The Seventies
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.
