The Cheshire Jaycees in the 1960's
- Richard Smith
- Jan 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Population Expansion
Between 1960 and 1970, Cheshire’s population grew from approximately 13,383 to 19,051 residents,
a striking increase that mirrored suburban expansion across Connecticut and the broader Northeast. Many new residents relocated from
nearby cities such as New Haven, Waterbury,
and Meriden, seeking larger homes, safer neighborhoods, and improved quality of life for raising families. This influx reshaped housing patterns, with new subdivisions replacing former farmland and increasing demand for schools, roads, and municipal services.
Transportation and Accessibility
One of the most influential developments of the decade was the completion of Interstate 84 through Cheshire in 1961. The highway dramatically improved access to employment centers across central Connecticut, firmly establishing Cheshire as a desirable “bedroom community” for commuters. The presence of I-84 not only facilitated population growth but also stimulated commercial development and increased property values, permanently altering the town’s physical and economic profile.
Mixville Park
In 1961, Mixville Park officially opened, quickly becoming one of Cheshire’s most beloved recreational destinations. Featuring swimming facilities, picnic areas, and open green space, the park served as a focal point for family life and summer activity. It symbolized the town’s commitment to providing modern amenities for its expanding suburban population while preserving natural spaces for community use.
Local Life and Enduring Landmarks
Despite rapid modernization, everyday life in 1960s Cheshire retained a distinct small-town character, shaped by local institutions, familiar gathering places, and a strong sense of civic involvement.
Building Civic Leadership, Youth Opportunity, and Community Tradition
Throughout the 1960s, the Cheshire Junior Chamber of Commerce—widely known as the Cheshire Jaycees—played a central and highly visible role in shaping civic life in Cheshire, Connecticut. During a decade marked by rapid suburban growth and social change, the organization distinguished itself through youth-focused initiatives, leadership development, public service, and community-wide events that became enduring local traditions. The activities and achievements of the Cheshire Jaycees during this period reflect both the spirit of volunteerism that defined the era and the organization’s lasting influence on the town.
Early 1960s: Education, Safety, and Recognition
Promoting Youth Engagement and Public Awareness (1960)
In 1960, the Cheshire Jaycees organized a local secondary school competition as part of the nationally sponsored “My True Security” program of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. The initiative focused on developing communication skills and civic awareness among young people. According to Jaycee Chairman Gerard DeLabry, the competition brought together senior students from both Cheshire High School and Cheshire Academy. Participants were judged on their ability to write and deliver original scripts, emphasizing public speaking, critical thinking, and personal responsibility—skills closely aligned with the Jaycees’ mission of leadership development.
That same year, the organization sponsored its annual Halloween Parade, a beloved community tradition. Held at the South Main Street shopping center, the parade was deliberately planned as an off-street event to enhance safety, marking a thoughtful adaptation from earlier years when the procession had traveled along the highway. The event featured music by the Cheshire Band, free refreshments, entertainment, and costume judging. Judges included Mrs. Hostage, president of the Junior Women’s Club; Aaron Cohen, president of the Chamber of Commerce; and Chester Chmura, past president of the Cheshire Boosters Club. Charles Miller served as program chairman, coordinating what was widely regarded as a family-friendly highlight of the fall season.
Honoring Community Service
Also in 1960, the Jaycees held their Distinguished Service Award Dinner at the Green Dolphin Restaurant. The award for 1959 was presented to Thomas P. Hackett, secretary of the Cheshire Board of Education, in recognition of his extensive contributions to community improvement. The presentation was made by Edward O’Brien of New Haven, with Robert March, president of the Cheshire Jaycees, serving as master of ceremonies.
Mr. Hackett, a graduate of Yale Law School and an attorney with the New Haven Railroad, was recognized not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his civic engagement. His service included work with the Cheshire Advisory Board on Public Education, the Boy Scouts’ Santa Fe Council, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Bridget’s Men’s Club. Judges for the award included Arthur N. Sheriff, headmaster of Cheshire Academy; Anthony Esposito, principal of Dodd Junior High School; and Raymond J. Quinn, attorney and former award recipient.
Expanding Civic Participation (1962)
Youth Day in Government
In 1962, the Cheshire Jaycees sponsored the town’s annual Youth Day in Government, reinforcing their commitment to civic education. High school students were elected by their peers to assume various municipal roles for the day, participating directly in official duties at Town Hall. The program concluded with a luncheon, offering students the opportunity to interact with town leaders and gain firsthand insight into local government operations.
Leadership Transitions
That year also marked a change in leadership within the organization. At a ceremony held at the Copper Kettle Restaurant, Daryl E. Kirkendale was installed as president, succeeding Edward R. Ulozas. Vice presidents included Edward Coulter, Jordan Kaplan, and James Lauber, while directors were George Bene, Kenneth Gertz, Joseph Mazzacane, Robert Wilson, and Clarence Gable.
Edward Ulozas went on to assume responsibilities as State Regional Vice President, while Robert March advanced to the role of Administrative Vice President of the State Jaycees after completing his term as state secretary—demonstrating the strong pipeline between local and state leadership cultivated in Cheshire.
Outstanding Man of the Year
Later in 1962, the Jaycees honored Richard “Dick” Williams of Cornwall Avenue as Outstanding Man of the Year at a ceremony held at the Green Dolphin Restaurant. A lifelong Cheshire resident, Williams was nominated by the Mattatuck Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his exceptional leadership in scouting at the local, state, and national levels. Professionally, he worked as a metallurgist for the American Brass Company of Waterbury.
Advocacy and Regional Development (1963)
In 1963, Clarence Gable of the Cheshire Jaycees publicly urged the accelerated development of Route 6A, emphasizing its importance to the economic and transportation needs of both Cheshire and Meriden. This advocacy reflected the Jaycees’ growing involvement in regional planning and infrastructure issues during a time of increasing suburban connectivity.
Pageantry, Scholarships, and Statewide Engagement (1964)
In 1964, James Lauber represented the Cheshire Jaycees at a state board meeting attended by more than 300 Jaycees from across Connecticut, highlighting the chapter’s active role at the state level.
That same year, Miss Linda Majorino was crowned Miss Cheshire 1964. Employed by Waterbury National Bank, she was also named Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. The crown was presented by Miss Lynn Jewett, the previous year’s winner. Majorino performed interpretive jazz dance as her talent and received a $200 scholarship awarded by the Jaycees. The event was hosted by George Kaplan, president of the Cheshire Jaycees, and stood as one of the town’s signature cultural events of the decade.
Statewide Leadership and Recognition (1966)
In 1966, Cheshire gained statewide prominence when Edward R. Ulozas was elected President of the Connecticut State Junior Chamber of Commerce. Employed by Vickers Inc. in Waterbury, Ulozas exemplified the Jaycees’ emphasis on leadership development and civic service. During the same year, Thomas Taylor of Cheshire received the prestigious Keymen Award for outstanding Jaycee service.
Continued Influence and Community Investment (1968)
By 1968, the leadership of Cheshire Jaycees had become widely recognized throughout Connecticut. James Lauber and Edward Ulozas served as judges for the Miss Southington Pageant, reflecting their extensive experience with statewide and local pageant programs. Ulozas, a former Cheshire Jaycees president and chairman of the Connecticut Jaycees, had previously been named Cheshire’s Outstanding Young Man in 1963. Lauber, active for over 11 years, had served as vice president, state director, and executive director of the Miss Connecticut Pageants in 1963 and 1964, and had judged more than 30 local pageants statewide.
That year, the Cheshire Jaycees were also granted a variance to hold their annual fair, the organization’s primary fundraising event. Presenting the application, President James Lauber emphasized that proceeds supported youth-focused initiatives such as junior golf and other community programs. Jaycee William Lacourciere noted that members contributed approximately 1,000 volunteer man-hours to the event, underscoring the group’s dedication. Longtime supporter Frank A. Smith remarked that he especially looked forward to working as a barker at one of the booths—a reflection of the fair’s community spirit.
Youth Athletics: In 1968, members of the Jaycees, including James V. Lauber and Edward Bowman, co-founded the Cheshire Junior Football Program. This program provided football basics for local youths aged 9 to 13 and still serves as a developmental course for Cheshire High School athletes today.
Lasting Impact
Across the 1960s, the Cheshire Jaycees established themselves as a cornerstone of civic life in the town. Through educational programs, youth athletics, pageants, public safety initiatives, leadership training, and large-scale community events, the organization helped guide Cheshire through a decade of rapid growth and change. The traditions they built and the leaders they developed continued to influence local governance and community life long after the decade ended, leaving a legacy that remains woven into the fabric of modern Cheshire.
Comments