Old Missoula

Jaycees, Jayceens Play Active Roles

Missoula Jaycees, one of 2,750 chapters throughout the nation, was chartered in October 1938. The charter, brought to Missoula by a Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce member for presentation, listed 136 charter members.

The organizers had been meeting since 1936. Officers of this group of about 30 members were Robert Deschamps, president, Harold Hague, vice president; and E. T. (Jerry) Aasheim, secretary.

Officers in the charter year were Floyd Day, president; Charles Gaughan, vice president; Hague, treasurer, and Aasheim, secretary.

Annual Ball

The first annual Junior Chamber of Commerce ball was in December 1938 in the Student Union Gold Room at the University. Turkeys totaling 160 pounds in weight were given away at the dance.

The main purpose of the Junior Chamber of Commerce is leadership training through civic participation.

Annually, as part of their civic training program, the Jaycees contribute to such projects as Camp Paxson youth camp, baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving, Christmas lighting to beautify Missoula, AAU trackmeets, Easter Egg Hunts for tots, County Fair parade and others.

Officers for 1960 are Wesley Morrison, immediate past president; Walter Lerch, president; Berry Trent, first vice president; Ken Siler, second vice president; Lyle Grimes, secretary, Jerry Ford, treasurer; Jerry Findley, James Slater and Donald Burk, directors.

Jayceens

Wives of the Missoula Jaycees were organized in November 1945 under the name of Missoula Jayceeans. The spelling was later changed to Jayceens to conform with the state organization.

The first officers elected were Marjorie R. Davies, president; Evelyn Anderson, first vice president; Charlotte Seim, second vice president; Ann Hogan, secretary, and Hazel Newton, treasurer.

At the first meeting the Jaycees presented the newly organized group with $25 to start a treasury. The club was formed primarily as an auxiliary – to assist the men’s group with various jobs, such as calling committees and assisting with concessions and social functions.

Civic Club

Since that time it has begun to regard itself as a civic club also. Members have helped with charity drives, made donations to such groups as Camp Fire Girls, Girl Scouts, Girls State, Opportunity School, Montana Children’s Homes and Yellowstone Boys Ranch. They have donated playground equipment to several city parks.

Each Christmas the club selects a needy family and provides the Christmas celebration complete with gifts, food and clothing.

 

Officers are Mrs. John Roemer, immediate past president; Mrs. Don Lucas, president; Mrs. Walter Lerch, vice president; Mrs. Charles Johnson, secretary, and Mrs. James Brogger, treasurer.