Melvin Jones
Founder of Lions Clubs International

Melvin Jones was born January 13, 1879 at Fort Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred and the family moved east. As a young man, Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance firm, and in 1913 formed his own agency. He soon joined the Business Circle, a businessmen's luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Melvin Jones, however, had other plans. "What if these men," he asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved.t was stipulated that clubs were not to be social in nature nor were members permitted to promote their own business interests. Jones eventually abandoned his insurance agency to devote himself full time to Lions at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions Clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded men. The association's founder was also recognized as a leader outside the association. One of his greatest honors was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant in San Francisco, California, at the organization of the United Nations. Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," became a guiding principle for public-spirited people the world over, died June 1, 1961, at 82 years of age.

TEXAS LIONISM
Texas is truly the birthplace of Lionism. Lions International came into official being in Texas at the first convention on October, 1917.   
This convention was held at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas and the name  "Lion"  was accepted as the name of our organization. Texas, from the inception of Lions International, has always occupied a prominent place in the affairs of Lions International. This dedication to leadership and innovation continues today. Texas has 30,000 members serving in more than 980 clubs, 16 Districts supporting Lions Clubs International.  

At the meeting in Dallas the following clubs were represented and were chartered on the dates indicated: 
 

Abilene, TX 2/15/17 Ardmore, PA Austin, TX 1/18/16 Beaumont, TX 9/16/16 Chicago, IL Chichasha, OK Colorado Springs, CO Dallas, TX Denver, CO

Ft. Worth, TX 9/26/16 Houston, TX 4/2/17 Little Rock, AR Memphis, TN Muskogee, IL Oklahoma City, OK Orange, TX Paris, TX 2/8/17 Port Arthur, TX 4/23/17

San Angelo, TX 1 l/2/23 San Antonio, TX 1/17/19* Shreveport, LA St. Louis, MO Temple, TX 6/21/17 Texarkana, TX 6/25/63* Tulsa, OK Waco, TX /9/16 Wichita Falls, TX 7/16/17 * =  Inactive for a period

1917   Melvin invited representatives of business clubs to meet in Chicago. A plaque, later found when the La Salle Hotel was demolished, stated “Lions International, Founded at the La Salle Hotel, Chicago, on June 17, 1917 — We Serve” The first convention and adoption of a Constitution and Bylaws, Objects and Ethics was held at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX on October 8, 1917. This has been recognized as the official birthday of Lions Clubs International by establishing October 8 as World Service Day every year. Nine states and 27 Clubs were represented at the first Convention. 

WWI   Efforts of Lions were devoted to Bonds and Books for Troops. During the influenza epidemic efforts were turned to health subjects. 

1925   Helen Keller addressed the Convention and challenged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind & Hearing Impaired.” Lionism and sight & hearing conservation have been synonymous ever since. 

1942   Dues were suspended for World War 11 soldiers while overseas. 

1975   LCIF established as the Lions outlet for Humanitarian & Disaster Relief. 

1982   Texas Lion E. J. “Ebb” Grindstaff elected President and started Drug Awareness and Diabetic Research & Awareness Programs. 

1987   Lions Clubs International Welcomes Women into Lions Clubs

Lions have been known worldwide for their service to those in need, not only the blind. Our organization has grown from the 27 clubs in 1917 to over 40,000 clubs in 205-some countries and over 1,400,000 members. Thousands of persons have been given a new life because the Lions provided guidance, love, and the material things which they never had or never had the thought of getting.  Eyeglasses, cataract operations, prophesies, scholarships, diabetic clinics, schools, home and hospitals are just a few of the things Lions have provided. It is a privilege to be a part of such an organization; yes

IT’S GREAT TO BE A LION.