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Archive Record
Metadata
Item ID# |
SPO fonds |
Title |
South-Port Optimist Club fonds |
Object Name |
Archival Fonds |
Dates of Creation |
1974-2016 |
Creator |
South-Port Optimist Club |
Description |
This fonds consists of records reflecting the work and activities of the Optimist Club of Southampton/Port Elgin, Ontario, commonly known as the or Southport Optimist Club and South-Port Optimists. Series list includes: 1. Administrative records 2. Minutes 3. Anniversary events records 4. Public relations records 5. Photographs and albums |
Admin/Biographical History |
The South-Port Optimist Club brought the true meaning of the Optimist International motto of "Bringing Out the Best in Kids" to the community of Saugeen Shores for a period of 42 years. The Optimist Club of Southampton / Port Elgin, Ontario received its charter on September 10, 1974 and was sponsored by the Stratford Optimist Club. It was part of Zone 8, Midwestern Ontario District of Optimist International. The Optimist International motto at the inception of the club was, "Friend of Youth." The membership of this new club totalled 30 - all male - and the executive consisted of: George MacDonald - President Mike Kingsley- Vice - President Larry Muschamp - Vice-President Ernie Hatt - Secretary/Treasurer Roger Dewaele - Director Ray Litwiller - Director Peter Koenig - Director Adrian Vandenbrook - Director John Helwig - Director Earle Burnett - Director According to Club bylaws, the official purpose of the Club was "to develop optimism as a philosophy of life, utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed: to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs, to inspire respect for law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth; in the belief that giving of one's self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world. The Club did not waste any time in organizing community events. In 1974 a children's Christmas Party occurred as well as free skating events for children. In 1975, there was a fishing derby for the kids and later that year horse drawn sleigh rides. Also that year was the first annual Atom Minor Hockey Tournament which, for many years, was run by the late Jake Zinn and later by Rob Witter. This tournament continued with the Club's support and under the guidance of Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey Association until February 2017. In 1977, Roger Dewaele organized the "Tennessee Dogfight" golf tournament with proceeds going toward helping junior golfers. This tournament became a very popular and successful event for 33 years. The Club incorporated by Letters Patent in March 1985 as "The Optimist Club of Southampton/Port Elgin, Ontario." The Club remained all male until 1987 when Brenda Zinn (now Vanderploeg) joined as the first female member. Upon the closure of the South-Port Optimist Club in 2016, membership was equally represented by male and female members. Fundraising has always been a major activity and in the early years this entailed dances, selling cheese and chocolate bars, Christmas tree sales, raffles, wine tours, curling bonspiels, casino nights, and more. On September 24, 1985, the South-Port Optimists hit the big time - the Club began running weekly bingos every Thursday in Southampton's Town Hall. This was their most consistent and successful money-maker and this success was credited to all of the tireless members involved in organizing, scheduling, calling and working the floor - and of course to all of their loyal bingo players. Over 42 years, the Club provided funding for dozens of individuals and organizations and disbursed approximately $750,000 to the community. In addition to the events mentioned earlier, the club has: - sponsored the Breaker's Swim Meet for 32 years; - been a long-time supporter of the Saugeen Track and Field Club; - been a major contributor to the Halliwell Soccer Pitch, Southampton, in 1999; - installed three small playgrounds in Southampton and Port Elgin; - donated to the Children's Accessible Playground and the Splashpad in Southampton; - donated towards the construction of the environmental domed classroom at G.C. Huston Public School, Southampton; - donated to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital building fund as well as setting up and furnishing for the children's play area; - under the coordination of the late Optimist Len O'Conner, assisted with the building of the children's fishing dock at the Port Elgin Harbour and assisted with registration for the annual children's fishing derby; - run "Shop With a Cop" with students from the local schools where purchased food was donated to the local food bank; - run "Bike Rodeos" to encourage safety in bike riding; - supplied musical instruments to the local school music programs and Southampton Summer Music Camp; - sponsored local youth and children to attend various seminars and developmental training camps; - sponsored yearly academic awards presented to local elementary students; - in the early years, sponsored a bus load of children to attend Blue Jays games in memory of Optimist Jake Zinn who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1986. - donated to the local Cancer Society to assist transportation costs for children with cancer and their families. In 2016, money raised from the Club's fourth annual garage sale along with a matching grant from the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation resulted in a $1,688 donation; - coordinated and sponsored the Cardboard Boat Races as part of the Marine Heritage Weekend in Southampton along, including running a BBQ; - supported the "Swim to Survive" program; Women's House serving Bruce and Grey; and the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. During the early years of the South-Port Optimist Club, the dedication of the Charter Members cannot be overstated. The only remaining active charter member of the Club at the time of dissolution was Paul Salter of Southampton. Many hours of work and fun went toward planning events and fundraising for the youth of Saugeen Shores. The true joy of all members - past and present - is the knowledge that they have touched many lives and the legacy of their support will be endless. Source: South-Port Optimist Club |
Provenance |
These documents were collected by various Southport Optimists executive members over the years and donated to the Museum upon the club's dissolution. |
Collection |
South-Port Optimist Club fonds |
System of arrangement |
This fonds was arranged by the Southport Optimists at the time of donation. The Club's system of physical arrangement was maintained. |
Level of Description |
Fonds |
Physical Description |
38 cm of textual records (including scrapbooks with photographs) |
Places |
Port Elgin Saugeen Shores Southampton |
Search Terms & Subjects |
Organizations Service clubs |
Related Units of Description |
Two objects from the Museum's Collections Department are related to this fonds: 2017.002.001 - South-Port Optimist Club Banner 2017.013.001 - South-Port Optimist Club Honours Banner |
Related items within BCM&CC Collection |
Show Related Records... |
Child Records |
SPO series 1 SPO series 2 SPO series 3 SPO series 4 SPO series 5 |