LIONS OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF STATE HISTORIAN EUGENE SANDERS
DECATUR, GEORGIA
HISTORY OF LIONISM IN GEORGIA

PART II

DISTRICT 18

MAY 1, 1970

1937 - 1940

FOREWORD

This is the second part of the story of Lionism in Georgia.

The first natural division of this story of Lionism in Georgia covered the period from December 17, 1920 when the first Lions Club in the State of Georgia was organized in Atlanta, to the meeting of the state convention in Columbus in 1937. During this period of seventeen years the entire state of Georgia was in one district. The story of these years was distributed in Augusta at the 48th annual state convention in June, 1969.

From June 1937 through June 1947 District 18 was divided into three districts, this action being taken at the 17th annual state convention in Albany, June 6, 7, 8, 1937. For convenience the story of these years is divided so that the present part includes the years from 1937-1940. This is in no wise a “finished” history. It is a rough outline, a bare skeleton which it is hoped will stir you to contribute to its enrichment.

Everyone who is concerned and who has additional information which would add interest, meaning and depth to this account is urged to communicate it to the State Historian, so that this story may “sparkle with the deeds, memories, personalities, and spirit which have built, and are building the Lionism which we love,” and through which we serve.

History of Lionism in District No. 18, Georgia 1936-1937

The 17th Annual State Convention of District No 18 Was held at Albany, Georgia, on June 6, 7, 8, 1937. District Governor Edward Murrah, Columbus, was unable to attend because of illness, The District Governor had made 67 visits to his 72 Clubs, and had imbued the membership with an enthusiasm and sense of loyalty that spoke well for the future.

The Convention was called to order by Turner L, Smith; President of the Host Club, who introduced Henry T. McIntosh, Editor of the Albany Herald, for an address of welcome on behalf of the city. Response was by D. R. Jackson, Soperton, who assumed the gavel. Wm. T. Roy, Athens, former chairman of the Board of Governors of Lions International, made a report in which he recommended the division of the District into three sub-divisions to be known as A, B, and C, named the Clubs in each, and moved its adoption. This was amended to empower the Governors to select their own Deputies and, together, select a State Secretary. The motion carried as amended.

Dr. Rainey introduced three children of his county who had been crippled by infantile paralysis and called attention to the braces they wore, only by means of which they were able to walk. He said the Camilla Club, of which he was a member, had supplied several dozen children with similar braces, and the Camilla Club was given a rousing vote of thanks.

Necrology Services were in charge of Lion Leach, Donaldsonville.

Approximately 400 attended the Governor's Banquet and Ball on Monday evening.

Lieutenant Governor Jackson was chairman of the Tuesday morning session. He paid a fine tribute to Governor Murrah, and later on in the program it was announced by Lion John Wynn that a check was being sent to Mrs. Ed Hurrah, in appreciation of the loyalty and unselfish service of the Governor, by the Lions Clubs of Georgia.

The Peach was adopted as the official insignia of Georgia Lions.

It was voted to place pertain restrictions on candidates for District Governor and applicants for the Convention City, and to provide headquarters at the International Convention in Chicago.

International was represented by L. H. Lewis, the first President of the Association, who was the principal speaker, and Lion Cecil Webb, International Field Representative of Chicago.

The following District Governors were unanimously elected: W. A. Abercrombie, Athens, for 18-A; D. R. Jackson, Soperton, for 18-B; and Stanley Elkan, Macon, for 18-C. Savannah was awarded the next Convention.

The District Governors Organization Plan was adopted in the three Districts.

The year began with the following District Governors in office: 18-A, W. A. Abercrombie, Athens; 18-B, D. R. Jackson, Soperton; 18-C, Stanley A. Elkan, Macon. District Governor Jackson resigned at the beginning of his term and Judge Will Stallings of Soperton was appointed to serve as District Governor for the term. On June 30, 1938, there were 76 clubs in the district, with a-total membership of 2023, representing a gain for the year of four clubs end 526 members.

History of Lionism in District 18, Georgia--1937-1938

The 1938 Convention of District 18 was held in Savannah on June 5, 6, 7. International representative at the Convention was George Bell Timmerman, International Director.

A Key members breakfast was held on the second morning of the Convention.

The Convention voted to continue support of the Lions Juvenile Braille Magazine for another year.

The District Governors elected were: Dr. H. L. Barker, Carrollton, for 18-A; John Heard Arnold, Ashburn, for 18-B; and Turner L. Smith, Albany, for 18-C.

Clayton was chosen as the 1939 Convention City.

18-A

There was a gain of 42 Key Members and a gain of 2 Master Key Members over the number at the beginning of the fiscal year. The combined clubs of the district added a net total of 246 members, and there was a net increase of two clubs.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Dr, H. L. Barker, Carrollton; Region 2, L. Paul Webb, Lavonia.

Zone-Chairman were: C. W. Peacock, Lafayette; H. A. Jones, Tallapoosa; G. T. Langford, Gainesville; S. A. Hale, Athens; John R. Teasley, Canton.

18-B

There was a gain of 21 Key Members during the year. Three new clubs were established in the district and a net total of 192 members was added.

Deputy District Governors were: John H. Arnold, Ashburn, Robt. L. Cowart, Waycross, J, Eugene Cook, Wrightsville.

Zone Chairmen were: Dr. L. 0, Shaw, Tifton; Nelson S, Carswell, Dublin; Harry Heins, Augusta; Marvin J. Williams, Douglas; Edward A. Dutton, Savannah; U. V. Whipple, Jr., Cordele; ;M. ;M.  Monroe, Waycross.

18-C

There was a gain of 16 Key Members and a gain of two Master Key Members during the year. There was a net loss of one club but there was a net gain of 88 members.

Deputy District Governors were: E. G. Elcan, Bainbridge; Turner L. Smith, Albany, Jett Potts, West Point; G. P. Whatley, Forsyth.

Zone Chairman was: J. B. Petty, Dawson.

History of Georgia, District 18, 1938-39.

18-A

In all phases of Lionism, District 18-A during 1938-39, showed substantial increases. Twenty-nine Key Memberships were awarded making a total of 135. Two Master Key Memberships were awarded, making a total of 7; one hundred and seventy-two new members were gained bringing the total to 883, and 4 new charters were granted, raising the number of clubs to 28.

Forty-seven visits were made by District Governor Barker of Carrolton to his 24 clubs.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Wade Wright of Atlanta; Region 3, Dr. R. W. Smith of Ellijay; Region 2, W. A. Abercrombie of Athens.

Zone Chairmen were: Rev. J. C. Adams of Franklin; Frank G. Thomas of Decatur; John R. Teasley of Canton; Ed A. Burch of Dalton; Hugh A. Inglis of Clarksville; J. L, Weir of Athens.

18-B

District Governor Arnold of Ashburn made 48 visits to his 24 clubs in 18:B during 1938-39.

The clubs were strengthened by 12 new members augmenting, the total to 604. There were 31 men who won Key Memberships during the year making a total of 150, and three men distinguished themselves by achieving Master Key Awards.

Deputy District Governors serving District 18-B during this term were: Region 1, Harry A. Heins of Augusta; Region 2, D. I. Thornton of Cordele; Region No 3, H. C. Morgan of Homerville; Region 4, Edward A. Dutton of Savannah,

Zone Chairmen were B. A. Watson of Wadley; Carl B. Nelton of Dublin; J. R. Reece of Cordele; L. O. Shaw of Tifton; Marvin Williams of Douglas; K. W. Saunders of Savannah.

18-C

In 1938, there were 696 members in District 18-C, but with a loss of 17 members in 1938-39 the total was reduced to 679. Also during this term two clubs were cancelled leaving a total of 25 on June 30, 1939.

District Governor Turner L. Smith of Albany made 44 visits to his 27 clubs during this administration. Eight men were assigned Key Membership which made the Key Membership total 89. The number of Master Key Members remained unchanged.

The following were Deputy District Governors during 1938-39: Region 1, James Carithers of Moultrie; Region 2, Jim David Parker of Edison; Region 3, R. S. Heard of West Point: Region 4, Prof. G. Paul Whatley of Forsyth.

Zone Chairmen serving for this term were: Clark Gurly of Bainbridge; C. C. Rainey of Camilla; W. Jesse Chambless of Dawson; Harry Mogford of Leary; Thomas Ferguson of Talbotton; Steve Bland of Lumpkin; John Corm of Sandersville; Mallory C. Atkinson of Macon.

Clayton was host to the Annual Convention which was held from June 10-12. Total attendance numbered 401. Melvin Jones of Chicago, Founder and Secretary-General of Lions International was the principal speaker.

A Presidents' and Secretaries meeting was held.

Key Members were honored at a breakfast, and the Braille Activity was adopted by the state.

District Governors elected for the term 1939-40 were: Wade H. Wright of Atlanta for District 18-A; J. Eugene Cook of Wrightsville for District 18-B; and William F. Loflin of Columbus for District 18-C.

Columbus was voted the 1940 Convention.

18-A

Number of Visits by District Governor      47

18-B

Number of Visits by District Governor      48

18-C

Number of Visits by District Governor      44

 History of Lionism in District 18, Georgia - 1939-40

The year began with the following District Governors in office: 18-A Wade H. Wright, Atlanta; 18-B, J. Eugene Cook, Wrightsville; and 18-C William F. Loflin, Columbus. On June 30, 1940, there were 90 clubs in the district, with a total membership of 2652, representing a gain for the year of 13 clubs and 486 members.

The 1940 Convention of District 18 was held in Columbus on June 10, 11. Three hundred thirty-eight delegates and guests were in attendance and 53 clubs were represented.  International representatives at the Convention were Dr. Carl L. Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of Governors, and Dr. H. L. Barker, member of the Board of Governors.

A Key Member breakfast, held on the first morning of the convention, was attended by 150 Key Members. Many prizes were awarded for membership gains, best attendance, and other contests.

The Convention voted to continue support of the Lions' Juvenile Braille Magazine for another year. A resolution was also adopted which created a fund known as the Lions Student Loan Fund of Georgia.

The District Governors elected were: Hugh A. Inglis, Clarksville, for 18-A, Edward A. Dutton, Savannah, for 18-B;Jr., and Arthur S. Boyett, Buena Vista, for 18-C.

Augusta was chosen as the 1941 Convention City.

 History of Lionism in District 18, Georgia 1939-40

18-A

District Governor Wright made 48 visits to his clubs during the year. There was a gain of 65 Key Members and a gain of 3 Master Key Members over the number at the beginning of the fiscal year, combined clubs of the district added a net total of 253 members, and there was a net increase of seven clubs.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, H. A. Jones, Tallapoosa; Region 2, H. A. Inglis, Clarkesville; Region 3, J. H. Bagwell, Canton.

Zone Chairman were: W. Joe Scott, Atlanta; Frank Taylor, Bowdon; F. T. Corry, Siham; Col. Clyde W. Holden, Clayton; B. Jack Smith, Gainesville; E. A. Birch, Dalton; E, C. Pesterfield, Summerville.

18-B

District Governor Cook visited his clubs 30 times. There was a gain of 28 Key Members and a gain of three Master Key Members during the year. Three new clubs were established in the district and a net total of 53 members was added.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, William Estroff, Soperton; Region 2, L. O. Shaw, Tifton; Region 3, E. M. Diavours, Douglas; Region 4, A. K. Conway, Savannah.

Zone Chairmen were: Buren A. Watson; Robert H. Hightower, Dublin, Carl W. Gillespie, Abbeville; Inslee M. Johnson, Alma; W. N. Pittman, Savannah.

18-C

Thirty-four visits were made by District Governor Loflin to the clubs in his district during the year,. There was a gain of 30 Key Members and a gain of one Master Key Member, bringing the total on June 30, 1940, to 119 Key Members and eight Master Key Members. There was a net gain of three clubs in the district during the year, and a net total of 180 members was added.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Dr. C, O. Rainey, Camilla; Region 2, Henry B. Crowell, Jr., Dawson; Region 3, Arthur S. Boyett, Buena Vista; Region 4, Brooks Geoghegan, Macon.

Zone Chairmen were: Clark Gurley, Bainbridge; Duncan Sinclair, Moultrie; W.J. Watson, Shellman; Ben A. Garrett, Arlington; J. G. Pryor, Smithville; Harry R. Spikes, Lagrange; Thomas H, Ferguson, Talbotton; H. B. Rountree, Jr., Sparta; William B. Freeman, Forsyth,

History of Lionism in District 18, Georgia - 1940-41

The year began with the following District Governors in office: 18-A, Hugh A. Inglis, Clarksville; 18-B, Edward A. Dutton, Savannah; and 18-C, A. S. Boyett, Jr. Buena Vista. On June 30, 1941 there wore 102 clubs in the district with a total membership of 2902, representing a gain of 12 clubs and 250 members for the year.

The 1941 convention of District 18 was held in Augusta on June 8, 9, and 10. There were 23 clubs represented and Past President Alexander T. Wells and Director George S. Johnson were the International Representatives.

Club Presidents' and Secretaries' Meetings were held, as was a Key Member Breakfast with 150 in attendance. Numerous prizes were awarded for membership gains, best attendance, and other contests.

The new District Governors elected were: Edd A. Burch, Dalton, 18-A; Ross H. Pittman, Tifton 18-B; and William B, Freeman, Forsyth, 18-C.

Gainesville was chosen as the 1942 Convention city.

18-A

District Governor Inglis made 73 visits to his clubs during the year. There were 54 keys and four Master Keys issued, during the year, and an increase of nine clubs and 248 members. The records showed 44 clubs with 1384 members at the close of the year.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Frank Taylor, Bowdon: Region 2, Grady O. Jackson, Greensboro; Region 3, Edd A. Burch, Dalton.

Zone Chairman were: Eugene Sanders, Atlanta: M. I. Garber, Cedartown; Dr. W. B. Keller, Tocoa; Ralph M. Cannon, Lavonia; R. L. Russell, Athens; N. E. Fackler, Canton; and Thomas E. Lawson, Trion.

18-B

District Governor Dutton made 20 visits to his clubs during the year. Twenty-two keys and two Master Keys were issued during the year, and three clubs were added, increasing the district's total membership to 669, representing 30 clubs.

Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Fred L. Damren, Augusta; Region 2, Ross H. Pittman, Tifton; Region 3, John Youngblood, Waycross; and Region 4, R. James Dotson, Savannah.

Zone Chairmen were: S. C. Evans, Jr., Wadley; R. A. Perry, Soperton; J. R. Reese, Cordele; Dr. W. R. Wilson, Jr., Douglas; La Rue Parrish, Adel; and William N. Pittman, Savannah.

18-C

District Governor Boyett, Jr., made 40 visits to the clubs in his district, and during the year 24 Keys and one Master Key were issued. There was a loss of ten members, leaving the totals at the end of the year 28 clubs with 849 members.

Deputy District Governors were: Region l, Frank S. Twitty, Camille; Region 2, J. A. Pickard, Edison; Region 3, Honey B. Pease, Columbia;  and Region 4, William B. Freeman, Forsyth.

Zone Chairmen were: R. S. McGarity, Moultrie; Henry B, Crowell, Jr., Dawson; Earl Pickle, Blakely; W. E. Higgins, West Point; J. T. Minor, Jr., Thomaston; and W. Newsome Summerlin, Sandersville.

History of Lionism in District 18, Georgia - 1941-42

The year began with District Governors Edd A. Burch (18-A) of Dalton, Ross H. Pittman (18-B) of Tifton and William B. Freeman (18-C) of Forsyth, in office. At the end of the year there was a total of 104 clubs in the combined district with a membership of 2,642 representing a gain of two clubs but a loss of 260 members.

Gainesville, Georgia, was the 1942 convention host city with sessions being held in the Dixie Hunt Hotel on June 14, 15, and 16. There were 50 clubs represented by 186 delegates and 33 Visitors. Activities, other than the regular business sessions, included a bowling tournament, golfing, swimming, theatre party, three District breakfasts, and the District Governors' Banquet and Ball. Numerous cups and cash prizes mere awarded. Past International President Roderick Beddow, who represented Lions International at the convention, was a featured speaker.

By resolution, District 18 pledged its influence and energies toward the winning of the war, the keeping of the eventual peace, the upholding of American ideals and principles, and the honoring of those members who wore serving their country and those who were yet to be called to serve.

LaGrange, Georgia, was chosen as the 1943 convention host city and the new District Governors elected to office were: W. Joe Scott, (18-A) of Atlanta; Dr. Fred L. Damren (18-B) of Augusta and C. E. Boggs (18-C) of Talbotton, Georgia.

18-A

District Governor Burch made 54 visits to the clubs in his District during his term of office. On June 30, 1942, there were 47 clubs with a membership of 1,319. This represented a gain of three clubs during the year, but a loss of 65 members. There was a gain of 44 key members and two master Key members, making a total of 298 Key Members and 16 Master Key members.

The Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, W. Joe Scott, Atlanta (Little Five Points Club); Region 2, Grady O. Jackson, Greensboro; Region 3, James S. Tankersley, Ellijay, and Dr. Robert Smith, Ellijay; and Region 4, Dr. W. B. Heller, Tocoa.

The Zone Chairmen were: Roy Rarwell, Atlanta; Eugene Sanders, Atlanta (Decatur); Walter New, Carrollton; John Dolvin, Union Point; N. C. Row, Conyers; H. V. Henry, Lafayette; H. V. Brinkman, Jasper; M. B. Clinkscalos, Commerce; and Charles W. Colwell, Hiawassee (Towns County Club).

18-B

District Governor Pittman made 23 visits to the clubs in his District during the year. At the end of the year there were 28 clubs with a membership of 546, representing a loss of two clubs and 123 members. There was an increase of six Key members and one Master Key member, making a total of 206 key members and 14 Master Key members in the District.

The Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Joseph R. Reese, Cordele; Region 2, Walter R. Wilson, Douglas; Region 3, Dr; Fred L. Damren, Augusta; and Region 4, Dr. Melvin Sutker, Savannah, and Alfred Pineka, Savannah.

The Zone Chairmen were: F. E. Winn, Ashburn;  William C. Syms, Abbevllle; M. E. Butler, Alma; William R. King, Waycross; Sam O. Evans, Jr., Wadley; Linton Malone, Dublin; and Malcolm B; Jones, Savannah;

18-C

During his term of office; District Governor Freeman made 26 visits to the clubs in his District.  At the end of the fiscal year there were 29 clubs in the District with a combined membership of 777. This represented a gain of one club but a loss of 72 members. There was a net increase of 25 Key members which made a total of 168 Key members and eight Master Key members on June 30, 1942.

The Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, Earle Pickle, Blakely; Region 2, R. E. Coleman, Albany; Region 3, E. J. Tucker, Lumpkin; and Region 4, Fred J. Osborne, Macon.

The Zone Chairmen were: Dallas F. Wurst; Donalsonville; Oscar Powell, Arlington, C. B. Burrell, Moultrie; Joe M. Hawley, Columbus; J. T. Minor, Jr., Thomaston; and J. L. Williams, Sparta.

History of Lionism in District 18, Georgia - 1942-43

At the close of the fiscal year 1942-43, District 18 comprised 107 clubs having a total membership of 3,050. During the year there was a gain of three clubs, 408 members, 90 Key members, seven Master Key members and one Senior Master Key member. On June 30, 1943, there was 719 Key members, 44 Master Key members and one Senior Master Key member, in this District.

The District Governors holding office during 1942-43 were: W. Joe Scott of Atlanta, in District 18-A; Dr. Fred L. Damren, of Augusta; in District 18-B; and C. E. Boggs of Talbotton, in District 18-C, upon James D. Carithers resignation in July, 1942.

The Annual Convention of District 18 was held on June 6-7-8, 1943, in LaGrange, with 46 clubs being represented and 132 delegates, 11 alternates and 145 visitors in attendance.

Harold P. Nutter of Camden, New Jersey, International Director, was on hand to officially represent the International Association.

Entertainment included Sight-seeing tours, swimming, golf, bridge, a barbecue supper, community party, a Model Luncheon, a District Governor's luncheon, and a superbly successful Stunt Night program. Among the prizes awarded the winners of the District contests were Cups, War Bonds, Flags and cash.

The newly elected District Governors were: Hoke Sewell, Gainesville, in District 18-A; Robert Cowart, Douglas, in District 18-B; and C. G. Higginbotham, LaGrange, in District 18-C.

18-A

District Governor Scott made a total of 34 visits during the year to the clubs in his District. There was a gain of 117 members, 53 Key members, three Master Key members and one Senior Key member during the year. Two clubs were dropped.

The Deputy District Governors were: Region 1, J. C. Adams, Heard County; Region 2, J. D, Salter, Athens; Region 3, Herbert Crane, Cartersville; and Region 4, Hoke Sewell, Gainesville.

The Zone Chairmen for 1942-43 were: Vic Todd, Atlanta, Eugene Sanders, Decatur; J. Hubert Griffin, Carrollton; Ernest Haines, Crawford; W. T. Johnson, Washington; Mack Hicks, Rome; G. I. Maddox, Chatsworth; O. D, Cannon, Jr., Lavonia; and J. S. Lunsford, Clarksville.

 18-B

District Governor Damren made a total of 27 visits to the clubs in his District during the year. There was a gain of five clubs, 232 members, 19 Key members and three Master Key members during this period.

The Deputy District Governors were: Region 1,W. M. Syms, Abbeville; Region 2, Dr. Walter R. Wilson, Jr., Douglas; Region 3, William Estroff, Soperton; R. A. Perry, Soperton; and Region 4, Alfred Pineda, Savannah.

Zone Chairmen for the year were: F. E. Wynn, Ashburn; David Clark, Hawkinsville; M. E. Butler, Alma; William R. King, Waycross; Sam Evans, Wadley; Linton Malone, Dublin: and Malcolm B, Jones, Savannah.

18-C

District Governor C. E. Boggs of Talbotton made a total of 25 visits during the year to clubs in his District. The records for this period indicate a gain of 59 members, 18 Key members and one Master Key member.

The offices of Deputy District Governors were filled by: Region 1, Sam Sells of Moultrie; Region 2, Oscar Powell, Arlington; Region 3, Bill Westbrook, Columbus; and Region 4, J. L. Williams, Sparta.

Zone Chairmen during the year were: Lawrence Short, Smithville; Dr. R. H. Enzer, Smithville; H. B. Williams, Bainbridge; Frank Taylor, Dawson; J. D. Davis, Ellaville; W. A. Smalley, Forsyth; and Dr. S. N. Rubin, Wilkinson County.

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