HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Auburn, 2004-07-29, Page 31Gordon McGavin at the 1926 International Plowing Match in Niagara Falls
McGavin
FARM SUPPLY LTD. FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.
gasait owned and opefiated since 1936
Walton, ON
lama= (519) 887-6365 or (519) 527-0245
PAGE 10. AUBURN - 150 YEARS OF HISTORY.
Auburn Lions serving community since 1977
By Elyse DeBruyn
Citizen staff
Submitted by Steve Campbell
The Auburn and District Lions
Club was formed in the spring of
1977 with the first recorded meeting
held on April 20, 1977 at the Auburn
Memorial Community Hall. The
Blyth Lions Club was the sponsor
and Lion Charlie Shaw was Guiding
Lion — someone who directed the
club throughout its first year of
service.
Fred Lawrence was charter
president with charter night held at
the Blyth and District Community
Centre on June 25. 1977. The $1,100
profit from the evening got the club
off to a successful start to
community service,
Throughout the years the club has
tried many fundraising activities
including dances, ball tournaments,
hospitality tents, euchres, bingds,
pancake breakfasts, lotteries, raffles,
hockey draw, food booth; calendars,
film nights, auction/rummage and
bake sales, to name just a few.
With the money raised they have
supported many worthwhile
projects. both locally and
worldwide.
Lions-sponsored programs which
have received donations are varied
but include Youth Exchange, Lake
Joseph Centre for the Blind,
Participation Lodge — a vacation
resort for the disabled, Effective
Speaking, Sightfirst, Camp Dorset —
a holiday camp for dialysis patients,
Leader Dog School for the Blind,
Lions Home for the Deaf, LCIF and
Canine Vision Canada — a guide dog
school located in Oakville.
However, most of tI-4 Auburn
Lions' support has been reserved for
local causes, such as fire victims,
sports and school organizations,
children's activities, local health and
social assistance programs as well as
helping any area resident in
need.
Perhaps the most visible work is in
their own village. With the support
of the community, the Lions
have completely developed the
Auburn and District Lions and
Community Park with ball diamond
reconstruction, fencing, lights,
bleacher, food booth and
washrooms, fenced asphalt pad and
modern playground equipment.
The Auburn Memorial Community
Hall has also been the recipient of
Lions' generosity with various
cash donations and needed
upgrades.
The unique Welcome to
Auburn/Auburn Weather Station
sign has greeted travellers since
1991, a project that has turned more
than a few heads. In 1994, the club
established Manchester Riverside
Park, a three-acre greenspace
rehabilitation located along the
Maitland River at the south entrance
to the Pillage.
Picnic tables, park benches and
two observation decks highlight this
park.
The club sponsored a Leo Club in
the village in the spring of 1983
although this organization only
lasted one year. In November 1999,
the club established the W.I. 'Bill'
Sproul Memorial Award, an annual
award presented to the Huron
County 4-H Beef Club in memory of
charter member Bill Sproul.
The club is also known for its vast
collection of crutches, walkers,
wheelchairs and health aids which
they loan free to anyone who
temporarily needs them.
The club is a member of Zone 3,
South, Region 3 in Lions District A-
9 and participate in all district
activities including Zone, Region
and District meetings and annual
conventions at all levels.
District offices held by club
members in the past 25 years
include: Lion 'Bud' Chamney who
was Leader Dog Chairman in 1980-
81 and 1981-82; Lion Steve
Campbell who was Zone Chairman
in 1994-95, A-9 Lions
Magazine/Club Bulletin and Public
Relations Chairman in 1996-97,
'Region 3 Chairman in 1998-99, A-9
Lioness Liaison in 1999-2000, and
Camp Dorset Chairman in 2000-01
and 2001-02; Lion Ken Grigg who
was Zone Chairman in 2000-01, and
Lion Ben Miller who was Zone
Chairman in 2001-02, Region 3
Chairman in 2002-03 and District A-
9 Governor 2004-05.
The Auburn and District Lions
Club takes great pride in the Lions
International motto "We Serve".
Sunday school teachers
Sunday school teachers at Knox United Church in June
1965 were, Back row, from left: Harold Webster, Bill Stiles,
Wm. L. Craig, Harry Goodwin, Chas Scott, William
Straughan and Tom Cunningham. Front: Percy Youngblut,
Linda Anarews, Margje Koopmans, Laske Koopmans, June
Mills, Joan Mills, Bernice McDougall, Mrs. K. McDougall
and Rev. Ure Stewart. (Photo courtesy of Karen Webster)
Auburn United Church choir, June 1965
Back row, from left: Mrs. Chas. Adams, Mrs. George_Millian, Sadie Carter, Amos Andrews,
Oliver Anderson, unknown, Norman McDowell, Fred Wagner, Bert Taylor, Lloyd Walden, Sid
McClinchey, Don Plunkett, Glen Patterson. Front: Miss M.R. Jackson, Elma Mutch, Mrs.
Spence Irvin, Mrs. Bob Bogie,-Mrs. Jas Jackson, Mrs. Bert Mills, Mrs. Em. Rodger, Mrs. Tom
Jardin, Mrs. Gordon McClinchey,'Mrs. E. Durnin, Elliott Lapp and Mrs. N. Wightman. (Photo
courtesy of Karen Webster)
•
150th Birthday
WEST WAWANOSH
(e49 MUTUAL INSURANCE
COMPANY
• RESIDENTIAL • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AUTO
email - wawains@wwmic.com
DUNGANNON (519) 529-7921
www.wwmic.com