On June 1, 1933, a handful of young men met at the Galesburg Club. Mr. Fritz McCaleb was elected temporary chairman of a then temporary club. Keith Edwards was elected temporary secretary. Others present were Richard Baird, William West, Mac Verner, Bud Hinchman and Charles Little. Little was appointed head of a constitution committee.
On June 6, 1933, Larry Olson of the Moline Jaycees was present to give a talk on the Jaycee movement. Also a representative of the Chamber of Commerce was present to assure the club of it's full cooperation. A motion was made and approved to establish a permanent Junior Chamber of Commerce. Charles little presented a well written constitution and it was adopted. William West was elected president First Vice President was Martin Sandburg, 2nd Vice President was Keith Edwards and 3rd Vice President was Fritz McCaleb. Charles little and Paul Peters were Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. A motion was approved to meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
On December 12, 1933, the Illinois State Junior Chamber President, RN Ingleson, presented the Galesburg Chapter with it's number 10 state charter. Today the Galesburg Jaycees is the 2nd oldest existing chapter in the state of Illinois.
The next 75 years have been filled with successes, failures and incredible projects all created by the Galesburg Jaycees.
In 1936, the Jaycees started the "community chest." It's now known today as The United Way.
In 1939, the Galesburg Jaycees created the tradition of the Fireworks Display at Lake Storey. 2009 will mean 70 years of providing this service to the community!
In 1941, the Jaycees created and maintained "Welcome to Galesburg" signs.
In July of 1956 the Jay-C-Ettes were formed. This group was the first official recognition of women in the Jaycees movement. Women would not be officially allowed into the Jaycees until the 1980's!
The Jaycees also created
Tot-Lots, started the JFL, held fundraisers for ill and unfortunate people
around town, worked actively in the city government and laid the plans for many
events still carried on today.
75 years of history, 75 years of serving our community.
If you have any pictures, stories, etc regarding the last 75 years of Galesburg Jaycee history, PLEASE CONTACT US! We are currently planning our 75th celebration and could use your help!
contact: sherry.kincaid@galesburgjaycees.org with any information!
As always, any questions or comments? Drop us a line!