History of the New London Lions Club
The New London Lions Club was organized August 15, 1922. During the past 100 years, this, the oldest club in District 23-C and the second oldest in Connecticut, has been serving the New London community and communities throughout the world. These Lions have collected thousands of pairs of eye glasses and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars which has enabled them to support worthy causes such as the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation as well as the blind in their community.
For many years the New London Lions Clubs’ primary fundraiser was the New London Annual Flower Show. Later they participated in the Home Show at Connecticut College. Funds are also raised by sponsoring pancake breakfast events as well as tag sales.
Each year the New London Lions award scholarships to graduating New London High School students.The amounts and number of scholarships is determined by the parameters of the annual budget constraints.
This club has sponsored numerous other Lions Clubs. During the years 1929 and 1930, the club sponsored clubs in East Lyme, Groton, Niantic, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Newport, RI. The Norwich club was sponsored in 1939 and the New London Ocean City Lions Club was sponsored in 1992.
During the club’s 50th year, the New London Lions were proud to have one of their members serve as District Governor. Although this club had provided many Deputy District Governors, Zone Chairmen, and other cabinet members, Joseph L. Raub was their first District Governor. This individual went on to serve as an International Director. At a later date, New London Lion member, Ernest Kopec also served as District Governor.
When attending a meeting of the New London Lions Club, it becomes quite apparent that there is great camaraderie among the membership, and this explains why they have enthusiastically participated in all programs and projects decade after decade.
an excerpt from A Brief History of Lionism in Connecticut 2007 - see the
website http://www.lionwap.org/cthistorylionism
