Jon Umphress described the founding of the Ada Kiwanis Club 93 years ago when he spoke at the club's regular meeting this week. He noted that the occasion included a parade through the business district and the members receiving keys to the village from the mayor.
Here is Jon's account of his talk:
The club received its charter from Kiwanis International on this date in 1924.
Barton F. Snyder, a charter member of the club and editor of The Ada Herald, noted the following narrative in the Jan. 15 issue of the newspaper.
"The Ada Kiwanis Club came into being at a preliminary meeting held in the University Cafeteria on Tuesday evening January 8, 1924.
Temporary officers and directors were selected to serve as the charter membership and keep the club functioning in the beginning.
Permanent officers and directors will then be elected to serve throughout the remainder of the calendar year.
Hal P. Denton, national representative of Kiwanis was present at the meeting, held at the O.N.U. Cafeteria. The workings of Kiwanis international were explained. Temporary committees were also appointed. Rev. Wilbur Vorhis was selected as president and a board of directors was formed.
The club celebrated the receipt of their official charter at special meeting on February 28, 1924 The Ada Herald reports the event:
“Wednesday was a great day for Ada Kiwanians. Delegations from the Kiwanis clubs of six neighboring cities and towns joined with the local club in celebrating its official entrance into the international organization”.
Governor Russell C. Huddleston of the Ohio District was present as the guest of honor, and made the presentation address.
Topped off with gaily colored caps and headed by the band and the Ada club, fifty strong, the party was opened with a parade through the business district, after which each delegation found its place at the tables in the Odd Fellows hall. Following the fine dinner, this was served by the King’s Daughters.
Charter member Dr. T. J Smull, the toastmaster, introduced the delegations, and the chairman of each group gave a brief, snappy talk. Kenton, Findlay, Lima, Delphos, Napoleon, and Ottawa were represented.
Lieutenant Governor Frey of Ottawa, who has been very active in helping the local club get on its feet, said he believed this day marked a turning point in the history of Ada and community. He said the real Kiwanian smiles shows the club is always ready to exchange ideas and to put across work for the good of the community. He warned that the crab must keep busy to make progress, and that Kiwanians get out of their work exactly what they put into it.
Ada Mayor Frank Kinsman made a brief address of welcome, extending the keys of the village to the visitors.
Response was made by "Col." Ellis of Kenton, in an equally happy vein. After suggesting that Bob Frey is the logical man for the next Ohio Kiwanis Governor, which received the approval of all, he pointed out that Kiwanis is more than a name. It stands for vision and effort."
