(Chelsea Update would like to thank John Knox for the information and photos in this story.)
On May 2, the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea held a dinner party celebrating its 90th anniversary and Rick Catherman, Chelsea High School band director, and members of the CHS Jazz Ensemble performed prior to dinner.
Club President Mary Schroer welcomed everyone and long-time club member Sam Vogel presented an overview of the club’s history and highlights.
Among the highlights were:
- In the 1930’s, members of the club worked closely with county road commissioners and the state highway department to ensure good roads heading north out of Chelsea, making possible the paving of South Main Street to Old US-12.
- In 1937, the club sponsored the first Chelsea Community Fair, which was held at the CHS gym.
- In 1945, the club allocated the money to purchase and install lights on the high school football field, and in the first game under the lights, Coach Cameron’s team beat Ann Arbor University High, 18-0.
- Jerry Niehaus Field was named after a long-time Kiwanis Club secretary.
- In 1977, the club purchased its first knockwurst trailer.
The club formally inducted two new members Thuy Bui and Jeff Alber, at the meeting.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club, click here.
