Dodge City Kiwanis Club Collection

The Dodge City Kiwanis Club was the local chapter of the Kiwanis International organization. The local Kiwanis club was established in 1921, and performed its role as a community service club for many years, until at least 2020.

The Kiwanis organization was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. A man named Allen S. Browne approached businessmen about creating a fraternal men’s club with a health insurance benefit feature. A tailor named Joseph G. Prance was the first man to get on board with the idea and is generally regarded as the first rank-and file member of the Kiwanis organization. The original concept was that of a businessmen’s club to serve a networking function between the members that would be financially beneficial to all. A viable group quickly came together. The business contacts established between all were beneficial, but the men discovered that they were having a good time and soon changed their focus to community service.

Over the years, the group’s mission had evolved into supporting children’s programs that improved the health, education, and development of kids. As of 2024, Kiwanis International has chapters in dozens of countries, has over 400,000 members, provides over 7 million hours of volunteer service and donates about 1.6 million dollars to children’s charities worldwide. In 1987, the group began including women as members.

The Dodge City Kiwanis Club was organized in 1921. A Rotary Club was already established in town and this group heartily endorsed the creation of another service club in town. The Wichita, Kansas Kiwanis Club sponsored the creation of the Dodge City Chapter. The new group came together quickly. 50 men became charter members. Many of the names of the men involved are known as prominent early Dodge City business and professional men.

Some of the first causes that the local chapter supported were the extension of water and sewer service to South Dodge; to lobby the state and federal governments to improve flood protection in Dodge City; and to improve the main thoroughfare over the river between the north and south parts of town.

One of the first fund raising events scheduled was a baseball game between the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. This turned into a much more extensive event, including a parade from the O’Neal Hotel to Wright Park, food concessions, and more. The game itself was conducted as a comedy event. Spectators witnessed a lot of clowning around, some impressive and many dismal displays of athleticism, good-natured arguments regarding the officiating, and a couple of mock brawls. The game's official final score was 18 – 3, with the Kiwanis boys winning. However, in keeping with the “spoof” spirit of the event, both teams claimed to have won by varying ridiculous scores, many accusations of cheating were made, and elaborate excuses for mistakes were offered. A good time was had by all, and the proceeds were donated to a fund established to construct a shelter in Wright Park for the use of the Boy and Girl Scouts.

The club met weekly for a business luncheon. The Pennant Grill was an early regular meeting place. Over the years the group also met at the Lora-Locke Hotel, Scholle’s Servateria, the Inn Pancake House, Dodge City Community College, and others. In 1922 the Kiwanis men offered to support the creation of a bird sanctuary at Wright Park. Other community groups were interested and became involved, and the project evolved into the Wright Park Zoo. Over time, the local chapter began to concentrate their efforts toward supporting programs to help children in need. In these early years, most recipients of proceeds promoted health and education programs. In more recent times, Kiwanis-generated funds have been donated to T-ball leagues, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, college scholarships, and others.

Participation in the club appears to have peaked during the 1960’s with 70+ members. Some members came and went due to career- and family-based moves and such, but the club also included long-term members who participated long past retirement age. These “lifers” were much respected for their years of service and the knowledge gained by it, which they shared freely for the benefit of the organization. During the early 1980’s, the Dodge City Kiwanis Club had 50+ members, and the 1990’s began with over 40. The current Kiwanis International website does not list an active chapter for Dodge City, Kansas.