over 80 years. The Lion Emblem features lion heads looking in two different directions. One is looking at past accomplishments, and the other looks to the future. The West Liberty Lions Club wrote in their 50-year history in 1991, “May our club always look forward, seeking new adventures and new endeavors, in order to find ways to help our fellow man”.
Information courtesy of West Liberty Lions Club member, Nancy McGuire.
Visit the Logan County History Center to learn more interesting aspects of Logan County history.
The History Center is open for tours Wednesday – Sunday from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
During July 1941, The West Liberty Lions Club was reorganized with the aid of Lions International representative George Bormuth. The Urbana Lions Club was once again their sponsor. They received their charter on August 25, 1941 and reorganized with seventeen members. Lion Howard R. Baldwin was elected president.
The first club project was decorating downtown West Liberty for the Christmas season. They also arranged for Santa Claus to distribute candy for the children. This tradition continued for many years until the West Liberty Business Association was organized and assumed this event.
During the World War II years, the West Liberty Lions Club was active in the Civil Defense Program. They aided in war fund drives, collected scrap and old metal for the war effort, and assisted in the collection of used clothing that was sent to those living in war-torn Europe. The Club erected a roll of honor in the village featuring the names of local men and women serving in the Armed Forces.
In the late 1940’s, the Club held their first Turkey Raffle. After a turkey dinner was served in the local high school, several turkeys were raffled from which the sum of $600 was realized. This money became seed money for developing a park and playground. A few years later, an area of about five acres belonging to the village Water Department was selected and the Recreation Association was organized to manage the new park facilities. In 1954, the Recreation Association disbanded, and the Club assumed total responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of the park.
In the 1950’s, a quarter midget racing track was installed at the park for drivers aged five to fifteen. Now known as the Mac-O-Chee Quarter Midget Races, they sponsor quarter midget races for kids aged five to sixteen from April to October.
On Labor Day weekend 1965, the West Liberty Lions Club sponsored a home show for local businesses at the park that had grown to be about 15 acres. The Club hosted slow and fast pitch softball tournaments on the single ball diamond and had ballpark food available at their concession stand. This was the beginning of the annual Labor Day Festival that is still being held each year. From a simple beginning, the festival has grown and changed over the years. For many years Willie Yoder’s Tug-of-War was one of the highlights of the festival. The antique tractor show and parade remain a favorite and major attraction for people from all over the US. The park has grown to include three separate ball diamonds, shelter houses, and a recently installed splash pad. The Lions Club Park is maintained and funded by the West Liberty Lions Club.
The West Liberty Lions Club is active all year with various fundraising projects, that have included broom and bulb sales, ham and turkey raffle, pancake and sausage breakfasts, fish fry, Rose Day, Lion Mints, and a bowling tournament. The Lions Club also supports eye glass recycling, pilot dogs, dictionary donations and scholarships for West Liberty Salem students, and much more.
The West Liberty Lions Club has been serving their community for over 80 years. The Lion Emblem features lion heads looking in two different directions. One is looking at past accomplishments, and the other looks to the future. The West Liberty Lions Club wrote in their 50-year history in 1991, “May our club always look forward, seeking new adventures and new endeavors, in order to find ways to help our fellow man”.
Information courtesy of West Liberty Lions Club member, Nancy McGuire.
Visit the Logan County History Center to learn more interesting aspects of Logan County history.
The History Center is open for tours Wednesday – Sunday from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pictured: Photos from past West Liberty Labor Day Festivals
|
|
Website by Berry Digital Solutions, LLC
West Liberty, OH
West Liberty, OH