The Mobile chapter of Kiwanis International was established and opened for membership on June 4, 1919. The parent organization was founded by professional organizer Allen S. Browne in Detroit, Michigan, on January 21, 1915. Originally known as the Benevolent Order Brothers, he group took its present name from the Indian term "Nunc Kee-wani-is," meaning "we make a big noise." Organized for the purpose of reciprocal business, the club was owned by Browne and he derived his income from the dues paid by members. Wanting to branch out into social and civic work, and increasingly disgruntled with Browne's leadership, in May 1919, delegates at the annual convention in Birmingham voted to disassociate from Browne. They bought him out for the sum $17,500. The Alabama-Florida district of the club was formed in the fall of 1918. Five years later the two states were split.
From the description of Scrapbooks. (University of South Alabama). WorldCat record id: 173413979
