Although the Kiwanis Club of Quincy received its charter in 1924, we must look back to the previous year to learn of its real origin. In 1923, a group of young men who were members of the Y’s Men’s Club (Wisemen), affiliated with what was then known as the Quincy Y.M.C.A., sought an opportunity to be of greater service to their community and especially to underprivileged children. Prominent among these “Wisemen” were Arthur L. Burgess, Frank H. Foy, Lawrence W. Lyons, F. Warren Crane, J. Sumner Swingle, Guy W. Shaw, William Hibbett and Dr. William D. Michael.

In seeking an outlet for their enthusiasm and their ideals, they became interested in Kiwanis International, which was a completely new service organization, having been started in Detroit in 1915. Contrary to the usual procedure, this group sought out Kiwanis and was not sought by Kiwanis. The friendly spirit of Kiwanis appealed to these young men. They soon learned that while Kiwanis had its fun side with singing, laughing and joking, it also had a serious side. The aims and objectives of Kiwanis were to render service to underprivileged children and to promote friendly urban-rural relationships. Seeking an opportunity for community service, Kiwanis proved to be the challenge that appealed to these young men.

In the latter part of 1923 and early 1924, the Kiwanis idea was explained to other young men of Quincy. The result was a formal application for the Kiwanis Chapter, signed by 52 Quincy men. The application was accepted on March 10, 1924 by Kiwanis International. The International representative, Walter C. Humpton, who was instrumental in the final organizational phase, was voted as the first Honorary member of the newly formed Quincy club. The Kiwanis Club of Quincy Charter was presented on Wednesday evening, April 24, 1924 at a gala dinner held in Quincy at the Glenwood Hall.

Charter night is always a great occasion, and Quincy’s charter observation was truly a festive affair with many guests and notables in attendance with the 52 charter members. The stage was set as a replica of a typical Kiwanis meeting with the usual informality, singing and “fines.” An imitation fireplace was built, brick by brick as members sang the Kiwanis “Builders” song and laid the bricks worded “Truth,” “Sincerity,” “Helpfulness,” “Honesty,” and other Kiwanis objectives. The charter, bell and gavel, flag and record book were presented by other clubs in the New England District, followed by an address by the Kiwanis District Governor, Walter J. Campbell.

From the very beginning, these new Kiwanians were imbued with the spirit of Kiwanis and its objectives of unselfish service to the community and its needy children. Activities to raise money for charity and welfare work began immediately, first by contributions from members supplemented by running band concerts and other fundraisers.

In the early days, meetings were held in the Bradford Building, presently we meet at the Neighborhood Club of Quincy.