Peoria Jaycees: 1970's
The 70's, a dynamic decade for Peoria, that resulted in a very active and growing
organization.
In 1971, during the Metro Conference, several chapter members attended a seminar
on fundraising activities. One of the ideas presented was a haunted house. The
Peoria Jaycees found an old house on Wilcox Street and got permission from a
couple they thought were the owners to "redecorate". The Journal Star
did a feature article along with photographs. That afternoon, Tom Horstman
received a phone call from Commercial National Bank. Did the Jaycees know that
the bank was the owner of the house?
Alarmed, they had not gotten permission from the true owner.
Fortunately, the bank was cooperative. As a result, over 14,000 people went
through the doors of "The House of Terror," thus, becoming the first
of many successful haunted houses.
In May 1975, "The History of Peoria" was published by the Jaycees and
distributed as a part of the Steamboat Days celebration.
As the holiday season approached, an emergency meeting of the Peoria Jaycees was
called to help save the oldest Santa Claus Parade in the nation. Vandals had
damaged and destroyed the floats. With little time to waste, the chapter rebuilt
the floats, raised funds, and manned the parade to ensure it was another
successful event.
The Mayor of Peoria proclaimed June 5, 1976 as "1976 Junior Sports
Jamboree" during the "Spirit of '76" Bicentennial Celebration.
On August 26, 1976, it was reported that the Jaycees Building Fund had accrued
$11,860.03.
"Operation Threshold" was conducted to
teach the public to say no to drugs and to be responsible when drinking.
The 70's saw the continuation of the "Home Show", assisting with
Channel 47 Auction, "Merchant Coupon Books," and the "River Raft
Race Run/in the Rain" with the Peoria River Rowdys.
Peoria hosted Two State Conventions during the 70's. One in 1975 and again in
1978. The "Pow Wow in Peoria" '78’ State Convention was held at the
Continental Regency. It was so well attended that the hotel ran out of tables
and chairs and were forced to rent extras for the banquet.
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