History of the Peoria Jaycees
The first sixty years of the Peoria Jaycees
provided the means for many of our present day leaders in business and
government to achieve the leadership and self-awareness that has carried
them forward until today. During this period, the firm foundations and
traditions were established, as were the precedents, that allow us today
to adjust our projects and programs to the varying needs of the community
service to localities.
Founding of the Peoria Jaycees The actual organization of the Peoria
Junior Chamber of Commerce took place July 23, 1940, when, with assistance
from the Decatur chapter, some 20 men decided to help further an idea
conceived in 1920 by Henry Giessenbier in St. Louis.
The first official meeting was held July 25, 1940 at the Creve Coeur Club.
The first officers were elected as follows: Dustin Miller, President;
Walter Tobias and Charles E. Barnum, Vice-Presidents; Albert L. Lukeman,
Secretary; and James Wheeler, Treasurer.
The Peoria chapter was granted its state charter on August 27, and on
September 19, 1940, the national charter was presented at the charter
dinner, attended by 250 people. There were then 48 members in the chapter.
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