Born in St. Louis, A Brief History of the Junior Chamber of Commerce

The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce began with the premise that youth is no barrier to personal development or participation in municipal, state and national affairs. From its humble beginnings as a dance club in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization has grown from a concept to an international movement offering men and women opportunities in hands-on leadership training and experience in local, state, national and international affairs.

In 1910 a young St. Louis banker, Henry Giessenbier, founded The Herculaneum Dance Club with the aim of "social elevation" of its members. By 1914, The Herculaneum had merged with six other dance clubs to form the Federation of Dance Clubs. Giessenbier, however, was not content to only advance dancing. Giessenbier invited community leaders to Federation meetings to speak of current issues.

The Federation met at the Mission Inn, formerly located at the corner of Grand and Magnolia in St. Louis. It was at a Federation meeting in the Summer of 1915, that Giessenbier was stirred by the comments of a local political leader, H.N. Morgan. Morgan spoke of the need to involve young men in public affairs with the aim of developing strong community leaders. After a series of meetings with Morgan, Giessenbier formulated a plan for an organization of young men to study civic and business problems and provide opportunity to participate in civic activities.

On October 13, 1915 at the Mission Inn in St. Louis, 32 young men formed the Young Men's Progressive Civic Association. Giessenbier was elected the first president. The group quickly became involved in St. Louis civic affairs and won respect from authorities for efficiently handling tasks assigned them. In under six months the membership grew from 32 to 750.

During the early years, YMPCA gained support, but none more valuable than the president of the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, Clarence H. Howard. In his inaugural address, Howard called for a group capable of training and educating young men in public affairs. The very next day, Giessenbier and Andrew Mungenast contacted Howard and told him of the goals of the YMPCA. Howard soon secured the old art museum at 19th and Locust Streets to serve as YMPCA headquarters.

The name soon became the Junior Citizens and the abbreviation J.C. was first used. Meetings drew nationally prominent men to speak including Charles M. Schwab, the steel magnate. By 1916, the J.C.'s were offering educational programs to their members and membership grew to 4,000. The organization gained greater influence in the community and attracted nationwide attention for its achievements. In 1918 the J.C.'s affiliated with the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce. The name officially became the Junior Chamber of Commerce to reflect the affiliation.

After service abroad in the war, Giessenbier spearheaded a caucus of 29 clubs from around the nation. The caucus met in St. Louis and a plan formed for a national organization. The St. Louis group of more than three thousand members became the hub of the national body. Faced with a growing organization, Clarence Howard persuaded the ambassador to Russia, David R. Francis, to allow his home at Newstead between Maryland and Pershing avenues to be used as the headquarters for the St. Louis J.C.'s and the fledgling national organization for a period of ten years. The first national convention took place in June 1919 at the Francis Home in the City of St. Louis. Giessenbier was elected first president of the national organization. At his inauguration, Giessenbier outlined a platform of community service and educational programs that remains the core of the organization.

During the 1920's and 1930's the Junior Chamber grew not only in size but also in scope, creating several national programs. Projects included the "50 Million Voters Campaign" to increase voter registration, "Amercanism" in response to the threat of communism, "Ten Outstanding Young Men" to recognize personal accomplishment in professional and civic matters, and a conservation program which spawned the National Wildlife Federation.

In 1944 the Junior Chamber International was founded with the purpose of promoting the J.C. movement abroad. Junior Chamber International now boasts members in over eighty countries, including most recently, expansions into the former Eastern Bloc. In 1947, the National Headquarters were moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they remain today.

The organization has undergone many changes throughout they years. In the wake of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, the Jaycee Women auxiliary group disbanded and women became regular members. In 1989, age requirements were expanded to include people 21 through 39 years of age. During the last twenty years, chapters have reached into new areas adding greater diversity and strength to the organization. The organization's emphasis has also changed our society. Current target areas are the environment, drug and alcohol abuse, governmental affairs and the homeless.

In June 1995 The St. Louis Junior Chamber of Commerce welcomed home the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce and thousands of its members to St. Louis for the 75th United States Junior Chamber of Commerce Convention.