During the first two decades of the 20th century, new business and social associations developed across the nation, generally founded in the Midwest and promoting good citizenship, civic benevolence, and ethical business practices. Among them were the Lions, Rotary, Civitans, Optimists, and Kiwanis, organizations that continued into the 21st century. In February 1938, twenty-five men established the Newport Lions Club, and within months its membership doubled under its first president, Stanley G. Fickes, a local coal dealer. Similar clubs were soon founded in Millerstown, Duncannon, New Bloomfield, and Liverpool, and by the early 21st century Perry County had ten Lions Clubs. The Newport club quickly became a source of public good by funding welfare agencies, outfitting children at Christmas, and urging civic improvements, including a publicized concern about poor lighting on the Newport bridge that led the local light company to install four 250-candle-power lights on the 1934 steel Juniata River Bridge. To raise money in its first year, the club filmed a moving picture of members' daily life, then charged 50 cents for admission to see the film, enjoy a vaudeville show, and dance to the music of the Scamps of Swing. In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs International to become "Knights of the Blind," and over the decades members raised millions of dollars for sight research and assistance. Through the years, the Newport Lions Club supported recreation, parks, camps, scholarships, and many local projects and charities, helped establish Veterans Park in the 1950s, and continued funding community programs under the motto "We Serve."