February 5, 1943 – Organized as Nashville Lions Club

Founded as Nashville Lions Club by County Ag Agency Melvin Flock as part of the Purdue University Agricultural Extension Service plan to extend the role of the service into areas of community development.

March 12, 1943 – Held Charter Banquet at Nashville Methodist Church

106 people attended, 31 of whom were charter members. Meeting were kept to the Lions International Manual by opening with the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag, followed by singing of the National Anthem. However, by the 6th meeting, the group was singing America instead – it was a lot easier to sing.

1943 – 1944

President – Paul Snyder | Secretary – Fred King | Treasurer – Howard Zody

Formed a basketball team and played games at Nashville and Helmsburg to benefit the American Red Cross.

Erected a county Military Honor Roll in the courthouse yard and dedicated it July 4 with 600 people in attendance.

Supervised War Bond drive.

Paid dues of all members called into service.

Had 250 people attend a Fun Carnival Night and square dance. It could be said that this set a pattern for public attractions and led the Lions Club three years later to put on the first Brown County Free Fair to benefit the 4-H Club.

Netted $165 cleaning out and salvaging material from the Nashville House, which was destroyed by fire.

Established a tradition of holding a Christmas part for the children in the community.

1944 – 1945

President – William Robertson | Secretary – James Davis | Treasurer – James Davis

Aided the war effort by sponsoring a scrap metal drive and paying prizes to schools turning in the largest amount.

Again played basketball at Nashville and Helmsburg to benefit the Red Cross.

Assisted with the town’s Christmas decorations, constructing a Nativity Scene at the main corner of town.

Assisted Brown County Community Club in putting on a talent carnival to benefit the Red Cross.

Corresponded with and presented gifts to members serving in the war and hosted wives of those member at a Ladies Night.

Conducted clothing drive to send to European war theater for use by displaced persons.

Accepted sponsorship of a Boy Scout Troop.

Purchased and distributed 1,000 book covers to all county high schools (VanBuren, Helmsburg, and Nashville).

Established a tradition of operating concessions by operating the stand at the swimming pool in State Park.

Organized a Volunteer Fire Department; Lion president, William Robertson, was its first chief.

Obtained 200 fire extinguishers for community use.

Began work on getting a water system from Nashville.

Started buying caps in Lions Club colors and requiring members to wear the caps at all meetings and other club activities.

1945 – 1946

President – Glen Loop | Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

1946 – 1947

President – Fred King | Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Organized a Rodeo and Horse Show, attracting 124 horses to events in Brown County State Park and beginning a tradition the continued for many years.

Finished Military Service Board by covering with glass and hanging in corridor of courthouse.

Sponsor3ed first Brown County Free Fair to benefit the 4-H Club. Before the fair, enrollment in 4-H clubs was 155; by the time of the second fair in 1947, enrollment had jumped to 300.

Leased land for city dump ($25 a year). Built road to dump.

Sponsored emergency food collection for Brown County.

1947 – 1948 

President – James Davis | Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Added a queen contest as part of 4-H Fair.

Bought rain coats for the school safety patrol.

Bought 3 highway signs that read “Nashville Welcomes You”

1948 – 1949

President – Howard Zody | Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Began sponsorship of a Girl Scout Troop.

Added horse-pulling contest to 4-H Fair.

Doubled livestock tent a 4-H Fair.

Took on the project of getting a doctor for Nashville to replace the one who had retired.

1949 – 1950

President – E.K. Congram | Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Completed work on water system for Nashville.

Supported Garden Clun in beautifying town.

1950 – 1951

President – T.S. Buck | Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Repaired and painted 1922 town fire truck; began drive to raise $9,000 for a new one.

Donated $1,000 toward material to build school addition.

Artist and Lion C. Carey Cloud and other Lions created a publicity pamphlet showing points of interest in Brown County.

Equipped school patrol with badges and belts.

Held auction to benefit American Red Cross.

Supported with $1,000 and “the donation of one day’s work from each Lion” the building of the new elementary school.

1951 – 1952

President – Keith Taggart| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Began sponsorship of Explorer Post and Cub Pack.

Presented awards in recognition of services performed by the school patrols.

At least one Lion served in Korean War.

1952 – 1953

President – Carey Cloud| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

10th anniversary of Lions Club: 60 members listed.

Purchased town dump.

Began replenishing oxygen supply for resuscitator.

1953 – 1954

President – Sam Gabriel| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Sponsored vaccination of dogs for rabies.

1954 – 1955

President – Robert Justice| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Raised over $11,000 to build fire house and buy fire wagons.

1955 – 1956

President – Charles Rahning| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Began popcorn concession at Brown County Playhouse.

Held a car raffle in connection with the fair.

1956 – 1957

President – Tom King| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

Paid half the cost of new Nashville street signs.

Paid for glass backboards in the new gym.

1957 – 1958

President – Loren Moore| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

1958 – 1959

President – W.L. Jockey| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

1959 – 1960

President – Jack Bond| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

1960 – 1961

President – Albert Robertson| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – William Robertson

1961 – 1962

President – Harmon Pritchard| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1962 – 1963

President – Dr. Robert Percival| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1963 – 1964

President – Robert Joseph| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1964 – 1965

President – Jerry Kinnane| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

Sponsored all-county variety show, an event that was staged for several years. Happy Christman did a fire-eating stunt!

1965 – 1966

President – Donald Coffey| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1966 – 1967

President – F.A. Christman| Secretary – William Robertson | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1967 – 1968

President – Leslie Rudd| Secretary – Arthur Murphy | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1968 – 1969

President – Robert Himes| Secretary – Arthur Murphy | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1969 – 1970

President – Seel Wiegand| Secretary – Arthur Murphy | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1970 – 1971

President – Robert Martz| Secretary – Arthur Murphy | Treasurer – Arthur Murphy

1971 – 1972

President – Arthur Banks| Secretary – Arthur Murphy | Treasurer – Richard Wood

1972 – 1973

President – George Coldren| Secretary – James Clark | Treasurer – Michael Ryan

Donated $3,000 to cancer control equipment at Ind. Med. Ctr.

1973 – 1974

President – George Kissling| Secretary – Louis E. Macon| Treasurer – Michael Ryan

1974 – 1975

President – Robert Gregg| Secretary -Louis E. Macon| Treasurer – Richard Halladay

Name changed to Brown County Lions Club.

Began December fruit sale.

Club president made 15 benches to place around town.

1975 – 1976

President – Stewart Huffman| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – Richard Halladay

Auction fund raiser is successful for several years.

Began publishing a calendar, a project for seven years.

Lion Daily Hill serves as District Governor.

1976 – 1977

President – Dane Burns| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – George Wolf

Sponsored garden tractor pull at 4-H Fair.

Sold roses, a project that was carried on until 1986.

Helped Jaycees with expenses of July 4th fireworks celebration.

Built wheelchair ramp in town of Nashville.

1977 – 1978

President – Robert Galm| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – Wayne Levy

1978 – 1979

President – Robert Dan| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – Robert Gredy

Giant coloring books sold for several years as a Club project.

1979 – 1980

President – John Butler| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – Robert Gredy

Highway cleanup done with Scouts as part of annual Lions State Clean-up Day.

Raffled a 1/2 size Tin Lizzie as a club project.

1980 – 1981

President -Richard Pitts| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – Ralph Booker

1981 – 1982

President – Claris Keaton| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – William L. Percifield

Lions and Chamber of Commerce begin sponsorship of a Spring Blossom Parade.

Repaired and repainted benched on courthouse lawn.

1982 – 1983

President – William M. Henderson| Secretary – Louis E. Macon | Treasurer – Randall R. Austin

1983 – 1984

President – William S. Miller| Secretary – Roland A. Boughton | Treasurer – Dale Mathis

1984 – 1985

President – James A. Milnes| Secretary – David Mitchell | Treasurer – Dale Mathis

Gave $6,000 to library for repair and renovation of secondhand Bookmobile acquired by Public Library.

Donated to Arbor Day for planting of trees around town.

Gave $3,000 to 4-H building program.

Began coupon book sales.

Began sponsoring 4th of July fireworks, with support of local businesses.

Pledged insulating and heating expenses toward town’s public restrooms.

1985 – 1986

President – James T. Roberts| Secretary – David Mitchell | Treasurer – Dale Mathis

1986 – 1987

President – Howard Allen| Secretary – Robert H. Weir | Treasurer – Dale Mathis

1987 – 1988

President – Norman McCormick| Secretary – Robert H. Weir | Treasurer – Dale Mathis

Helped establish a county parks and recreation program, donating $5,000 toward building a community park.

Produced a madrigal dinner as a project, lasted 2 years.

1988 – 1989

President – Dr. Merle Pickel, Jr.| Secretary – Bruce M. Gould| Treasurer – Dale Mathis

First woman applicant – Lora Ross Berg – accepted with “little discussion and no heated debate whatsoever.”

1989 – 1990

President – Robert E. Hamilton| Secretary – Kevin Ault | Treasurer – Dale Mathis

Began sweet corn project.

1990 – 1991

President – Samuel G. Johnson| Secretary – Kevin Ault | Treasurer – David Girard

Sponsored St. Jude Bike-A-Thon.

Held Rodeo with international riders at Ski World.

Sponsored and dedicated a shelter house at Deer Run Park.

donated two benches for new county office building.

1991 – 1992

President – Melvin R. Taylor| Secretary – Kevin Ault | Treasurer – Raymond Seyfried

1992 – 1993

President – Bruce M. Gould| Secretary – Robert E. Hamilton | Treasurer – Raymond Seyfried

50th anniversary of Lions Club: 85 members listed.

Sponsored Franzen Brothers Circus at Ski World.

1993 – 1994

President – Donald Shaw| Secretary – Robert E. Hamilton | Treasurer – Raymond Seyfried

Became part of Adopt-a-Highway cleanup; the first 2 miles on SR46 toward Bloomington, from town to entrance to State Park.

1994 – 1995

President – C. Heydon Franzen| Secretary – Robert E. Hamilton | Treasurer – Raymond Seyfried

1995 – 1996

President – David Bingham| Secretary – Robert E. Hamilton | Treasurer – Raymond Seyfried

1996 – 1997

President – Rex Watters| Secretary – Robert E. Hamilton | Treasurer – Robert E. Johnson

Spring Blossom Parade celebrated Nashville’s 125th anniversary and the Lions had a Medicine Show as part of the entertainment.

1997 – 1998

President – Robert W. Nixon| Secretary – Robert E. Hamilton | Treasurer – Robert E. Johnson

1998 – 1999

President – Robert W. Oliger| Secretary – Raymond E. Laffin | Treasurer – Robert E. Johnson

Began holding Pancake Breakfast in spring as a fund raiser. Now called Breakfast Fund Raiser and held in spring and fall.

1999 – 2000

President – John V. Davis| Secretary – Raymond E. Laffin | Treasurer – Richard A. Greeno

2000 – 2001

President – James R. Callahan| Secretary – Raymond E. Laffin | Treasurer – Richard A. Greeno

2001 – 2002

President – Perry Olds| Secretary – Robert W. Nixon | Treasurer – Dana J. Robertson

Took over Santa Claus Project from town business association (lasted for several years).

2002 – 2003

President – Raymond E. Laffin| Secretary – Robert W. Nixon | Treasurer – Dana J. Robertson

Adopt-a-Highway cleanup expanded to include SR46 toward Columbus, from town to North State Park entrance.

60th anniversary of B.C. Lions Club: 119 members listed.

Coupon book sales in 15th year.

Had Community Garage Sale booth (two years).

Began parking cars for Log Cabin Home Tour.

Provided volunteers to decorate Courthouse for Christmas.

Eye glass and hearing aid collection boxes distributed around town.

Participated in Literacy Quiz Bowl.

2003 – 2004

President – Richard A. Greeno| Secretary – Robert W. Nixon | Treasurer – Dana J. Robertson

2004 – 2005

President – Jerry Simo| Secretary – Robert E. Gilmore | Treasurer – John E. McKune

First sponsored the Kelly Miller Circus.

Ride the Elephant Auction at circus benefits Leader Dog.

PRIDE project begun: sweeping town sidewalks and giving visitors information about area.

2005 – 2006

President – Richard Halladay| Secretary – Robert E. Gilmore | Treasurer – John E. McKune

Spring Blossom Parade features first time the large American flag loaned by Bill Lloyd is carried.

Began parking cars for 4-H Fair.

2006 – 2007

President – Dana Robertson| Secretary – Robert E. Gilmore | Treasurer – John E. McKune

First woman president of Brown County Lions Club.

2007 – 2008

President – James Oliver| Secretary – Jan Harker | Treasurer – John E. McKune

2008 – 2009

President – Richard Dean| Secretary – Jan Harker | Treasurer – John Wood

Vision screening done in local and area schools.

New vision equipment purchased with grants from B.C. Community Foundation and Cummings.

2009 – 2010

President – Bob Gilmore| Secretary – Jan Harker | Treasurer – John Wood

2010 – 2011

President – Gerhard Weber| Secretary – Jan Harker | Treasurer – Tona Nelson

68th anniversary of Brown County Lions Club: 99 members listed.

Lion Richard Halladay serves as District Governor.

After 55 years, Playhouse concessions ends when Playhouse closes.

2011 – 2012

President – Larry Weir| Secretary – Linda Welty| Treasurer – Tona Nelson

2012 – 2013

President – Jim Rispoli| Secretary – Linda Welty| Treasurer – John Wood

2013 – 2014

President – Mel Hoefling| Secretary – Linda Welty| Treasurer – John Wood

2014 – 2015

President – Larry Gardner| Secretary – Linda Welty| Treasurer – John Wood

2015 – 2016

President – Brenda Fowler| Secretary – Linda Welty| Treasurer – John Wood

2016 – 2017

President – Deidre Nail| Secretary – Linda Welty| Treasurer – John Wood

2017 – 2018

President – Larry Hanson| Secretary – Deidre Nail| Treasurer – John Wood

2018 – 2019

President – Mariea Hoefling| Secretary – Gloria Berryman| Treasurer – Dana Phillips

75th anniversary of Brown County Lions Club: 67 members listed.

Five $1,000 scholarships awarded to high school seniors.

Vision screening of school children expanded.

2019 – 2020

President – Mariea Hoefling| Secretary – Gloria Berryman| Treasurer – Dana Phillips

2020 – 2021

President – Mariea Hoefling| Secretary – Gloria Berryman| Treasurer – Dana Phillips

2021 – 2022

President – Larry Hanson| Secretary – Gloria Berryman| Treasurer – Dana Phillips