Don’t get hysterical; get historical

Do you fancy yourself a Kiwanis historian, or are you more of a hysterian (a person exhibiting behavior marked by emotional excitability over Kiwanis lore)? To find out, answer these puzzlers:

• Of what significance was the stately Hotel Statler to the first Kiwanis club?

• On what basis did Roger Palman believe his fellow early Kiwanian Ellis “Doc” Goodman to be a true “red-blooded American”?

• How did Donald A. Johnston, president of the first Kiwanis club, describe the meeting during which members discussed the evolution from a trade organization to a service organization?

You can find the answers to these and other precious nuggets from Kiwanis’ past in The Kiwanis Legacy, a two-volume history that can be a tremendous resource as your club prepares to celebrate the organization’s 92nd birthday, January 21. Its pages chronicle Kiwanis’ growth from its early days as the Benevolent Order of Brothers (BOBs) to its current status as one of the world’s leading service organizations dedicated to the welfare of children.

“Obviously, the Kiwanis story is still being written,” notes International President Nelson Tucker. “But as we celebrate this milestone in our history, Kiwanis clubs and Kiwanians would be well served by reflecting on the individuals and good work that has gotten us to where we are now.”

Copies of The Kiwanis Legacy—and other Kiwanis memorabilia—are available at a special discount rate from the Kiwanis Family Store.

Customize the Kiwanis anniversary news release to publicize your club and Kiwanis' heritage in area newspapers and broadcast media.

And in case you’re curious, here are answers to the opening quiz:

• The Detroit Club No. 1 made the Hotel Statler its home for decades.

• Doc Ellis’ parents were immigrants from Holland, who entered the United States through Ellis Island.

• The meeting was described as “a stampede,” primarily because the 175 men in attendance were all debating the issue at the same time.