The Sixties
The decade of the sixties saw the Jaycees involved in many activities to benefit the citizens of Peoria: “The Home Show,” “United Fund Parade,” “Miss Peoria Pageant,” “Golden Gloves Tournament,” “Auction,” and candy sales.
Governor Kerner signed a bill that stated that all 1961 and older automobiles licensed in the State of Illinois would require two seat belts in the front seat. The chapter responded with a Seat Belt Clinic. By 1966, Jaycees used their manpower to install 600 seatbelts in “Operation Buckle Up.”
Also in 1966, Dr. James Turpin addressed the group at a district banquet, speaking on the real struggle in Vietnam. Later that year, a ”Holiday Rest Stop” was conducted over Labor Day weekend. Over 300 cars and 1,200 people took advantage as the Jaycees manned the Mobile Oil Company on Interstate 74 at the Kickapoo exit. Local merchants donated refreshments, safety literature was distributed, clowns entertained the children, and the Jaycees washed more windshields than they ever knew existed!
The year 1966 also saw the task of providing sidewalks at the Neighborhood House campsite near Chillicothe. The project actually consisted of digging the complete area, laying of the forms, spreading the cement, and working for numerous foremen.
Another humanitarian service developed by the chapter: “Project Little Red Wagon,” brought donated wagons to each of the city’s three hospitals. The wagons were given to the pediatric wards to transport young patients.