This book is respectfully dedicated to the Madison Lions Club, several of whose members have given encouragement to the writer to proceed with the work. Such civic interest is typical of the club, which since its founding has spearheaded many local civic projects. The club was chartered November 5, 1963, the charter being presented December 3, 1963, with Lion John Gilmore in charge and State District officials of District 13 G of Ohio assisting: Lion Carl A. Wingling and District Governor Richard H. Smith. First president of the club was George W. Stacey and Secretary-Treasurer, James D. Bowling. Historian of the club is Charles W. Benton, also a past District Governor of State Lions.

Madison Lions is the local unit of an international service organization which sponsors many national activities in addition to local ones. It is part of a sight project supporting Ohio Lions Eye Research, Lions Eye Bank of Ohio, and provides eye examinations and glasses for local youth needing such help. Its local educational programs include scholarships for Madison graduates, sponsorship of selected high school students for Camp Kerns, assisting with funding of the Madison High School Band, and sponsorship of a hardball team. Madison Lions also help fund a local food bank at the Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church.

To finance these projects, Madison Lions have sponsored various community events such as horse shows, pancake breakfasts, carnivals, light bulb sales, with the main projects at present being the annual Rose Sale and Blue Grass Show.

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