The first meeting with the view of organizing a Kiwanis Club in Athens was July 29, 1920 at Petty-Manker Hall on the campus of Tennessee Wesleyan College. The Club was chartered August 11, 1920 with 54 members. On September 6, 1920, the charter was presented to 60 members by Lt. Governor Charles R. Roberts. The Cleveland Club is about a week older than we are, and the Sweetwater Club is a week younger. The Kiwanis representative traveled by train following Robert E. Lee Highway (U.S. 11) setting up clubs.

The Clubs were originally set up as "trade associations" to promote trade between the members (the business and professional men of the area). It soon became evident, however, that the club functioned more importantly as a watchdog for the community - and meeting the needs of the community - that's what happens when you get a bunch of community leaders together in one place every week!