Introduction

This history of the first fifty years of the Canton Jaycees highlights certain events and achievements, which as a community, Canton can recognize as demonstrating the results of dedication and hard work by the Jaycees. The story of the Canton Jaycees is not found solely in awards, monuments or buildings. As a leadership development and training organization, the true success of the Jaycees can be found in the community and business leaders whose early experiences came from their active roles in Jaycee projects, both successful and not, both major and minor.

The reader of this history should not conclude that the Jaycees are successful only when they complete a major project. The Jaycee concept provides room for both success and failure and indeed any recipients of the Jaycees more infamous "blunder mug" awards and its predecessors will attest to the recognition for less than successful projects. Perhaps a part of the Jaycees which can never be adequately discussed in writing are the lasting friendships created among members of the Jaycees. As a new member of the Canton community, a young Jaycee suddenly becomes a friend and acquaintance with more than 600 of his contemporaries. After working hours on a construction project, toy drive, food program, or any other activity sponsored by the Jaycees, strangers become friends and acquaintances become lasting companions.

It is perhaps the combination of leadership training, community service and friendship that give the Jaycees a particular place in our community and a particular place in the hearts and minds of thousands upon thousands of former and current Jaycees. If we can explain or convey even a small portion of this commitment to Canton and the people who live here through the Jaycee movement to any prospective Jaycee or the Jaycees in the years to come, this history will have been well-written and hopefully well- remembered. Although there are many projects and events described in this history, there are hundreds upon thousands of other projects and activities, which space does not permit discussion in detail. Although every project chaired and implemented by any Jaycees is important, the writers of this history do not intend to slight or give less recognition to those achievements. If any oversight has been made on contributions to the Jaycees in Canton over the years, blame can be fairly placed on the authors of this history and not on the Jaycee movement itself.

We hope that this history will remind former Jaycees of their commitments and rekindle old friendships and acquaintances. It is in the spirit of commitment and development that we are pleased to present the history of the first fifty years of the Canton Jaycees.