History of the Kiwanis Club of Brookings
On May 11, 1922, fifty men from the city of Brookings formed the Kiwanis Club of Brookings. C. O. Trygstad was elected the first president. Sponsored by the Watertown club, Brookings was the ninth Kiwanis club in South Dakota.
One of the first objectives during early years was for members to subscribe to and live out principles of fair-dealing, with the practice of the Golden Rule in private, civic, social and business life.
During early days considerable camaraderie existed between the Brookings club and others in the area. Visits included a number of carloads. Also, during the first years the Rotary club (started in 1920) and the Kiwanis club met together annually for fun sessions.
The Brookings club held its charter night activities on July 27, 1922. Names of the 58 charter members include several with descendants presently living in Brookings, such as, Walter M. Cheever, Horace Fishback, Harry L. Kohler, Leonard J. Kendall, George H. McCarty, and George P. Sexauer. An account of the evening's activities was reported in The Brookings Register and the 25th anniversary history. In summary, 450 members and family were present along with three bands. Following a parade through main avenue and a big banquet, there was music and singing and much merry-making. The formal program took place in the college armory along with much speech-making. The weather and roads were so bad that much of the crowd remained and danced and sang until dawn.