In 1988, The Centennial History of Hurricane, WV was published to commemorate the town’s 100th anniversary. The publication included the histories of 7 Hurricane civic organization. This week’s selection is the 3rd of the these histories which were published in 1988.

HURRICANE LIONS CLUB
Submitted by William E. Allen

Hurricane Lions Club was organized in September, 1942, by Lion Past International President, Edwin R. Kingsley of Parkersburg, West Virginia, with forty-five Charter Members. Charter President was Lion Rev. Randolph F. Johnson, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Hurricane.

During the first year, the Hurricane Lions promoted a Census of the Town for a request for home delivery of mail. A banquet was held to honor the Hurricane High School Foot­ ball Team and the Coaches. Athletic Dinners continued until recently when the athletics increased to several hundred boys and girls.The Lions Club promoted increased teacher salaries to attract better instructors for Putnam County youth. This Club has consistently worked for street and access road improvements for Hurricane.

Club members sponsored the drive to raise money to fence the original Hurricane High School football field and install lights for night football and baseball. Raincoats and hats were purchased for the public school street crossing guards and Safety Patrol members.

Hurricane Lions sponsored the original Babe Ruth youth baseball team in Hurricane and purchased the necessary equipment. The LIONS team has been sponsored by this club.

Clearing brush and weeds from the Hurricane Pioneer Cemetery at the west end of Second Street was another early Lion project.

For several years this club has sponsored local effort for the UNITED WAY OF THE KANAWHA VALLEY and solicited businesses for contributions to this humanitarian organization.

Hurricane Lions began to sponsor an Annual Scholastic Dinner for the top boy and top girl students in each grade, nine through twelve at Hurricane High School. This “Honors” Dinner has continued annually with enthusiastic participations by students and faculty.

Teen age youth dances with a live band were sponsored for several years with enthusiastic participation. The establishment of Government Teen Centers and school sponsorship removed the need for such club sponsorship.

This Club promoted the establishment of Putnam County Library as a governmental activity and the beginning of the Hurricane Branch Library.

The Club contributes to the cost of Christmas decorations on Main Street each yuletide. These are erected each year by the Volunteer Fire Department and the City employees.

Street signs for the City were purchased by the Lions with erection by the City employees and personnel. Lions bought identification front license plates for Volunteer Fireman to facilitate easier access to the fire station area by Volunteers in response to emergency call for the members.

Hurricane Lions have sponsored the Teays Valley and the Winfield Lions Club.

Hurricane Lions purchased the football field scoreboard at the new Hurricane High School and erected it. Lions also purchased the basketball scoreboard at the new Hurricane High School gym.

Hurricane Lions Club has consistently promoted eye examinations for school children and secured glasses for those unable to pay for them as well as other deserving adults and senior citizens. Several sets of glasses are secured by the Lions for deserving persons each year.

Humanitarian and Community Betterment activities would fill many pages if listed fully.

Hurricane Lions are participating in wishing Hurricane Happy 100th Birthday.