Clifton

Clifton is located in between Chebense and Ashkum in Iroquois County.

Clifton Lions Club

On January 10, 1940 THE CLIFTON LIONS CLUB was organized. It was sponsored by the Watseka Lions Club. The charter members were Frank Wilson, President; B. J. Wallace, 1 Vice President; Dr. Allen, 2nd Vice President; Byron Wilson, 3rd Vice President; Howard Rice, Sec. and Treas,; Henry Beardslee, Lion Tamer; and Dan Marberry, Tail Twister. Earl E. Vilven is the only charter member who is still a member today.

Some of the many accomplishments of the Lions are community activities, sponsor of Glaucoma screening, Annual Community Sale, Fun Day, improvement of village park, inhalator and power pack for fire department, donation to library, Iroquois County Fair Grounds, Lions Candy Day, Broom Sales and a Stag Night to help with building the Community Building.

School activities include scholarships to Kankakee Community College, Cental High Summer Choral, Central High School Summer Band and Christmas treats; and the Clifton Grade School.

The Lions have sponsored the Clifton Boys Scouts, Clifton Cub Scouts Pack, Scout-a-Rama Council Fund Drives, boys to Boy's State, Clifton Pony League, and helped with lighting the Legion ballfield.

A time of remembrance comes as they celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Clifton Lions -- the good times, good friends, and good deeds. The Lions have accomplished much, not only because of its members, but the fine cooperation theyhave enjoye from the community as a whole.

At one time the attendance dropped as low as 8 to 10. They could not afford to have someone cook the meals, so meetings were held in the Community Buiding with members doing the cooking. Those who could not be there to help usually had their wives make the dessert -- to keep the Lions Club going. The membership now is just under 100.

In 1956 the Club received a donation fo $500 from Frank Wilson and his wife. It was decided to purchase the street signs for Clifton as a memorial to the first Lions Club President. At the same time, the Lions promoted changing the name of the street to the west of the Wilson home to Wilson Drive.

Memories are prized possessions and Lions Club members do have many. They consider it a privilege to hae helped in some small way with the accomplishements of the Lions Club.

(from History of Iroquois County 1985 page 59-60 transcribed by Carrol Mick)