Peoria Jaycees: 1960's
The decade of the sixties saw
the Jaycees involved in many activities to benefit the citizens of Peoria:
"The Home Show," "United Fund Parade," "Miss Peoria
Pageant," "Golden Gloves Tournament," "Auction," and
candy sales.
Governor Kerner signed a bill that stated that all 1961 and older automobiles
licensed in the State of Illinois would require two seat belts in the front
seat. The chapter responded with a Seat Belt Clinic. By 1966, Jaycees used their
manpower to install 600 seatbelts in "Operation Buckle Up."
Also in 1966, Dr. James Turpin addressed the group at a district banquet,
speaking on the real struggle in Vietnam. Later that year, a ”Holiday Rest
Stop" was conducted over Labor Day weekend. Over 300 cars and 1,200 people
took advantage as the Jaycees manned the Mobile Oil Company on Interstate 74 at
the Kickapoo exit. Local merchants donated refreshments, safety literature was
distributed, clowns entertained the children, and the Jaycees washed more
windshields than they ever knew existed!
The year 1966 also saw the task of providing sidewalks at the Neighborhood House
campsite near Chillicothe. The project actually consisted of digging the
complete area, laying of the forms, spreading the cement, and working for
numerous foremen.
Another humanitarian service developed by the chapter: "Project Little Red
Wagon," brought donated wagons to each of the city's three hospitals. The
wagons were given to the pediatric wards to transport young patients.
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