Our History
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.
