Founder Memorabilia Presented To Tower Hill Lions

Past Shelbyville Lions Club member Eugene Mueller presented some memorabilia direct from the office of Lions Club founder Melvin Jones to the Tower Hill Lions Club.

Mueller presented the memorabilia to Tower Hill Lions Club President Jerry Miller, who is also the Vice District Governor for Central Illinois District 1L at Tower Hill's last club meeting on Monday, September 25

Mueller, who served as a Lion for many years was involved with many Lions projects in the past such as Campaign SightFirst and Camp Lions for Kids, projects that are still going on today. He was the District Coordinator for SightFirst and deeply involved in helping less fortunate people from around the world. Mueller said, “Lionism is very rewarding and to be involved with helping others is a wonderful and fulfilling experience.” To date, Campaign SightFirst has helped over 24 million adults and children around the world.

Mueller donated some 10 plus pieces of memorabilia including an autographed book that was presented to his secretary Rena Gawel of Mason, IL by Melvin Jones. Mrs. Gawel was Melvin Jones personal secretary from 1953 to 1955. Other pieces given were two Lions International Convention medals dated 1950 and 1951, several newspaper articles, cards and a copy of a painting of Melvin Jones.

Mueller, who is now 80 years old, went on to say, “It is a pleasure to come back and visit with Tower Hill Lions membership. During my years in Lionism, I've met a lot of wonderful club members at Tower Hill. I have stepped out of activity with Lions due to my age.”

Melvin Jones was born in Fort Thomas, Arkansas and died in 1962. He started Lions in Chicago in 1917 and today, Lions has over 45,000 clubs and over 1.4 million members worldwide.

Anyone interested in seeing this treasure can contact any Tower Hill Lions member, come to the Tower Hill Lions Club meeting held every second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Tower Hill Lions Club building located at 107 Erie in Tower Hill or contact Club President Jerry Miller by phone- 217-567-3107 or by email, jerry@towerhillcc.com

Text Only