Downtown in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Birth of Optimist International / Growth of Optimist International
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2020
1. Birth of Optimist International Marker
Birth of Optimist International. In June 1919, Optimists from 11 cities met at the Tyler Hotel to organize Optimist International. The delegates at the convention elected William Henry Harrison of Louisville to serve as the first International President. Optimists around the world are known as “the Friend of Youth” or “Ami de la jeunesse.”
Growth of Optimist International. Since 1919, Optimist Clubs have spread around the world. Wherever Optimists live, they share the values expressed in the “Optimist Creed.” They also share the mission of bringing out the best in youth and in their communities by sponsoring programs for youth scholarships, sports, leadership, and health and wellness.
Erected 2018 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways; Presented by the Past Presidents of Optimist International. (Marker Number 2578.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1919.
Location. 38° 15.285′ N, 85° 45.415′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sit-In Demonstration Sites (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); They Paid For Peace (about 600 feet away); Bourbon District (about 600 feet away); Clarke & Loomis Architects / Levy Brothers Building (about 600 feet away); Kentucky Medal Of Honor Memorial (about 600 feet away); Jefferson County (about 700 feet away); The Columbia Building (about 700 feet away); Bank of Louisville (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Also see . . . History of Optimist International. From the organization's website. (Submitted on November 30, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2020
2. Growth of Optimist International Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 26, 2020
3. Birth of Optimist International / Growth of Optimist International Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
