Lackawannock Township Civic League

Anticipating the structure of a Lackawannock Township Municipal Building, it was deemed wise to organize "The Lackawannock Township Civic League." The following group of residents were chosen to draw up a Constitution and By-Laws:
Sarah Mae Miller, Dr. Ralph Ediburn, Vaness McNair, Dolores Sewall and Rev. Don Wilson.

This initial committee met at the home of Priscila Miller and carefully drew up the Constitution and By-Laws. In 1975 the same group chose Rebecca Watson Humes as the first president of Lackawannock Civic League. Annually, new officers were elected.

Prior to construction of the Municipal Building, monthly meetings were held in various places including Unity and Lebanon Churches. Carefully, plans were made for the future.

A door-to-door membership campaign was conducted. Almost 400 residents responded at $1.00 each. The membership dues remain the same to this time. Beyond this, it was realized that plans must be made for raising money to assist with several necessary projects.

The first event was an auction held at the nearby Western Reserve. It proved very popular and the idea was repeated several years. The fledgling organization was making progress by holding some interesting activities that continued through 1980.

The new Township Building was completed in 1981. The Civic League holds monthly meetings there on the fourth Monday of each month with a variety of speakers and events. A Chinese Auction was first held in 1984 with proceeds amounting to $900. In 1985, the first ham dinner was held and folding chairs were purchased with the proceeds. Also that year, the first Christmas Dinner and Party was held which has become an annual event with a tureen dinner, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. Other events have included Candidate Nights, card parties, pancake and sausage suppers, chili suppers and auctions.

Special events have honored township residents and friends. In 1988, school teachers - retired and active - were honored. Nurses were honored in 1989 and ministers in 1990. Extensive plans to honor these residents were made by Mary Bowen and Genevieve Bartholomew with assistance of the Civic League Officers.

An interesting activity of the Civic League was "bringing a Circus to town." In1995, the "World's Largest Tented Show -- Carson and Barnes" arrived with 21 elephants on the grounds of the Township Building. A fine profit was made for the Civic League Scholarship Fund.

1995 also saw the first year for the now annual Clean Sweep Day held the last Saturday of April. This day combines recycling, flea market and animal rabies clinic. The Lackawannock Amish participate in this day by making raised donuts for sake as well as other baked goods. Dorothy O'Stafy, Linda Stevens and Deborah Wilson have chaired this event each year. A newsletter was begun to advertise Clean Sweep Day and is now published twice a year to inform residents of the activities being held by the Civic League.

A corn roast or picnic has been a highlight of the July meeting in the spacious, convenient picnic area of the Township Park. In recent years, two "Citizens of the Year" (one male and one female) have been honored, each receiving a plaque of recognition:

1996 - Mary Bowen and Keith Miller
1997 - Genevieve Bartholomew and Philip Bartholomew
1998 - Freda Swartz and Ray Ackerman
1999 - Shirley Richards and August Miller

Each year, new names are added to the wall plaque on display in the Township Building.
Many uses are made of the funds raised by the Civic League including extensive kitchen equipment, chairs and tables, and assistance to township residents who have had a fire or other tragedy. However, of great importance are the scholarships given to the township high school seniors entering institutions of higher education. As of 2000, 24 scholarships have been awarded.
It would be impossible to list all those who have faithfully served the Civic League, however we thought it was important to list those who have served as President:

1975 - Rebecca Watson Humes
1976 - Peg Michaels Spanglehour
1977 & 78 - Bob Kochems
1979 & 80 - Mike McKenna
1981 & 82 - Joe Wansack
1983 - August Miller
1984 & 85-Charles Steingrabe
1986 - Gary Plymire
1987 through 1993 - Keith Miller
1994 & 95 - Kathy Miller
1996 - James Zagger
1997 through 1999 - Richard Schuller
2000 - Donald Wilson