Williamsburg Club Chartered 50 Years Ago
by Greg Davy

In some respects, it seems forever ago.

When the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg was chartered 50 years ago in 1958, Williamsburg had one traffic signal; a new Plymouth sold for about $1,880; and sugar cost 59 cents for a five pound bag. It was the "simpler time" that we read about now, today's writers always couching their descriptions of the relatively calm, prosperous '50s in terms that make the era seem quaint and dated.

But the town was growing, and it seemed ripe for a new Kiwanis club. Twenty-eight men were recruited by the Newport News club, heartily congratulated, and set on their way to serve Williamsburg in the best Kiwanis tradition.

The Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg said thanks, looked squarely forward, and hasn't looked back since - until recently.

On the occasion of the Club's golden anniversary, its 200 members were able to combine the absolute best Kiwanis has to offer in one stellar, whirlwind weekend. It all began on Friday with a picnic, replete with good food, fellowship, square dancing and some good old fashioned Virginia reeling. Then, the following morning, more than 100 Kiwanians and volunteers from around the region rolled up their sleeves and performed the kind of trademark service that this club has routinely performed in the Williamsburg community for five decades.

It was only fitting that, after creating at least two new city parks, countless opportunities for children both locally and throughout the world, and creating partnerships that have literally saved the lives of children, the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg would come through again in spectacular fashion to celebrate its 50th year. In the style of the one-day barn-raisings made famous by the Amish, the club built a new much-needed storage shed for the Historic Triangle Building in Williamsburg from the ground up in one day.

To celebrate this achievement, the Club then threw itself a dinner dance where it thanked those who have played major roles in making the Club what it is today: past presidents, charter members, and those whose service has helped to shape and mold the Club over the years.

Perhaps the ultimate honor was the presence of Kiwanis International President Dave Curry, who devoted his entire weekend to be with this special Club on its special weekend. Dave showed his true Kiwanis colors from the beginning as he danced on Friday, helped the Kiwanis Aktion Club members wash cars and drive nails on Saturday, and delivered an inspirational keynote address to a rapt, tuxedoed audience that evening.

In other respects, the 50 years were the blink of an eye. The weekend was a brief moment in time to reflect, rejoice - and regroup. There would be 50 more years to come, and then 50 after that. No self-respecting Kiwanian would rest on the considerable laurels amassed by this club. There are still too many children in the world who are undereducated, underfed and underserved. Yes, it has been 50 marvelous years.

But this Club is just getting started.