Kiwanis Comes to
California
In May of 1917, Kiwanis came to
California. The primary purpose was to teach, in a language the average
man could understand and bring to full fruition, the basic principle of
an unselfish interest in the other fellow. Just how Kiwanis came to
California is a matter of historical interest. Shortly prior to May of
1917, W.W. Widenham and Paul Jesbury of Los Angeles made trips to the
East where they came into contact with Kiwanis Clubs. They then make
contact with Allen Browne, who had organized several clubs in the East.
On May 16, E.F. Wescott and Alvah Stimmers came to Los Angeles to assist
in the organization of a Kiwanis Club.
At noon on June 6, twelve men met at the Clark Hotel and perfected the
temporary organization of the club. J.R. Miller was the temporary
president and Albert Monel was the temporary secretary. On August 24,
the club elected permanent officers to serve until March 1, 1918. In
September, with the membership of about sixty, the new club adopted its
Bylaws and began to plan activities.
The District was officially recognized, with the pledge of 40 clubs in
California, at the Providence Convention in June 1918, and W.W. Widenham
was appointed District Governor. On June 19, 1919, the Los Angeles
Kiwanis Club, with a membership of one hundred, received its charter
from International and became the 67th club in Kiwanis International.
On March 24, 1923, Reno became affiliated with the District and the
International Board approved the California - Nevada District on
December 5, 1924. The Honolulu Club was organized in May 1947, and the
Island Clubs became the Hawaii Division of Kiwanis International. On May
11, 1950 the Hawaiian Division requested affiliation with California -
Nevada District. At the District Convention in Santa Cruz on October 10,
1950, the District Board approved the request. Kiwanis International
approved the request on October 29, 1950 and voted to approve the name
of California - Nevada - Hawaii District as of January 1, 1951. |
