Lions of Bridgewater

The first meeting of The Bridgewater Lions Club was held on December 14, 1926 at what was then known as the Birch-wood Inn (and then later known as the Sarah Summer House). The eighteen people present at this meeting included the ten who formed the charter member group. The Club was headed by Dr. Albert F. Hunt. Rosario Wood served as Secretary-Treasurer, and Bart Casey was the Tail Twister. The Club was officially chartered on October 3r, 1927. Between that first meeting in 1926 and the presentation of the Charter on January 31, 1929, the club was lead by Dr. Hunt. Other officers of the Club were: James Dickinson, Secretary (an office he held for 15 consecutive years), Rosario Wood, Treasurer, and James Stone, Tail Twister.

The Club helped sponsor the first Christmas lighting project in 1927. This activity was continued for 19 years until the Chamber of Commerce was formed.

One of the early major projects of the Club was the Legion Field project. When Bedford Street was built in 1928, the Lions Club bought the land at Legion Field. For many years raising money was very difficult and the Lions members lent their trucks and time to pick up junk. This was then sold to pay taxes on the land.

The first of the Club’s Annual Christmas Parties for children was held at the Princess Theatre on December 23, 1929 at which 1200 children saw two movie picture shows. An admission fee of one potato per child was charged and the proceeds later distributed among needy families. Popularly known as “Potato Parties,” these gatherings provided an afternoon of fun for hundreds of children and netted tons of food of every description that was distributed among the needy.

The 1930’s
During the early thirties the Club became famous for its variety shows, particularly the production of “College Flapper.”

The 1940’s

In 1944 the land at Legion Field was deeded over to the town. The Club was the motivating force in developing the playground, and also paid the salary of a play supervisor, and supervised work crews to aid in clearing a picnic grove in one corner of the field.

The Club sponsored the West Bridgewater Lions Club in 1947. The Club also co-sponsored the Whitman Lions Club in 1949-50. Around this same time, twenty gumball machines were placed in businesses all around the town. This was chaired by Hugo Baroni and Tony Anacki. In 1967, “Mo” Rucker assumed the responsibility of this project. Currently, the duties of the “Candy Man” are handled by Don Sweetman.

The 1950’s and 1960’s

Late in the 50’s and early 60’s, the Club started enforcing true lions procedure regarding attendance rules. The Club’s membership was reduced greatly to approximately five or ten in attendance, while the Club was meeting at the Snow Lodge. The Club decided to move to Leach’s Grove, where a few men headed by Primo Resmini, started our famous steak dinners. With this move and a new approach to lionism, club membership grew to around 90 members. Edward McGinn and Nicholas Saccocia received extension awards for outstanding assistance in the organization of the Mattapoisett-North Attleboro Club in 1954. Joseph Kasper was given an Extension Award for assisting, and organizing the Abington Club in 1955. Joseph Kasper brought additional honor to the Club by becoming the Club’s 1st elected District Governor. Edward McGinn served as Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer (CST). In 1969, the Annual Hearts and Flowers Charity Ball was originated by David Saccocia.

The 1970’s

During the 70’s, the Club created scholarships for seniors graduating from Bridgewater-Raynham High School. Scholarships in the name of Francis Bromley were presented to two graduating seniors. Manuel Domingos and David Saccocia co-chaired the creation of the Primo Resmini scholarship. All of these scholarships continue are still presented each year. Other fund-raising efforts of the Club were the Super Bowl Raffle, the Easter Ham Raffle. In 1977, the Club was proud to sponsor the Bridgewater Lioness Club. The Club branched out into broader activities including the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring a softball league, sponsoring a football team to represent Bridgewater in the district, purchasing the first band uniforms ever worn by Bridgewater High School musicians, and purchasing uniforms for the majorettes of the High School band. Other projects included the donation of a rescue boat to the Bridgewater Fire Department, the establishment of a hayride for Handi-Kids as part of World Service Day.

The 1980’s

In the 80’s, the Club undertook one of its most ambitious and successful fund-raisers. It was during the 1982 -1983 year when a young woman named Jamie Fiske was in desperate need of a liver transplant. The Clubs efforts resulted in a donation of over $10,000 to her life-saving operation. The Club also donated funds toward the Family Inn, a facility created to allow families to live in comfortable surroundings while awaiting organ transplants at a prestigious Boston hospital. In 1984, the Club sponsored the Bridgewater Leo Club. In 1985, the Club sponsored the Halifax Lions Club. In 1986, Chet Andrews became the Club’s 2nd elected District Governor, with L. Doug Sime serving as his CST. In 1989, L. Doug Sime became our 3rd elected District Governor. Active projects during this time were the Hearts and Flowers Charity Ball, an annual Horse Show, the Pancake Breakfasts, and the largest fund raiser: the 25 Week Club.

The 1990’s and Beyond

Throughout the 90’s and into the 21st Century, the Club continued its service to the town of Bridgewater and to Lionism. In 1992, David Cox became the District CST and in 1996 he was elected District Governor. Current projects include the Thanksgiving Day Raffle, Christmas Decorations on the Town Common, the annual Jazz Festival, the Advertising Booklet, the Valentine’s Day Raffle, the Pancake Breakfast, the Fishing Derby, an annual Golf Tournament, and Bike Safety Day.

Over the years numerous members of the Club have received awards and distinguished themselves through their achievements in Lionism. Club members have received awards from Lions International for assisting in the creation of other Clubs. Several of our members have held the positions of Governor’s Councilor, Council Chairperson, and Zone Chairperson. “Bo” Abati served the Club for 30 years as Tail Twister. Two generations of fathers and sons have served as King Lions of the Bridgewater Lions Club - first Charter member King Lion Dr. Albert F. Hunt and son Albert Jr., and also Nicholas Saccocia and his son, David.

You can find a listing of all the Past Presidents of the club here.

Tje list of the original charter members is here.