7/30/2023 0 Comments Camp freedom nova car raffleThat’s when a group of Ottawa business leaders met at the home of furniture dealer Alex Thurston to organize a local chapter of Kiwanis International. In late 1916 Kiwanis became “International” when the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton was formed, followed by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto on Maand the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa on December 22nd, 1917. The following information was garnered from notes placed in the Club History files by the late Harry Anscombe who prepared them for a speech he gave at the Club’s 40th Anniversary Dinner. Let me say here that I have learned that there are no complete Kiwanis Club of Ottawa records from 1917 because a fire in the building where the Club was located destroyed all records, including the original Charter and a list of the original members. The service Club ideal – the “We Build” spirit had been born. They felt that if they were to flourish as a Club, they must have a common cause – they must seek the inner lift, the inspiration that comes from serving not self but humanity. The phrase appealed to the young men who promptly shortened it to Kiwanis. In looking for a name for the young organization – researching a phrase from the Otchipew Indian dialect, a Club member and Detroit City Historian suggested “Nun Kee-wa-nis” meaning “We Gather Together For Self-expression” or “We Trade”. Their resolute action helped guarantee the autonomy that every Kiwanis Club enjoys today. Browne, the gentleman who had originated it, for the sum of $17,500. Kiwanis was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1915 but it was not until May 21, 1919, when delegates to the Fourth International Convention of Kiwanis in Birmingham, Alabama voted to buy their young organization from its owner and founder Allen S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |