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COACHELLA VALLEY LIONS CLUB LEGACY

Coachella Valley Lions Club Legacy

On January 16, 1926, community leaders and businessmen of the small desert community of Indio chartered the Coachella Valley Lions Club, and a 91-year legacy was begun.
What was happening in 1926 around this small desert community?

  • The United States Department of Transportation began numbering the Highways including Route 66 and of course, Route 99 which is known as Indio Blvd.
  • Dr. Harry Smiley established his medical practice and home in Indio in an adobe building on Miles Ave.
  • There were still only 2 one room school houses in the vicinity where local children attended.
  • The railroad was well established and agriculture was booming with the new All-American canal bringing water to the area.
  • The Salton Sea and surrounding areas was being researched for the possibility of using steam power from the ever erupting “mud pots” and steaming mud geysers.
  • The O’Donnell 9-hole golf course opened for business.
  • Walter and Julia Morgan opened La Quinta Hotel with six small cottages.
  • The Medjool date had been introduced to the Coachella Valley, and Shields Date Garden opens for business.

Indio was preparing to become the first city to incorporate in our Coachella Valley with a population of 1,875. Just 30 years, prior, the community only had 50 full time residents, most were here because of the railroad and the boom of our agricultural industry along with miners seeking their fortunes. Our local pioneers/community members were instrumental in developing the Interstate 10 allowing for our community’s growth of the travel industry allowing for new businesses to open to serve those travelers.
Imagine a small group of community minded people determined to see their new city be successful. The Lions Club members that established our Club on the Lions International roster of Clubs saw a community with great promise and people who could bond together for a common purpose of serving others. In 1926, the Lions were a “men’s only” organization that were focused on service to the community. Although, now we have women, much to some Lions disappointment but their focus remains strong as the world’s largest service club organization, with over 1 million men and women in more than 200 countries.
Our legacy throughout the years includes not only successful initiatives in vision health but also help with all sorts of needs such as assisting the elderly, to helping victims of natural disasters, and helping youth gain leadership skills. Since 1917, Lions have met the needs in their communities and continued to improve the areas in which they live. As long as there are needs around the world, the Lions Club will work to meet those in needs.
A couple of our CV Lions Club members who are Life Members provided early insight on the culture of our club. Lion Bob Drake, one of our long-time members having arrived in our valley in the early 50’s shared some highlights for him as a CV Lion. Lion Bob Drake shared that the comradery that comes with being a Lions Club member generated life-long friendships. His fondest memories involved the Variety Shows the CV Lions Club presented to the local community for over 10 years. The Variety Shows were so popular that it was a draw for membership as well as fundraising efforts. Lion Bob had the opportunity to direct the shows which he was very proud of. He was perfect for this responsibility as he was an entertainer in his early years. He was an entertainer that danced, pantomimed, sang and did stand-up comedy in the night club era. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting sceneries, golf courses, bridges, ocean views using acrylic and oils. For 33 years, he served Riverside County as the photographer in the Investigator for the Coroner’s office covering Whitewater to Blythe.
Lion Bob Drake shared the 3 qualities that he feels are critical to have as a Lion’s Club member. He shared that members first of all have to be willing to make time to take part in the activities of the Club, the member should be open and a friendly person, and finally, have a desire to help others in their community.
Another valley long-time community leader is Dr. Robert Allison. Dr. Allison was a household name to those raised in the Coachella Valley. He was always a well-respected optometrist with a passion to serve his community. “Doc” Allison shared memories of our CV Lions Club which he found that were most important to him. Lion Bob, aka “Doc,” shared about the dinners for the community in addition to the Variety Shows. As an optometrist, his membership in the Lions Club was important to him since the goal of Lions Club International is to provide or correct sight in those who needed vision help. “Doc” provided much history information of the early years and the strong fellowships created among the members and their wives. Behind every Lion member there was the wife who supported the Club behind the scenes. Once women were allowed to join several of these wives joined, too. Bobbi Allison’s family provided a considerable donation to the Club upon her passing. “Doc” and Bobbi were Lions to their core with values of Lions that they held dear.
The CV Lions Club Legacy Project will honor the work done by the Lions Club and its many members and leaders over the past 91 years by participating in the Lions Club International Centennial Legacy Project. There are 3 levels suggested by the Lions International which are based on the amount of funds or size of project we can provide to ensure that our CV Lions Club is remembered for the next 90 years. Our choice of the Coachella Valley History Museum is a natural based on the past members and their role in developing our community.



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