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History of the Kiwanis Club of Ambler

I remembered going to the carnival held at Wissahickon High School after having rehearsals inside the school during the Wissahickon Summer Program. I found it beautiful to see the carnival at night every time I go by. I always made sure I go there and see the fireworks with my friends. It naturally became a tradition for me. What I didn't know was that this annual carnival was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Ambler.


As their annual carnival and fireworks are coming up, we should learn how the Kiwanis Club of Ambler spent 100 years impacting the community with heart and dedication.

History of Kiwanis International


It all started in 1914 Detroit, Michigan when merchant tailor Joseph G. Prance met Allen S. Browne and discussed about establishing a business and professional men's club with social and commercial benefits. The club was originally named Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. It was later changed to "Kiwanis," which translated to "we build." from the Algonquian Native American language family. The word aligns with "community service," thus the definition they used to describe a "Kiwanian" as "a member of one of the major service clubs." On January 21, 1915, the Kiwanis Club was charted.


Fun Fact # 1: No one in the club could agree with the translation of "Kiwanis". There were different interpretations like "we trade," "to impress," "to make oneself known," and "to advertise."


The number of members in the club declined due to the number of new members who actually wanted to do good for the community. Thus, Prance and J.C. "Cleve" Helfrich gained 130 new "Kiwanians" who knew the exact purpose of the club.

Kiwanis Comes to Ambler


In the spring of 1926, young businessmen of Ambler met to discuss establishing a Kiwanis club in the community. The club was chartered in May 1926 with the support from the Ambler Rotary Club. Everett H. Seiberg was named president of the club. It was thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Norristown that supported the idea of Ambler having a Kiwanis club, and sponsored the organization of the club.


Since its establishment, they hosted lectures and presentations of various topics for everyone to attend. Then over time the club contributed to donations and fundraisers to support a cause. For example, the club gathered food, clothing, and other resources to the victims of the 1936 Northeastern Flood.


An idea that sparked the success of the club was hosting a business show in Ambler as an opportunity for businessmen to exhibit their goods and products, as well as hosting a food fair for families. After their successful event, the club raised $2,000 that began their project to help underprivileged children. Their inspiration on this project was from a 14 year old in Ambler who was crippled by infantile paralysis as a baby.


Fun Fact # 2: There were 4,747 people who attended the first annual, week-long business show hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Ambler.


Clipping ad from Ambler Gazette (November 1, 1928): Page 11
Clipping ad from Ambler Gazette (November 1, 1928): Page 11

Today, the Kiwanis Club of Ambler continues to follow the tradition and values of what the club is all about. Just like the business shows they hosted during the early 20th century, Kiwanis hosts the carnival and fireworks during the week of 4th of July to bring everyone together and celebrate our community.


Happy 100th Birthday, Kiwanis Club of Ambler!

Bibliography


"Ambler Kiwanians Hold First Meeting." Ambler Gazette. April 22, 1926. Page 1. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_17136.



"Business Show Promises Success." Ambler Gazette. November 8, 1928. Page 8. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_17592.


"Charted Awarded Ambler Kiwanians." Ambler Gazette. May 27, 1926. Page 1. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_15763.


"Great Success Of The Business Show." Ambler Gazette. November 29, 1928. Page 1. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_17162.


Jonak, Chuck.The Kiwanis Legacy. (Indianapolis: Kiwanis International, 2004): 13-16.


"Kiwanis Ideals For Kiwanians." Ambler Gazette. September 23, 1926. Page 8. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_14308.


"Tells Kiwanis Of Flood Distress." Ambler Gazette. March 26, 1936. Page 1. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_22444.


"Underprivileged Child Work Aims." Ambler Gazette. February 7, 1929. Page 4. https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/papd/islandora/object/papd%3Awivp-gazett_14269.


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