On September 4, 1930, a group of twenty men met in the old village hall and organized the Okawville Lions Club. Lion Woodruff officially presented the Club its charter on October 22, 1930. The Belleville Lions Club sponsored this new Club. In December 1930, the Club furnished the tree for the Community Christmas Program and this was probably the first organized activity. In March 1931, the first E
aster Egg Hunt was held and this became an annual event of the Club. In October 1933, the first Halloween Festival was held, and this too has become an annual project, with a few modifications over the years. As the Club grew, it became involved in many activities. The Club has sponsored many sports teams, music camp scholarships for local students, scouting troops; financial support for various civic projects; donations to Hadley School for the Blind, Leader Dog School, Camp Lions, Eye Bank, Eye Institute, LIF, LCIF; supported local residents in need of eye exams and glasses, or hearing aids; and many other fund drives. The Club has co-sponsored the Agricultural Products Fair for a number of years, has sponsored the Glaucoma Mobile Unit and Hearing Unit to the community, and has sponsored the annual Athletic Banquet. In 1955, the Club purchased the old grade school property and used it as teen center until the building was sold to the village for the site of the present village hall. The money obtained from the sale was used to help pay for forty acres of land on the northwest edge of Okawville, to be developed into a park and recreation area. About 8 acres were donated to the Youth Association for a lighted ballpark; 1 acre was given to the Jaycees for building tennis courts. In about 1980, the Club purchased an additional 9 acres adjacent to the ball field, and in 1989 donated the 9 acres to the Youth Association for an additional ball diamond. With all the projects and activities of the Okawville Lions Club over the past 80+ years, many members have also seen fit to participate in Lionism at the District and State level. All these Club and member activities are one essential aspect of Lionism, collective efforts. Lions, through Club anniversaries and other special occasions, come together in celebration, share a meal, and recognize the achievements of their members and Club. This also strengthens the other essential aspect of Lionism, fellowship. We cannot live on past accomplishments. We must look to the future and live up to the ideals of Lionism; for only by giving of our time, talents and treasures so that the less fortunate may have a better way of life can WE SERVE.
