Cucamonga District Host Lions Club – Our Story
Chartered: November 19, 1947
The Cucamonga District Lions Club was founded with 35 charter members, drawing from the communities of Cucamonga, Alta Loma, and Etiwanda—hence the inclusion of “District” in the original name. The Club was proudly sponsored by the Ontario Host Lions Club and continues to serve these three communities today, reflecting the heart of Rancho Cucamonga in its membership.
Our Identity
The Club's emblem, a bunch of ripe purple grapes flanked by two green grape leaves, was adopted early on and remains a proud symbol displayed on all member apparel and pins—a tribute to the area’s agricultural roots.
Growing the Pride
In 1984, the Cucamonga District Lions Club sponsored two new branches: a Breakfast Lions Club and a Lioness Evening Club. The Lioness Club later evolved into the Rancho Cucamonga Community Lions Club in 1994. Together, the Host and Community Lions Clubs boast a vibrant and diverse membership of over 65 men and women.
Pit-Cooked Beef BBQ – A 30-Year Tradition
One of the Club’s earliest and most beloved fundraisers was the annual Pit-Cooked Beef BBQ, which ran for 30 years until 1977. Held at Hellman and Baseline (now near Red Hill Park), this event brought the community together with delicious fire-cooked beef prepared in a large underground pit. The event ended due to rising beef costs and restrictions on open fire use. Still, it remains a fond memory, especially the time the crew forgot where they buried the meat!
Service Through Creativity – Fairs and Exhibits
The Lions took over community displays at both the National Orange Show (San Bernardino) and the Los Angeles County Fair (Pomona), creating award-winning exhibits for 50 years.
- Orange Show: Featured citrus displays with 40 crates of fruit, coordinated by Charter Member Arthur Allen and his wife Mildred, experts in exhibit design.
- LA County Fair: Showcased the evolving community history. Club efforts were rewarded with silver plaques, a first-place community award, and a President’s Award.
These exhibits not only built camaraderie but also raised nearly $100,000 over five decades, directly benefiting the local community. Sadly, prize competitions were discontinued after 1997–1998.
Lions Center – Building a Legacy
In 1950, the Lions purchased a five-acre lot on Baseline Road, two blocks from their BBQ site, envisioning a future community hub. Through the dedication of leaders like Presidents Carl Massingale and Arthur Allen, the land was cleared, water rights secured, and Lions Street was dedicated along the west property line.
In 1964, the first San Bernardino County Library in Cucamonga was built on this land, funded and supported by the Club. In 1974, the Lions transferred the property to the County with a stipulation: it must always serve the public. That legacy continued when the City of Rancho Cucamonga incorporated in 1977, and the library property was officially transferred from county to city hands.
Lions Centers East & West
- Lions Center East was dedicated in January 1998.
- Lions Center West followed in October 1998, featuring:
- A dedication plaque honoring the Host Lions.
- A display case of trophies and memorabilia celebrating decades of service.
- The Filippi Room, formerly the original 1964 library.
Special recognition is owed to Lion George Parker, who helped ensure the library site would always remain a community resource.
Still Serving
For over 75 years, the Cucamonga District Host Lions Club has made lasting contributions to the region through service, tradition, and fellowship. What began as a coalition of growers and local leaders has become a cornerstone of community engagement in Rancho Cucamonga.
