The only all-women's Kiwanis chapter celebrates milestone

Vickie Chaplin presents Marsha Hudson, right, with the Legion of Honor award for being a 25-year member.

When people think of Fort Scott history, they typically think about the Fort or the Civil War. There is another historical fact that is alive and well today.

On Sunday, the state's -- and possibly the world's -- only all-women's Kiwanis club celebrated its 25th anniversary at the First Presbyterian Church with a reception for current, past and charter members, as well as their guests and members of the community.

The Kiwanis organization began in 1914 and became international when a club from Canada joined in 1916. Kiwanis went worldwide in 1961. The debate of allowing women to join began in 1977, but only 15 percent of those attending the International Convention agreed, so the debate continued.

members, charter members and guests listen as Pioneer President Vickie Chaplin tells the history of the Pioneer Kiwanis.

Sponsored by the men's Fort Scott Kiwanis, the Pioneer Kiwanis was chartered May 5, 1988 after the vote to allow women was passed at the International Convention. The Pioneer's club became the first all-women's group in the International organization.

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Kiwanis members past and present look at some memorabilia.