Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Records (LaSalle)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-156

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records in this collection document the history of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce from 1946 to 1980. Presently, records dating 1912 to 1945 are missing. Only the general meeting minutes cover the entire time frame (1946-1980). Information on the economy, industry, employment, and the population of the LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, and Spring Valley areas can be found in the records. The minutes, in particular, document the Chamber’s on-going attempt to bring more industry into the region. The Red Carpet Days program also emphasizes this concern. Other topics documented include community affairs, housing, building development, and fair employment practices. The collection provides an excellent opportunity for studying the growth of the region.

Dates

created: 1946-1980
Other: Date acquired: 09/01/1982

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce organized in 1912 as the LaSalle-Peru Chamber of Commerce. After incorporating in 1924, the organization changed its name three times. In l942 they became the Chamber of Commerce, LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby, in 1958 they became the Chamber of Commerce of LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Spring Valley, and in 1964 they took on their current name. The purpose of the organization, as stated in the by-laws, was to advance the civic, commercial, industrial, labor, agricultural, professional, and general interests of the area. The members accomplished these tasks by urging industries to build in the area, funding special development projects, and sponsoring entertainment programs for local citizens. Surveys and reports done by the Chamber on the retail market, the economy, health care, and employment educated the public on the area’s growth and development. Today, the Chamber continues to play an active role in community affairs.

Note written by

Extent

2.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The materials are arranged into three main categories -- minutes and committee records, surveys and reports, and special program records (Example: Red Carpet Days).

Source of Acquisition

Helen Brandt

Method of Acquisition

Helen Brandt, President, donated the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on September 1, 1982.