HISTORY OF THE SIOUX FALLS JAYCEES

Since 1935, the city of Sioux Falls has benefited greatly from the efforts and commitments of the Sioux Falls Jaycees. Many programs offered today are the direct result of the Jaycees' desire to improve our community by seeing a need and employing the means necessary to provide a solution to these problems.

Early Years 1935-1949

  • Began Sioux Falls Safety Council
  • Joined the Outstanding Young Men of America
  • Instrumental in getting the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Built

The 1950s

  • Organized the Parks & Recreation Council
  • Initiated what is now known as the Civil Air Patrol

The 1960s

  • Built Dennis the Menace Park
  • Supported the development of the Boys Club Program

The 1970s

  • Started Jaycees Camp for the Handicapped
  • The City of Sioux Falls honored the Jaycees by naming the street by the airport Jaycee Lane.
  • Developed the Girls Club program
  • The first haunted house opened in 1974 inside of the George Abbott house at 415 S. Minnesota Ave

The 1980s

  • Women voted in as members
  • Eligible age changed to 21-39 years of age

The 1990s

  • Participated in GreenWorks! Environmental Education
  • Conducted Jaycees Against Youth Smoking (JAYS) campaign
  • Supported Junior Chamber Mission Inn
  • Conducted KidCare ID
  • The Jaycees Haunted House moves to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

The 2000s

2010s

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THE FOUNDING OF THE JAYCEES

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Henry Giessenbier founded the Jaycees in 1920 with 3,000 members in St. Louis, Missouri. It was Henry’s vision to provide young people with opportunities which they had little or no access to otherwise attain. He believed that young people could change the world. He was right.

Henry felt that in order for young people to improve their prospects for social and career advancements they would first have to join forces socially. This progressive attitude, that young people can make a difference, became the hallmark of the Junior Chamber (Jaycees).