NEW LONDON LIONS CELEBRATE 90 YEARS

     2020 marks the 96th anniversary of the New London Lions Club.  Originally sponsored by the Appleton Lions, the club was chartered in January, 1924, with Giles H. Putnam as its first president.  From its inception the New London Lions have included both civic and humanitarian activities.

     The club was actively involved in the construction of one of the first cabins built at the Lions Camp at Rosholt under the direction of Lion Norb Klatt.  Other early projects of the club included minstrel shows, snowmobile races, fish boils, community auctions, light bulb sales, and community birthday calendars.

     Over the years the New London Lions were instrumental in promoting Lions Clubs in the nearby communities of Black Creek, Bear Creek, Hortonville, and Shiocton.  Additionally, five of its members became District Governors of 27-B2, including Giles Putnam, Emil Gehrke, Lou Sheahan, Vern Volz, and Norbert Klatt.  Sheahan and Volz were also Directors of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

     By the late 1960's the Club boasted a membership roll of over 60 Lions and in the early 70's established the first Leo Club in 27-B2 under the leadership of Ron Steinhorst and attended the International Convention in San Francisco.

     Wives of the Lions saw a need to also become involved and organized themselves as the New London Lionettes in 1962 through the efforts of Alice Sheahan.  Their purpose was to unite in stronger bonds of friendship and to better enjoy, give and receive benefits in serving the community and the world.  Today their membership is open to any community members.

     Over the years the New London Lions moved from weekly to bi-weekly meetings and changed to Monday night meetings, thus establishing a better attendance record.  Currently the club has 25 members and averages a 65% attendance at its meetings.  From its varied fundraisers, the club continues to sponsor scholarships, donate large print books to the public library, participate in the Wisconsin Lions Foundations, PRIDE, and supports a variety of local projects. Vision Screenings is one of added service projects over the last few years.

              "It's great to be a member of the world's largest service club."