New Members are:

 Connie Murray, Nick Fuller, Calvin Schuch, Caroline Brown,

Glenn Pascoe, Andy Johnson, Phyllis DeMay,  Adam Howard

Diane King, Tim Cullen, Scott Clow

Allen S. Browne and Joe Prance began working on a dream in 1914 that is now known as Kiwanis International. It was their idea to establish a club that stressed human and business relationships. As the idea was fresh and interesting, the new organization grew. As with all ideas growth had its problems. Leadership for the new group came forward rapidly and the club grew. "Kiwanis" was born in 1915 and the original concepts of the club underwent changes as the organization continued to grow and spread. One early Kiwanis International leader, Russell Ward, came from Jackson, Michigan. He became one of the main leaders in the organization and policymaking of the new group. In 1917 Ward and other leading businessmen from Jackson held discussions as to the establishment of a local Kiwanis club in the city of Jackson. While the exact committee is not known, the first officers of the club reflect early organizers. In addition to Russell Ward (who served as its first president) these men were Edward Young, L.B. Cowley and W.S. McLaren. A new club was formed, the seventh in the state of Michigan. New members were recruited (a $5.00 fee was required) and when the club was chartered, there were sixty-five members. In addition to the officers above the Directors were Frank Ganeaid, Harry Woodfield, James Eaton, Fred Helmer and Joseph Noll. The club was formed as of January 2, 1918; however the formal Charter Presentation did not take place until April 15, 1918. Since that time, Jackson has continued to be a leading club in the State of Michigan. The Jackson Kiwanis Club has a rich background in the early (and continuing) growth of Kiwanis in the State of Michigan. Several members have served as President / Govenor of the State of Michigan: Russell Ward A Federation of Kiwanis in Michigan was first proposed by Russell E. Ward and was approved with him being elected as the first President of Michigan Kiwanis in 1918. This title was changed to Governor shortly thereafter. These early years were very hard and suffered from growing pains and lack of national unity. Michigan led in these days and helped to establish much of today's organization. Ward also served as an International Trustee in 1918-1920, Finance Committee in 1919 and International Treasurer in 1920-1924. William Steensma was elected Michigan District Governor in 1925 but died before he could assume the office. It is reported that he sold newspapers during the annual newspaper sale, developed a chill, then pneumonia and passed away. No known picture exists. Archie N. Case Archie N. Case was the Michigan Governor in 1928. He originated a plan of reforestation in Michigan, which resulted in 10,500 acres of trees being planted in 1928-1929. A marker was erected in Iasco County to recognize the participating clubs. Archie J. Mayotte Archie J. Mayotte was elected the Michigan Governor in 1942. These were war years and were very difficult for Kiwanis. Membership fell rapidly and the loss of the state District Secretary was a blow to the organization. Robert Crary Sr. Robert Crary Sr. was the fourth Governor from Jackson and served in 1955. Crary concentrated on club building and membership growth during his term of office, as well as Key Club and Circle K Club building. Fellowship, Kiwanis education and citizenship were main parts of his program as well. David Leeke David Leeke served the state in 1969 as Governor. His tenure addressed membership growth problems which were present in the 60's and 70's. The fall in membership was a problem not only in Michigan but throughout the United States. He devised new programs and streamlining to assist in club operation and growth. Tom Oliver Tom Oliver was the Michigan Governor in 1973-74. He was always as active as possible. A long-time member of the Hillsdale Club Tom joined the Jackson Club after his move to the Jackson area. Tom passed away on January 25, 1998. At first, the office of Vice-President was created to assist the new Presidents. When the name of the office was changed from president to governor, so was the name vice-president changed to Lt. Governor. The following club members have served in the office of Lt. Governor: R.T. Allen, 1934 Archie Mayotte, 1941 Robert Crary Sr., 1948 Herman Gallagher, l95l Tom Oliver, 1953 Charles Bagby, 1957 Wm. E. Teglund, 1961 David S. Leeke, 1965 Stewart Stafford, 1968 Louis Landinan, 1970-71 Barney T. Miller, 1972-73 Robert Crary Jr., 1983-84 John Cross, 1986-87 Jay Weeks, 1992-93 To assist in the growth of the organization over the years, the Jackson Club aided in establishing other clubs in our area. They are as follows: Albion,1949 (rechartered 1996) Brooklyn,1991 (rechartered 1997) Chelsea,1924 Spring Arbor,1951 Jackson East,1954 Jackson Northwest,1969 The Kiwanis of Michigan Foundation, which has been consistently aided by the Jackson Club, also had one of our members serve as it's president for eight years, Gordon Low (Past President). Also serving on the International level as a Certified Officer Trainer was Jay Weeks, Past President and Past Lt. Governor. -Content contributed by J.W. "Jay" Weeks, Kiwanian Bulletin Editor