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Maryville Lions Club
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Show Me a Sign: How the Lions Have Been Welcoming Blount County Since the 1950s

  • Jan 28
  • 2 min read

If you’ve driven into Blount County on Route 411, 129, or 321, you’ve almost certainly seen them. The Lions Club signs. Or… maybe you haven’t — at least not consciously.

Like a favorite old landmark or a familiar mountain view, they’ve quietly blended into the background. But these signs have been standing watch for a long time, and they have a story worth noticing again.



A Welcome That’s Been There for Generations


Those Lions Club signs first went up in the 1950s, making them some of the longest-standing “welcome messages” in our community. Long before GPS directions or digital billboards, they greeted travelers entering Maryville, Alcoa, and greater Blount County.


They weren’t advertisements. They were statements of values.


In a simple, unmistakable way, the signs told visitors: This is a community that cares.


What the Signs Are Really Saying


At first glance, they’re straightforward. But look a little closer, and the message runs deeper.


  • We look out for one another. The Lions Club has long been associated with vision care, hearing support, and helping neighbors in need. Those signs quietly signal that help is here.

  • Vision care matters here. Lions Clubs around the world are known for vision-related services, screenings, and support. The signs serve as a reminder that no one should face vision challenges alone.

  • You’re welcome — even if you’re just passing through. For Lions traveling through or considering a move to the area, the signs say something important: There’s a club here. You’re welcome to visit. You’re welcome to belong.


A Club With Deep Roots


The Maryville Lions Club was first established in 1938 — long before those roadside signs appeared.


That means that for nearly 9 decades, local Lions have quietly served, fundraised, screened for vision, supported families, and strengthened the fabric of our community. The signs on our highways are just the most visible symbol of a much deeper commitment.


In many ways, they’ve become an unofficial welcome to Blount County — a reminder that service and compassion are part of who we are.


Why They Still Matter Today


In an age of constant digital noise, there’s something powerful about a message that doesn’t blink, scroll, or pop up.


Those Lions Club signs don’t ask for attention — they earn it over time.

They tell newcomers, longtime residents, and returning visitors the same thing they’ve been saying for decades:

People here care. And if you need help — or want to help — you’re not alone.

So the next time you’re driving past one on 411, 129, or 321, take a second look. You’re not just seeing a sign. You’re seeing a promise that’s been kept for generations.


Want to Be Part of the Story?


If those signs resonate with you, we’d love for you to learn more. Whether you’re interested in serving the local community, supporting vision and hearing programs, or simply meeting people who believe in helping others, there’s a place for you.


👉 Follow us on Facebook to stay connected and see service in action


Helping others doesn’t just change lives — it strengthens the community we all share. And sometimes, it all starts with a sign you’ve been passing for years. 🦁

 
 
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