Call Number:

2004.020

Repository:

Old York Road Historical Society

Extent:

2.5 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1962-1994 (inclusive)

Creator:

Greater Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce.

Abstract:

The Jenkintown Businessmen's Association was established in 1933. Over the next several years the organization changed its name a number of times. In 1961 the group became known as the Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce. The organization marked its expanding geographical interests when it renamed itself the Greater Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce in 1968 and then the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce in 1992. The Greater Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce records, 1962-1994, consist of Board of Directors minutes and other materials relating to the activities of the organization.

The Jenkintown Businessmen's Association was established in 1933. Over the next several years the organization changed its name a number of times. In 1961 the group became known as the Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce. The organization marked its expanding geographical interests when it renamed itself the Greater Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce in 1968 and then the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce in 1992. In 1979 the Jenkintown Associated Business merged with the Chamber, forming the Retail Division that concentrated on advertising opportunities.

Bibliography:

Schwartz, Allyson Y. "Honoring The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber Of Commerce." Capitol Words. March 4, 2008. Accessed September 27, 2016. http://capitolwords.org/date/2008/03/04/E291-2_honoring-the-eastern-montgomery-county-chamber-of-/.

This collection, which spans from 1962 to 1994, consists primarily of Board of Director minutes and associated materials that document the Chamber’s activities as "a non-profit, action-oriented organization serving as the leading spokesman and representative of business" in the area. Many of its early activities continued through the years, particularly efforts to solve ongoing parking and transportation problems and holiday lighting and decorations for the shopping district. The Chamber was instrumental in various beautification projects, including tree planting, a decorative street lamp program, and providing benches. It first sponsored, in 1972, and later supported the Festival of the Arts, and was also active in conducting Market Days and Jenkintown Day for Cancer Research. The Chamber hosted an annual St. Patrick’s Day Open House to raise funds and develop friendships. It published business directories and newsletters, developed cooperative advertising opportunities, monitored zoning, occupancy, and commercial development, and acted as the business community’s liaison with Borough Council. In the 1980’s it spearheaded the drive to obtain the Main Street Manager’s Program, managed by the Jenkintown Urban Mobilization Program (JUMP).

There is also a series of Treasurer’s Reports, 1970-1980, 1984-1985, 1987, a scrapbook, 1980-1988, clippings and other miscellaneous material.