   I think that before going into the history of the Silver City club, that you should become familiar with the history of the International Association of Lions Clubs:
   Melvin Jones was a young Chicago insurance man in 1917 and was serving as secretary of The Business Circle, a men's luncheon group devoted to promoting the business interests of its members. Noting, the growing apathy in his club, Jones asked: "What if these men who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition were to be put to work helping improve their communities?"
   This idea became a reality when, at his request, representatives of men's groups met in Chicago and on June 7, 1917 Lions International was, officially launched. Under the leadership of Melvin Jones, who soon gave up his insurance agency to devote full time to Lionism, the organization grew in numbers and in services. By 1927, membership stood at almost 60,000 and club strength reached 1183. Canada, China and Mexico had become member nations and the organization was truly international.
   Lionism's dedication to aiding the blind grew out of a speech by Helen Keller at the 1925 International Convention when she challenged the Lions to become "Knights of the Blind" in the "crusade against darkness".
   The Association continued to expand, both in numbers and in services, By the mid-1950's, Lions clubs were active in Europe, Asia Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The humanitarian and community service objectives of these clubs were well known.
They were not social groups and no member was allowed to advance his own business interests. The prestige of Lions clubs was based-on their involvement in providing assistance to the sick, the needy ,and the less fortunate and their willingness to take an active role in community leadership.
   Today, there are more than 1,200,000 Lions and the number of clubs exceeds 32,000. These clubs are active in 150 countries and geographical areas. Lions clubs also sponsor Lioness clubs, now numbering over 1,350, for service minded women. Melvin Jones' idea has developed into a worldwide expression of what individuals properly motivated, can do in providing unselfish service to their communities, their nations and their fellow-man.
   The history of the Silver City Lions Club started in November 1930, with the visit of A.T. Holcomb, a special commission of Lions International. Mr Holcomb's visit was for the purpose of surveying the area with the view of organizing a Lions Club here. One of the first things he did upon arrival in Silver City was to visit the Chamber of Commerce and ask   of anyone they knew who might be interested in a new service organization in the area. This is where Dr. Leon M Bower comes in.
   Dr. Bower, who was the History Department Chairman at the New Mexico Teachers College, had given several programs to the Rotary Club, which was the most active of the service organizations in the area. Dr. Bower has told me that he probably would have joined the Rotarians if they had asked. Since they did not, Dr. Bower contacted the Chamber of Commerce in reference to a new service organization in the area.
   This is how the Silver City Lions Club first began.
   In their first Meeting, December 10, 1930, they elected Dr. R.E. Watt, President; Dr. Leon Bower, first Vice President; G. M. Romney, 2nd Vice President; Hoyt; C. Graham, 3rd Vice President; Roy S. West, Secretary-Treasurer; Lee M. Herdman, Lion Tanier; J. R. "Cap" Besse, Tail Twister; A.P. Sears, Ed L. Allison, Earl C. Campbell, and Hajalmer W. Distad were elected as directors.
   Dr. Bowers said he refused to be the first president because there were at least half the members for "The Hill" (College) and he didn't want to cause strife among the members of the New Club.
   Between the first meeting and the Charter Night of the Silver City Lions Club, about two months, the Lions accomplished many things. They increased their membership from 21 to 36, held a slogan contest for Silver City and started programs in the community for the needy.
   The Charter Night was a big success with over 135 people in attendance. The ceremonial handing over of the charter to the Club President was handled by District Governor C. B. Beyer of Albuquerque.
   The Silver City Club also had some other things to be proud of. They were the largest and youngest club in New Mexico. They were the first club to a Key member. A key member is any member who has sponsored two or more new members. These key member were Dr R. E. Watt, Dr. Leon Bower, and A. P. Sears.
   In the first year the Lions did many things to help the community and raise money for it. They planted trees along Silver Heights Blvd, seventy Chinese Elms for Arbor Day. They had a spelling duel with the Rotary Club to raise money for charities. Provided help to the underprivileged in various ways: free medical service, glasses and eye examinations.
   In 1932 these same programs were broadened and expanded. The depression was starting to effect the area in many ways. There was a milk fund established for the undernourished children of the county to which the Lions contributed. The Lions provided medical services to the High School Athletic teams.
   During this time the Silver City Lioness Club was organized. It consisted of the wives of Lions. These women were invaluable in many of the projects that the Lions Club conducted. The Lionesses Club was formed even before the Lionesses were recognized by the International Organization.
   In 1933 the Silver City Club hosted the district 40 Convention on May 23 and 24. Some of the events that occurred were: the visit of the International President, Charles H. Hatton; the banquet and dinner dance on the evening of the 24th and the election of Dr. Leon Bower to the District Governors Post. The admission price to the banquet-dinner was a meter $1 per plate, I sure would like to go to a banquet for that price today. I think it should be pointed out that when the Silver City Club hosted the convention their club had only been in existence for over two years. Not many clubs, then or today, would have accomplished this task without very good leadership. This credit goes largely to the general chairman of the convention, Roy West. Besides the convention the club accomplished many of the same things that they had during the past couple of years.
   In 1934 the club continued many of their previous projects. Donating money to the milk fund and contributing to the health care of the counties under privileged are only two examples. The Lions assembled and delivered 53 boxes of groceries to needy families during, the Christmas season. They also furnished speakers for the nearby C.C.C. and pledged support of the N.R.A. program.
   Through the years of 1935-36 the Lions continued their community activities.
   In 1937 the Silver 'City Club donated the furnishing for a complete room at Hillcrest General Hospital. They also helped some college students with their financial obligations. This scholarship Program continued until a few years ago.
   During the years before World War II the Silver City Club was involved in many projects to help the people of the community during those trying times.
    They donated money to the Children's Fund. The Lions sponsored a Boy Scout Troop and helped the Red Cross in different projects around the community.
   After the war broke out details of the happenings of the Silver City Lions Club become sketchy. Of the members of the club that were active at that time I could locate only Dr. Bowers, who was in Europe during the war.
   In 1942 and through the war the Lions did- various things to help the war effort. Charter night in 1942 was not held and the money that was to have been used to fund it was used to purchase defense bonds. They continued to support the communities needy with various other projects.
   Also in 1942 the Silver City Lions hosted the District 40 Convention held on May 3, 4, and 5 with District Governor R.E. Watts Presiding over the convention. The Lions from across the state visited the different mining camps around the area.
   Sometime after the war the Lions started a tradition of bringing a giant Christmas tree to town from,. the Gila National Forest and decorating it for Christmas. The Lions still decorate a tree, but a few years ago they planted a pine tree that is now large enough to decorate.
   In 1956 the Silver City Club along with the Bayard and Central Clubs hosted the Multiple 40 District Convention on Mar 26-29.. Some of the events that took place are as follows: a fishing derby at Bear Canyon Dam, a golf tournament at the Fort Bayard Golf Course, a tour of the mining district and a barbecue.
   In January of 1958 the club donated $1000 to the remodeling of Hillcrest General Hospital.
   Sometime during 1958 or 1959 the club purchased an Iron Lung for the hospital. This piece of equipment was very expensive and badly needed by the hospital.
   In October of 1959 the Lions gave an electrically powered car to Carl Frymire for transportation. Carl had been stricken with polio a few years earlier. This car enabled him to travel all around town.
   In the 1960's the Lions continued its participation in the Lion's Eye Bank Program by furnishing glasses to those who could not afford them. Christmas Food baskets were also distributed.
   In the 70's a few new things took place. A flag project was instituted as a money making project, this also served the dual purpose of showing Patriotism. I am sure you have seen these flags displayed in front of various businesses on National Holidays. The 1970's also brought about the Lions "Big,, Ditch" Park. The club made several visitations to the Casa Grande, Chihuahua, Mexico Lions Club to promote Lionism.
   in 1980 the "Big Ditch" Park. was completed and turned over to the City. The ceremonies were attended by several out-of-town Lions Clubs including our friends from Mexico.
   In 1981 the Lions sponsored some of the members of the Silver City High School band in the State Lions Club Band which attended the International Convention in Phoenix, Arizona as well as the Multiple 40 District Convention.
   I believe that you can not talk about this club unless you also talk about the only remaining charter member, Dr. Leon Bower. Dr. Bower is the only remaining charter member out of the original 21 members. The Lions Club has seen many member come and go, but Dr. Bower has always remained as an active member of the Lions. The only lapses in his service to the Lions were when he was in the service and the time he took a leave of absence from the University for further studies out of the country. Dr. Bower, in my opinion exemplifies what Lionism is: total, true, unselfish dedication to the service of mankind.
   Dr. Bower was the first District Governor from the Silver City Club. He served for 1933-34. Dr. R.E. Watt held the office in 1941-42. Silver City Lions Ray Dean (1969-70) and Orval. O. Oldham (1971,-75) were District Governors for District 40-M.