WHEN THE LIONS CAME TO WAUPACA
October 8, 1925, marked the beginning of something truly special for the City of Waupaca — the founding of the Waupaca Lions Club.
Our original charter is a remarkable piece of Lions history, proudly bearing the signatures of International President Beufaruirt Jones and Secretary Melvin Jones, along with the signatures of our 20 founding members.
From the very beginning, the Waupaca Lions made a positive impact in the community. The club’s first project was sponsoring Waupaca’s very first community Christmas tree on the courthouse square. In 1926, the Lions helped finance an Infant Health Clinic, organized a Boy Scout troop, and assisted the Scouts in collecting and repairing old toys to be distributed to children in need during the Christmas season — a tradition that continued for many years.
By 1929, the club had donated $1,500 to the Children’s Health Clinic and continued to support the community by providing Christmas baskets for local families in need.
In 1935, Waupaca Lion A.M. Scheller was elected District Governor of Multiple District 27 — a proud milestone for our club.
Throughout the early years, the Waupaca Lions also sponsored a children’s eye-testing program. Before 1942, over 600 children had been examined, and 140 pairs of glasses were provided at a total cost of $1,018. From 1941 to 1945, the club hosted numerous fundraisers including annual Harvest Days, minstrel shows, amateur plays, movie nights, and other community events.
In 1955, the Lions sponsored a blind individual to attend the Twin Lakes Camp (a Poy Sippi Lions project) for $30. Two years later, in 1957, they sent a visually impaired boy to camp in Rosholt.
In 1978, the club proudly sponsored the formation of the Waupaca Lioness Club, and in 2003, the Waupaca Leo Club was added — ensuring that the spirit of service continued across generations.
Over the years, the Waupaca Lions have awarded annual scholarships to high school graduates, built park shelters and wheelchair ramps, purchased large-print books and reading equipment for the library, and provided hundreds of pairs of eyeglasses to those in need. The club has also supported numerous local causes including the Food Bank, Tomorrow’s Children, school drug programs, the Senior Center, and area nursing homes.
Our fundraising efforts have been just as diverse — including broom and bulb sales, American flag sales, sports shows, chicken barbecues, bowling tournaments, rose sales, fly-in breakfasts, Candy Days, car shows, and even a state curling bonspiel.
It was a great day when the Lions came to Waupaca — and it still is today!
