|
In the fall of 1949, Mrs. Robert Powell, president of the
YMCA Newcomers' Club, suggested to Anne Bacon, YMCA women's
and girls' work secretary, that there was a need in Chillicothe
for a women's group with the primary aim of community service.
Miss Bacon presented the idea to the YMCA Women's Board with
the suggestion that it sponsor the organization of such a
group. The Board agreed and asked for two volunteers from
its membership to serve as sponsors of the group. Mrs. Charles
Hoyt and Mrs. Frank Uhrig, Jr., volunteered to be sponsors.
Miss Bacon, who became Mrs. Edward Travis in November 1949
was given the job of selecting a committee to organize such
a group.
Six young women, half of whom were relatively new residents
of Chillicothe and half of whom had lived in the city most
of their lives, were asked to join Mrs. Travis, Mrs. Hoyt,
and Mrs. Uhrig as the organizing committee. They were: Mrs.
Gordon Kettering, Mrs. John Hurst, Mrs. William Ringwald,
Mrs. Richard Dolan, Mrs. Joseph Kear, and Mrs. Robert Powell.
This committee held several informal, organizational meetings
at the YMCA during January and February 1950. They decided
the purpose of the group after discussing needs in the community
and interests of women in an age group ranging approximately
from 21 to 35 years. The purpose was later stated in the constitution.
They also selected a name, "The Junior Civic League
of Chillicothe;" and appointed Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Kettering,
and Mrs. Uhrig to draw up a tentative constitution for the
group. At the last of these formal meetings, each of the nine
committee members was asked to suggest the names of two young
women who might be interested in membership in the League.
These 18 women, bringing the group's beginning membership
to 27, were invited to a tea at the YMCA in the latter part
of February. At this meeting the origin and purpose of the
League were explained, copies of the proposed constitution
were distributed, a nominating committee was appointed, and
the first regular meeting of the League was set form March
13, 1950, at the home of Mrs. Uhrig, 202 South Paint Street.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Edward Travis
Mrs. Richard Dolan
The Junior Civic League of Chillicothe was formed in 1950
by three women who decided there was a need in the area for
a women's community service group.
Since then, the Leagues mission and philosophy has evolved
into building partnerships, by receiving contributions and
performing fundraising activities for distribution back into
the community.
The League currently consists of 50 women between the ages
of 21 and 48 who serve on six primary committees. The annual
Gala has grown into the League's largest event and fundraiser.
Over the past 16 years approximately $384,000 has been raised
through Gala and has been given back to the community through
over 155 charitable organizations.
The League is appreciative of the interest and support of
the Community through the years!
Sincerely,
Junior Civic League Members
View/Download
The Junior Civic League
of Chillicothe's By-Laws
|
