EARLY CLUB HISTORY

“On a bright spring day in 1920, a few business and professional men with a new idea sat down to the first weekly luncheon meeting of the Toronto Lions Club, a practice that some of those men continued every Thursday for over fifty years. The initial meeting of the members was held at the King Edward Hotel on May 14^, with Melvin Jones of Chicago, the international Secretary, and moving spirit in the creation of the Lions International as guest of honour. Within one month the new club had some seventy five members.

They were men of vision and ability.  Their aim was to make Toronto a better place to live so that its citizens would find a life healthier, happier, and more enjoyable. They realized that civic spirit and civic pride are the direct results of mutual understanding which can come only through acquaintance. By their association they knew they could make it possible for men to become acquainted and open channels through which     untold good might be done” 

From the book THE TORONTO LION  by Robert B Toownsend publshed 1980.

​ HARRY A NEWMAN

During his long career as he gained distinction in the legal profession, Harry A. Newman  gave generously of his time and money to many good causes.  In Lions it would be difficult to match his record for leadership, counsel, and enthusiasm at the club, district and International  Level. Lion Harry Newman of Toronto, International Vice-President Lions Clubs is a guest at the Lions charter night in the Fort Garry jungle. Winnipeg is lucky to have him, within her gates.

It is not generally known but it may be revealed that Harry Neman formally notified King George and President Harding of the intention of himself and Ewan Cameron (International President) to be here present on the occasion. Other notables were also advised.

President Harding wired:  “Ewan Cameron is permitted here by to leave the United States for the purpose of attending the Winnipeg charter night meeting.   Were it  not that this concession was asked by yourself, Harry, I doubt that we could have arranged or consented to spare him at this critical time in our history. However, seeing it is you, everything is alright.  Please return him safely.”   ... as published in the Winnipeg Tribune.

King George cables as follows: “My dear Harry, as Bill Shakespeare once remarked, and his remark has become a classic in history, ‘Let’s go.’  If the Lions are as good as the Cubs who came over during a certain recent little dispute, here’s to them.”

From the book THE TORONTO LION  by Robert B Toownsend publshed 1980.

Henry Chittick, winner of the Alext Thurston trophy

Frank Duncan, Russ McDonnel, Russ Naylor, Bruce Malcolm, Stan Darling, Harry Newman, Walter Fisher, and Melvin Jones

Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Harry Newman!

(From left to right) Lions Harry A. Newman, William (Bill) Purdy, Mrs. Margaret Newman and Jack Rowell at the 50th wedding anniversary reception for the Newmans.

(From Left to Right) Mal Smith, Neil Dow, Hiram McCallum, Ken Bryant, Gordon Belyea, Charlie Lennox, Reid Murdock, and Frank Smith

Frank Duncan, Russ McDonnel, Russ Naylor, Bruce Malcolm, Stan Darling, Harry Newman, Walter Fisher, and Melvin Jones

The 1979-80 Board of Directors photographed at the last meeting at the King Edward Hotel, where the Club held its weekly meetings for almost sixty years.

90TH ANNIVERSARY CELLEBRATIONS