The Beginning
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The Ypsilanti Kiwanis Club was formed In 1921. J.E. MacAlister called a meeting at his store to discuss the possibility of forming a Kiwanis club. Present at the first meeting were: Ed Mellencamp, Fred Weinman Sr., Arthur Sullivan, Floyd Westfall, Melvin Lewis, and Floyd Daggett. Contact was made with the Detroit Club #1 which became the sponsor of the new club. This club was the 15th club of the Michigan District and the 462nd club to be chartered in the United States (May 20, 1921). The first meeting was held at the Hawkins House on Wednesday evening April 13, 1921. They set a 12:15 PM, Wednesday, meeting time and day for future meetings. The territory of the club for recruiting members was set at the City of Ypsilanti plus a six mile radius from the center of the city. The membership fee was $25.00 and the annual dues were $20.00.
On Thursday evening, May 26, 1921, Mike Gorman, Governor of the Michigan District, presented the Charter and the Ypsilanti Kiwanis Club was officially formed. Eighty members and their wives were present. Gorman, in his remarks, said "I want you to keep your fun clean and your gatherings so that your wife or daughter could enjoy it. Kiwanis must move ahead, you cannot stand still. A city that is good enough to live in is good enough to work for. We stand for staunch Americanism, but we are not a religious, political, or class organization." At the February, 1921, Board meeting the subject of rural school supervision was presented by Professor Pittman. It was recommended that a dinner be sponsored to recognize rural school directors and teachers. The dinner was held at the country club. 120 directors, 40 teachers and ten student teachers attended under Professor Pittman's invitation. |
The 1920's
During the early 20's there was rapid growth In membership with many applications held in abeyance because membership categories were filled. Strict enforcement of attendance was carried out with the dropping of members after four consecutive absences. By March of 1924 membership had increased to more than 100. A Kiwanis-Rotary ball game became an annual event.
There was great interest in rural education which in this area evolved in the establishment of the Lincoln Consolidated Schools. The Kiwanis Club played a significant role in this effort. Young people were brought to meetings and honored for special achievement. |
At the National level a committee was formed to focus on underprivileged children in 1923. This led to an increase in concern and activities for children. In the 1940's there was a theme of "Citizenship Responsibility - The Price of Liberty." In the 1950's emphasis on youth resulted In Key Clubs for high school youth and Circle K Clubs for college youth.
On March, 1926, member Carl Pay made a motion that the Kiwanis Club, with the support of the Rotary Club, sign notes for $600.00 and $768.00 (equal to $8.00 per member) to secure permanent buildings at the Washtenaw Boy Scout Camp (at Dexter) and to secure title to two plots of land on the Huron River. In 1926, at the Autumn Festival the Club supported a "Corn & Canning Contest" among children of the rural schools. There was also strong support for the Boy Scouts, beautifying the city parks, and recognition of young people. |
The 1930's
In January, 1932, the Club sent a check to the Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club to be used in helping crippled children at the University of Michigan Hospital. This was the start of the Forney Clement Project which became the Michigan Foundation. The Foundation is still giving support to three Michigan hospitals which work primarily with children.
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In 1938 the Daily Press reviewed Kiwanis activities. Listed were the following; music, sports, support of churches, rummage sales for underprivileged children, vocational guidance, urban/rural/social/public schools, public affairs, community service, international affairs, and general concerns for boys and girls. There were many references to cooperative activities with the Rotary Club concerning children as evidenced by medical and clothing purchases.
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The 1940's, 50's, and 60's
In the 1940's the Club supported the purchase of War Bonds and even purchased a washing machine for the base at Willow Run. In 1946 the Club established a medical fund for children. The 1950's were active years for the Club. Youth were sponsored to Boys State, Scout Jamborees, and Interlocken Scholarships.
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In 1957, members built the foundation and constructed a "health cottage" at the Bruin Lake Boy Scout Camp at a cost of $3,332.65. During the 60's the Club focused on Riverside Park. A road was constructed through the park, the river was cleaned of trash, and trees and bushes were trimmed. A "hobo jungle" of underbrush and rubbish was removed. Fifteen trucks, graders, a drag line, and hand tools were utilized. The work was done in one day by 126 men (1028 man-hours).
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The 1970's - 2005
In the 1970's the Club worked on the Boys and Girls Club. A ball diamond was constructed. The Club also assisted in establishing a "coffee house" for handicapped teenagers and adults. in 1978-79 the Club remodeled a house for "Full Circle" which gives care to people as a half-way house. The Club began support for foster children in other parts of the world. For over 45 years, the Club has "Rung the Bells" for the Salvation Army during the holiday season.
In the 1980's the Club sponsored a Little League team, participated in St. Joseph Hospital's fund raising, participated in Christmas parties for handicapped adults, and assisted in the funding of the Hunger Coalition. Club members built a playground and picnic tables at Estabrook and Ardis schools. The 1990's still finds us building. Two fences were constructed at the Ypsilanti District Library. We're still cleaning the Huron River area all the way to Waterworks Park. We provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors. |
The commitment of Club members to the community can be somewhat measured by the raising and spending of over $325,000.00 on community projects and thousands of hours of time and labor. During the late 1990's, the Club had a commitment, with Kiwanis international, to providing iodized salt to the people of third-world countries to prevent goiters and cretinism.
The first 85 years of the Ypsilanti Kiwanis Club has been characterized by a strong commitment to children and youth. The Club has clothed them, provided medical and dental care, paid tuition to fresh air camps, given scholarships, helped purchase band uniforms and instruments, and helped send them on world quests for excellence. The Club members' desire to assist In meeting the needs of the community is limited only by our ability to raise funds. We look forward to many more years of serving our community. Compiled by Alvin Joslyn |