Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915 in Detroit as a club for businessmen by Allen S. Browne, a professional organizer of fraternal groups. A committee rejected his proposed name, Benevolent Order Brothers or BOB. Kiwanis is derived from an American Indian phrase meaning "we get together." Women were allowed to join in 1987.
Rotary International
An attorney named Paul P. Harris started the club in Chicago in 1905 to recapture the small-town friendliness he experienced as a youth. The name comes from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices. Rotary admitted women in 1989.
Lions International
Chicago businessman Melvin Jones founded the club in 1917 as a means to expand business clubs into community service. One of several groups he invited to an organizing meeting was called the Association of Lions Clubs, hence the name. Women were allowed in 1987.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Englishman Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian founded the club in New York City in 1868 after a member of his acting group, the Jolly Corks, died, leaving behind a wife and children. The group wanted a means to help people in need. Women were admitted in 1995.
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Six Seattle theater owners who met to discuss a musicians strike in 1898 resolved their differences and formed the Order of Good Things. Kegs of beer were shared at meetings. Early members adopted the bald eagle as a symbol, prompting a name change. Women may join as auxiliary members.