The Gananoque Lions Club History

(Originally prepared by Lion Irv Cook)

The Beginning

In 1939 our 25 charter members could not have foreseen the impact that their newly formed Lions Club would have on the future of Gananoque. Certainly they had high expectations and hoped it would fulfill its role as a service club, but the fellowship and unified effort let loose in Gananoque, turned out to be something far beyond their wildest dreams. Throughout 50 years of operation the Lions Club has enjoyed and appreciated the wholehearted support of Gananoque’s citizens, businesses, other clubs and organizations. Almost every worthwhile organized effort for good in the town, has in turn, been supported by the Lions Club at one time or another.

It all started on March 9, 1939 at the Provincial Hotel, where a preliminary meeting of business and professional men, sponsored by the Kingston Lions Club, was held to determine if there was a need for another service club in Gananoque and further, to determine if there was sufficient support to sustain another service club over the long term. Some members of the Rotary Club provided their encouragement and Lion Bruce Malcolm, District Secretary from Niagara Falls, Ont., was also present.

The result of this meeting was a resolution to proceed with the formation of a Lions Club in Gananoque and organizational work went forward. On May 11, 1939 The Lions Club of Gananoque held its Charter Night dinner meeting at the Blinkbonnie Hotel, attended by 175 friends, guests and 25 charter members. Our club was sponsored by the Kingston Lions Club. The charter was presented by District Governor J. J. Brown of Bowmanville and was received by charter president Tom Delaney.