History of the Jaycees

    The Greater Muskegon Junior Chamber of Commerce was officially formed on February 27, 1936. It wasn't until 1938 that the Muskegon group asked to be affiliated with the Michigan Junior Chamber and United States Junior Chamber and received its charter. The first year of the organization saw the Jaycees play host to the West Michigan Restorer’s Open Golf Tournament, West Michigan Ice Follies, a clean-up project and many Christmas activities. There were 54 charter members and Harold Charter, a local attorney, was elected to be the first president.

    The Muskegon Jaycees' early success was accomplished in starting projects such as: Get Out the Vote, a public health project, a Jaycee radio program on WKBZ, Founders Day Banquet, Small Business Community Survey, Miles of Dimes (pre March of Dimes), Air Classic, construction of a toboggan run and a lighted ball field.

    In 1941 as the war broke out, many Jaycees were called to serve. During the war, the focus of the Jaycees was the war effort. Because of gas rationing, the toboggan run was closed and the Christmas lighting project wasn't allowed to continue. However, the Jaycees continued with programs known as: Naval Aviation Cadet Recruiting Program, War Chest Drives, Bond Sales, Can Drives and the establishment of a Youth Recreation League. Further support of the war continued with sending our Jaycee members Reader Digest issues, and collecting over 1000 pounds of junk jewelry to send to the South Pacific for our soldiers to use for barter.

    Since then, the Greater Muskegon Jaycees' continuous operation has seen 65 past presidents in the last 63 years. If you look at any major event, initiative, or accomplishment the Greater Muskegon area has made, you will find the Jaycees playing a major roll. Since the early 1950’s, the Jaycees started the Miss Michigan Pageant, a summer festival now  known as Summer Celebration, boat launch ramps, Soapbox Derby hill, Air  Shows, Hydro Plane Races, tree plantings, Yacht Races, community clean up,  Snowfest, and Parties in the Park.

    Muskegon has also supported almost every charity including March of Dimes, MDA, Bucks for Burns, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Red Cross, Rescue Mission, Love Incorporated, Child Abuse Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mission Inn Pediatric Aids Foundation.

    The Jaycees in Muskegon have also been credited with the training many of our governmental leaders throughout the years. National and state legislators, city and county commissioners, judges, mayors and prosecutors have all risen from the Jaycee ranks. Most of them will tell you that they wouldn't have held office if it weren't for their involvement in the Jaycees.

    The Muskegon Junior Chamber of Commerce is alive and well and making plans to be a major part of the growth of our Western Michigan Community into the next century.

The Greater Muskegon Jaycees   "The Early Years"

By H.R. (Pete) Marquand

Preface:

H.R. (Pete) Marquand was the second president of the Muskegon Junior Chamber of Commerce. This early history was written as a series of articles for the Greater Muskegon Jaycee Journal in the 1979-80 year.

I had many long talks with Pete and but the following is in his own words.

Pete Marquand died in 1989 and was a great supporter of the Jaycee movement until his death. I will always remember Pete as an inspiration to me in that year of 1979-80 when I was the 46th President of The Greater Muskegon Jaycees

                                          John D.Van Wyck

"Jaycees' Early Years" Part One

Starting the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Muskegon met with considerable opposition from the Senior Chamber. After expending considerable effort, Charles Barber, Jack Schepers of Lansing and Ray Bonini of Ann Arbor told John Beukema, Manager of the Senior Chamber, that with or without their approval, a Junior Chamber would be organized. It was then that the Senior Chamber approved but with their organization appointing the Secretary of the junior group. The Junior Chamber was officially started February 27, 1936, with Harold Charter as first President, Fred Kampenga as Vice President, Winston Hathaway as Treasurer and A.S. (Tony) Bolthouse as Secretary. Tony was John Beukema’s nephew and worked for the Senior Chamber.

High lights of the first year were the following programs: West Michigan Restorer’s Open Golf Tournament, Selection of Ice Follies Queen, and West Michigan Ice Follies. Numerous smaller projects were undertaken also.

Tow projects which became standing, yearly projects were also started. They were a Clean-Up Campaign and Christmas Activities.

There were 54 Charter members. A list no longer exists as it was lost when the Junior Chamber moved their office out of the Senior Chamber. We had 61 signed up originally but some decided at the last moment not to join.

Through some strange maneuvers of Tony Bolthouse, the same slates of officers were elected for 1937-38.

The local group did not join the Michigan of U.S. Junior Chamber at first, although Dan Nielsen, Leonard Cooper, John Achterhoff and Pete Marquand were sent to the State Convention in October 1936 at Battle Creek to ascertain the benefits of becoming affiliated with the State and National Organizations.

In addition to the Christmas activities, Clean-up Campaign, West Michigan Restorer’s Open Golf Tournament, this organization was very active in the two week’s Muskegon Centennial celebration in 1937. We handled the selection of the "Belle of the Timberland’s” among other things.

Officers for the 1938-39 year were Harold Marquand, President, Stephen Clink, Vice President, John Abbott, Treasurer and Fletcher Fox from the Senior Chamber serving most of the year as Secretary.

Successful projects completed were Christmas activities, Clean-up Campaign, Housing Contest with prizes totaling $750. Showing of the U.S.  Planning Commission exhibit, Get-out-The-Vote Campaign, Pet Peeve Project and a series of radio programs over WKBZ. A Public Health Project was started and completed the following year. One of features of the year was our affiliation with the State and National Organizations. Our Charters were presented by Ray Bonini (A National Director) and by Howard Sluyter, State President.  Three members attended the State Convention in Detroit in October 1938.

One of our biggest efforts was to get the organization back on its feet. Having a man serve two terms as President didn't prove to be good move. It was expecting too much of a young man, early in his professional career, to devote the required time an organization of this type demands. We were able to recruit hard working new members although the Senior Chamber was taking some of our most promising members to work for them. All in all, it was good and rewarding and interesting year.

H.R. (Pete) Marquand 7-5-79

"Jaycees' Early Years” Part two

Officers for the 1939-40 year were Arthur Cahow, President; Kenneth Olthoff, Vice-President; John Abbott, Treasurer; and Fletcher Fox, Secretary.  We became a Corporation during this fiscal year.

Projects completed were: Public Health, Clean-up, Christmas Activities, our first Hobby Show, first Founder’s Day Banquet at which Harold Charter was given the Distinguished Service Key for community service. Fort Wayne low Housing plan and a Small Business Credit Survey. Three members attended the State Convention in Pontiac.

Officers for the 1940-41 year were Lawrence Sexton, President; Arthur Cahow, Board Chairman; Todd Lunsford, Jr., Vice-President; Keith Brunck, Secretary and Marvin Patterson, Treasurer.

Projects completed were: Trade Promotional Trailer (filled with  displays of local manufacturers taken to National JCC Convention at  Washington D.C.,Youth Welfare Committee, sponsored Miles of Dimes raising money for  Crippled Children's association, Aviation Committee co-sponsored an Air Classic with the  Forman's Club, be for an estimated crowd of 7,000 people, Clean-Up, Christmas  Activities and second Annual Hobby Show. a new project was undertaken a  Citizenship Day Program for new citizens. together, with the Senior Chamber,  monies were raised to construct a Toboggan Slide at Muskegon State Park. Also, with the Senior Chamber, a lighted Ball Field was constructed near Lake Michigan. Stephen Clink, then Probate Judge was awarded the Distinguished Service Key for his Community efforts. During the year our fiscal year was changed to May 1st to correspond with State and National fiscal years. Several members attended the State Convention in Grand Rapids.

Officers for the 1941-42 year were: Charles Reeves, President:  Herbert Emery, Board Chairman; Robert Murry, Vice-President; Keith Brunck, Secretary and Vernon Harwood, treasurer. About June 1st Charles Reeves was called into active duty in the U.S.Army as a 2nd Lt. Herbert Emery then became President; Robert Murray, Board Chairman; Marquand was elected Vice-Chairman.  World War II was declared during this year.

Another successful year saw the sponsoring of the Hobby Show, Clean-Up/Paint-Up, Christmas Activities and Public Health. Lionel Booth (a Consumers Power Company engineer was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Key. The biggest project of the year was the Dale Carnegie Course of Human Relation held at WKBZ Auditorium, with 106 people taking the five night course. We also brought Carl Sandberg, the famous American Poet to Muskegon. Unfortunately, this project was not a financial success. The Toboggan Slide at Muskegon State Park was opened and well used. We were active in the newly created County Wide Post War Planning Work. We held a banquet in honor of Walter = Finke, U.S. JCC President, during his visit to Muskegon. From the visit a great many local industrialists got a better understanding of the Junior Chamber. A good delegation was in attendance at the State Convention in St.Joseph and the National Convention in Minneapolis, Minn.

Officers for the 1942-43 year were: Todd Lunsford, Jr., President; L.Carroll Cole, Board Chairman; Robert Martin, Vice-President; Gordon McComb, Secretary, and Vernon Harwood, Treasurer.

Our efforts were dedicated to supporting the war effort. Our War Activities Chairman was elected council President. We sponsored a Naval Aviation Cadet recruiting program; assisted in War Chest Drive and Bond Sales. The Youth Welfare Committee was active in recreation work in the County. The Citizens Recreation Assn. was organized to provide recreation for the Negroes. Several of our members were active in this Association.

Due to gasoline rationing, the Toboggan Slide had to be closed. Also due to request of the OCD (Office of Civil Defense), no Christmas Lighting Contest was held. We did have our annual clean-up Campaign. Max Manning was given the Distinguished Service Key as a representative of the young men of the community service of their community

Later Pete 8-12-79

Jaycees Early Years" Part Three

H.R. Marquand

Officers for the 1943-44 year were: L.Carroll Cole, President; Edwin Hopper, Board Chairman; Wilson Ranck, Vice-President; James Straub, Treasurer; and J.H.Tischler, Secretary.

This year found a very active organization its reputation in the community well established. Again support of the War was our general theme.  Our Annual Clean-up Campaign saw the organization collect 28 tons of tin cans.

In cooperation with the Americanization Council, a Citizenship Program was held. Governor Kelly was here to speak on the program. We sponsored an Air Show by the Detroit and Muskegon C.A.P. to raise funds for C.A.P.  Organization. Our youth Welfare Committee was again active in recreation work. The Christmas Activities Committee sponsored caroling by various church groups at local hospitals and homes for shut-ins. we made use of the Norman Rockwell poster "Freedom of Worship". We sent the Reader’s Digest to our members in the Armed Services.

A junk jewelry collection was made and over 1000 pounds of material  was sent to San Francisco for shipment to the South Pacific to use as barter  by our men stationed in that area.

We planted over 2,000 trees on a plot of ground on U.S.31 North.  This was done to aid the State Reforestation Program. A series of radio programs was given in conjunction with a program of the War Housing Center.

Another highlight was the visit of Bruce Palmer, The National President. A special banquet was held in his honor. Wilson Ranck was given the Distinguished Service Award. Large group was in attendance at the State War Conference in Grand Rapids. Cole and Hopper attended the U.S.Jaycee War Conference at Omaha, Nebr.

During the years a balance was struck between Community Service and Social Meetings for the members. Dances, boat trips, bosses' day, picnics etc. were held each year. For several years a bowling team was sponsored.

In the fall of 1939, the wives decided that rather than be ‘widows’ to community projects, they would form an auxiliary. This was organized in November 1939 and became an active asset to our organization and the community.  Mrs. Larry Sexton was the first President. The project which really earned the women community plaudits was their "Welcoming Newcomers" as many strangers had been drawn to the community due to high demand for employees for all types of work. The women obtained names from the Chamber of Commerce and then made personal calls on each family to offer any help possible in helping them locate doctors, dentists, churches, etc. The local auxiliary was the first in the 48 States. Local women were asked to the Saginaw War Conference to tell about their organization. From this many other cities formed auxiliaries and eventually a State Organization was formed at the Grand Rapids War Conference. Mrs. Larry Sexton Was Elected as the first State President.

Later Pete 9-28-79

"Jaycees the Early Years" Part four

During the eight years of its existence, the organization had grown steadily to the community and maintained and interested membership. Most of the projects were of the leg-work type but enabled the organization to become firmly established in the community. No attempt has been made to go into details for to do so would take a book length article.

After becoming affiliated with the State and National Jaycees the organizations became active in the work of both. During the 1941-42 year, Art Cahow served as a State Vice President. During the same year, Bernard DeVries was State Chairman for the City Beautification Committee. His local Committee received the State Trophy for the best program. At the beginning of the 1943-44 year, Herb Emery was elected a State Vice-President. As a result of Pat Meadows, State President, being inducted into the Navy, Emery was elected to fill the vacancy. He appointed Gus VeneKlasen, State Treasurer and Harold (Pete) Marquand, State Secretary. Local state Directors had a good record at State Board Meetings. During the 1943-44 years Wilson Ranck served as State Chairman of the Youth Welfare Committee. Our Sports Committee won the Sports Award at the Benton Harbor-St.Joseph Convention. At the 1943-44 War Conference we won awards in Aviation; Conservation and Christmas Activities. We had representatives at all State Conferences during these years; also at National meetings at Washington D.C., Minneapolis; Dallas and Omaha. Also several Director's Meeting in Chicago.

From our inception we had a representative from the Senior Chamber on our Board of Directors. During the period described in these articles we had three: H.McBride Thurston, Bert Ketchum, and Paul C. Johnson - all of whom rendered invaluable aid and assistance. During 1942-43, through Paul Johnson’s efforts, retiring Jaycees (Exhausted Roosters) were given a full year’s membership in the Senior Chamber. Also, through Mr. Johnson’s efforts, the Jaycees have a representative on the Senior Board. Bruce Cleveland was the first.

This briefly brings the history up to 1944-45. Officers elected that year were: Edwin Hopper, President; Bruce Cleveland, Board Chairman; Rex Sheathelm, Vice-President; Harold Bassett, Secretary and Robert Martin, Treasurer. Projects completed up to August 1944 were Annual clean-up Campaign, sponsoring the America Civic Opera Company in "Naughty Marietta" which netted over $500. A "Voice from Home" recording service, planted more trees on U.S.  31 on what became know as the Douglas Mallock Memorial Forest, named in honor of the Muskegon Poet. The State Board of Directors and State Auxiliary were entertained aboard the Milwaukee Clipper. Also through Mr. Johnson’s efforts, sustaining memberships were sold to local industry.

This concludes my years as a Jaycee. Hope these highlights have been of interest. Future information will have to come from someone else.

Thank You

Harold (Pete) Marquand 12-2-79

HISTORY OF THE GREATER MUSKEGON JAYCEES

This brief history of the Greater Muskegon Jaycees was taken from a document titled "Pacesetters Guide". This was part of and orientation package put together for new members in the years 1982-84.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce of Greater Muskegon was organized on February 27, 1936. There were 54 Charter members.

Highlights of the first year were the projects West Michigan Restorers Open Golf Tournament, Selection of Ice Follies Queen and West Michigan Ice Follies along with numerous smaller projects. Also, during the first year the clean-up Muskegon Campaign and Christmas Activities were started and became yearly projects.

It was during the 1938-39 year that the group became affiliated with the State and National Junior Chamber organizations and since that time has been active in the work of both.

In November 1940 the JCC wives decided to organize an Auxiliary, the first in Michigan.

Through the years the organization has grown steadily in service to the community. Some of the major projects which have been undertaken in  the past are Get out the Vote Campaign, Benefit Air Show for C.A.P., Miss  Michigan Pageant, Soap Box Derby with building of Soap Box Derby hill in  1965, Junior Champ, Junior Tennis, Junior Golf, Scoutarama, Halloween Safety,  Snowmobile Races at Thunder Bird Raceway, Red Cross Blood Drives, State and  Local Battle of the Bands, Spearheading Downtown Urban Redevelopment leading to  the Muskegon Mall, Development of Giddings Street Fishing Ramp, Bucks for Burns  Bikeathon, Heritage Village Clean-up, Salmon Derby and concession stand at Giddings Street ramp. Initiating and participating in Seaway Festival and Hydroplane Regatta.

During all the years a balance has been struck between community service and social meetings for members. Some of the activities have included dances, bus trips to Lions games, steak fries, and Wives Appreciation nights.

Letter to the Editor May 8, 1998

Someone recently asked me, "Who are the Jaycees?" It occurred to me that many people might not know the answer to this question.

The Jaycees, or Junior Chamber of Commerce, is an organization which provides leadership training through community service to young persons between the ages of 21 and 40. We provide the unique opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills by running or participating in projects which help improve our communities. By being involved with community projects, members develop personal confidence and thereby become better contributors in their work and family lives and in other organizations in which they participate. Jaycees learn improved speaking and writing skills and a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. In working with people, Jaycees develop new relationships and a network of business and personal contacts.  Through committee work, Jaycees gain practical experience that major business firms and nation-wide corporations have praised as “. . . application and working knowledge of those executive abilities such as leadership, organization, administration and creativeness not available through any college in the world."

The Jaycees is an international organization with chapters all over the world. The Greater Muskegon Jaycees have been providing leaders and serving their community since 1936. Many current community leaders are past Jaycees. Included in our elite list of past Jaycees are: Norman Cunningham, Sr. and Jacqueline Fisher, both of MEGA; Jim Fisher of Fisher Steel; Dennis Wasserman of Wasserman's Floral; Brad Lange of Lange Moving and Storage; John VanWyck of GTE; Merrill Bailey, former Mayor of the City of Norton Shores; Judge Richard J.  Pasarela; Tony Tague, Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney; Mickey Knight,  former State Representative; Phil Arthurhultz, former State Senator; just to name  a few.

The Greater Muskegon Jaycees have impacted their community in many ways and for many years. We have started several landmark projects including Snowfest, Party in the Park (with the Rotary) and Muskegon Summer Celebration, which was originally named The Aquapades. The Greater Muskegon Jaycees are also responsible for Fisherman's Landing at Giddings Street and for the reconstruction of the former Cottage Grove Boat Launch on Lakeshore Drive. We run many projects each year which raise funds for charitable organizations such as Every Woman's Place, Child Abuse Council, Toys for Tots, and March of Dimes.

I am proud to serve the Greater Muskegon Jaycees this year as their 65th President. We will be "Catching the Wave" of excitement and change in our organization as we teach the next generation of leaders for the 21st century. If anyone would like more information or would like to become a member of our great organization, please call 722-TEAM (8326).

Marie L. Chabotte

Muskegon, MI 49441