Millerton Lions Club History Highlighs
1952 The members of the Lions Club, their ladies, families and guests enjoyed a picnic at Rudd Pond on Tuesday, July 22. Mr. Downey, President of the Lions, passed out pledge cards to the picnickers which were signed to donate blood to the Millerton Blood Bank.
1955 In an effort to “aid” the Winsted, Connecticut flood victims, the Millerton Lions Club held a fund campaign which netted $650.00. They also collected several hundred dollars worth of merchandise from the auction which was at the Sharon Playhouse.
1956 At a recent meeting Edward Hersh was elected President of the Millerton Lions Club for the year 1956-1957. Lion Hersh came to Millerton in 1951 from White Plains, N.Y. where he was associated with the Butler Manufacturing Company and is now owner and manager of the New England Cleaners & Dyers located on Center Street in Millerton. Mr. Hersh, along with the new staff of officers will be installed in office at the ladies night dinner at retiring President Charles McArthur’s restaurant on Tuesday evening, June 26, 1956. He will be the eighth president of the local club since receiving their Lions International Charter of 1948.
1972 The Millerton Lions Club has established a College Grant which we will begin offering this year, Club President Roger Bradley announced.
1972 The Little League Field currently under construction by the Millerton Lions Club will be dedicated in memory of the late Clifford E. Andrews. Cliff Andrews was a prime mover of Millerton Days in years past, a charter member of the Millerton Lions Club and a past President. He was totally dedicated to the community, with an emphasis on youth. Andrews field will be a regulation Little League field second to none in Dutchess County upon completion. A flag pole has been erected in Center field and a native stone will be placed here with a memorial plaque affixed.
1973 Millerton Little League and Babe Ruth teams were honored Saturday night at the annual Lions Club Father and Son dinner, held at the Millerton American Legion home. Yankee shortstop Gene Michaels was the guest speaker, and drew rapt attention from young players as he told of his experience in the game and answered questions. Trophies were presented to outstanding young players, and a superlative roast beef dinner was enjoyed.
1974 Richard “Dick” Deneen noticed flags in other communities (Lakeville and Salisbury, CT) but didn’t see flags in Millerton. He discussed the idea at a meeting of the Millerton Lions Club and in 1975, 58 flags were sold to businesses in Millerton. The flags were first displayed at the Millerton Centennial in 1975. For over thirty-three years the Club has been setting up flags on most holidays. Today approximately 125 flags are placed throughout Millerton on holidays. James “Jim” Campbell has been responsible for the storage and placement of flags for more than twenty-five years. On February 21, 1976 a plaque was presented to Dick Deneen for distinguished service as Chairman of the Flag Project. Thank you both for your dedication and patriotism.
1975 The Steamboat Round became famous to many residents as it was a popular annual fund-raising event for the Millerton Lions Club for 14 years. Jacob “Jake” Shoifet was the Master Chef, cooking the beef to perfection. The first barbeque was held at the Village Centennial in 1975. The last event was in celebration of the Town of North East 200th year, which was in 1988. Jake, the Club members and volunteers worked tirelessly for many years hosting this successful event.
1976 The very active Millerton Lions Club, in conjunction with Joe Trotta’s Millerton Super in holding a 3-minute unrestricted shopping Shop-A-Rama at Millerton Super. Proceeds from the ticket sales go into the Millerton Lions Club Fund for Public Service Programs.
1995-1996 James“ Jim” O’Malley introduced the Millerton Lions Club and the local communities to a fun-filled afternoon…the Circus. This very successful fund-raising event continues to be a significant revenue source to the Club. For over twelve years, Jim worked extremely hard soliciting businesses and organizing the event as our Committee Chairman for the Circus. Proceeds from the Circus have been used to fund scholarships to our youth, community gifts and other projects.
