On August 19, 1921, thirty-three people signed the charter of the "Fort Dodge Lions Club". M.F. Jeffries was one of those great leaders of our community who saw a need for an organization such as the Lions in our city. “Milt”, as he was known to many, has since passed away, but will be remembered by many as truly a fine gentleman and a good Lion.

The "Fort Dodge Lions Club" was the 26th club founded in Iowa. The club first met at the Wahkonsa Hotel, then the Warden Hotel, then the Eilers Hotel, then back to the Wahkonsa until moving to Treloars Inn for many years. For a number, of years the noon meetings were held at the Elks Club. In the 1990’s the meetings were changed to the Bonanza, then the Country Chef and back to Bonanza Restaurant, then to Rides Restaurant and then to our current home, the Lion’s Den f/k/a Izaak Walton Chapter House.

Many prominent Fort Dodgers have served as the club president over the years, some of which are E.M. McCall (the first president), James Dolliver, Dwight Rider, Harlan Rogers, Gordy DeKoster, Larry Ackerman and former Mayor Herb Conlon.

The "Fort Dodge Lions Club" has had the honor over the years of being the host club to 6 Lions Clubs International District Governors:
Mac McHenry 1953-54
Dan Stevenson 1959-60
Max Burch 1977-78
Jr. Williams 1990-91
Herb Conlon 1997-98
Cliff Weldon 2002-03

In 1974, the "Fort Dodge Lions Club" became known as the "Fort Dodge Noon Lions Club" as it sponsored a new club called the "Fort Dodge Evening Lions Club". The club also, in the past, has sponsored a Lioness Club here in Fort Dodge and is working toward starting a Leo Club for high school students.

The Fort Dodge Noon Lions Club celebrated its 100th anniversary on Aug. 19, 2021, when they invited many VIPs to this special event, including Lions Clubs International Past International Director Dave Stoufer.